NDIS Eligibility Changes 2026–27: Are You Still Eligible?

News about changes to NDIS eligibility can be confusing, particularly when different reforms start at different times.

New NDIS laws were passed in August 2026, introducing changes to eligibility, plan reassessments and how NDIS funding can be used. But not everything is changing at once.

Here's what participants need to know.

The most important thing first

If you're already an NDIS participant, the new eligibility changes don't begin immediately.

According to the NDIS, changes to how people access the Scheme will begin from 1 January 2028.

The new process will start with new applicants, while existing participants will be reassessed under the new approach progressively over three years.

For now, participants can continue using their plans and supports as usual.

What's changing with NDIS eligibility?

From January 2028, eligibility decisions will use a new standardised, evidence-based assessment of a person's functional capacity.

This means there will be a greater focus on how a person's impairment affects their everyday life, rather than diagnosis alone.

The new laws also introduce changes around determining whether an impairment is permanent, including consideration of whether appropriate treatments could alleviate or treat the impairment.

The NDIS has said more consultation will take place before the new eligibility process begins.

What's changing around plan reassessments?

Changes to participant-requested plan reassessments begin earlier.

Participants can continue to request a change to their plan where there has been a significant change in their functional capacity or circumstances.

From February 2027, the NDIS will also introduce plan renewals. When a plan is due for reassessment, it will either be reassessed by an NDIA planner or a new plan will be created with the same supports as the previous plan.

This will replace the existing process of plan continuations.

What else is changing?

The new laws strengthen the link between funded supports and a participant's eligible impairments.

There are also broader changes being introduced at different stages, covering areas such as how plans are created, how funding can be used and how the NDIS determines reasonable and necessary supports.

Because these reforms are being introduced gradually, it's important to check current NDIS information rather than assuming every change applies immediately.

What should you do if you're concerned?

You don't need to work through the changes alone.

If you have an upcoming plan reassessment or you're unsure whether a change applies to you, speak with your Support Coordinator, Local Area Coordinator or the NDIA about your individual circumstances.

You can also use MySolas Plan Navigator to better understand your NDIS plan and explore information relevant to your supports.

For more practical NDIS information, visit MySolas Guides & Insights.

As the reforms continue to roll out, keep an eye on official NDIS updates so you know what is changing, when it starts and whether it applies to you.