Access to the NDIS is changing And that’s only one of the areas where the NDIS is getting some attention. Some of these reforms are already in place, but the NDIS access arrangements are not yet new – the new access rules will apply from 1 January 2028 (January 2028) What will these changes mean to access? It should mean a consistent access process and similar assessment for functional capacity (though not necessarily functional capacity levels) for new people accessing the NDIS. Here’s what participants, their families and carers need to know.
What Is Changing About Access to the NDIS?
The NDIS access changes are just part of the changes to the Scheme. New NDIS laws have now been passed but not all changes are occurring immediately. The access arrangements that have been announced are currently planned to commence in January 2028. The changes are planned to lead to a more consistent approach in identifying who will be able to access the NDIS, including how functional capacity and other access criteria are measured. Some access reforms are already happening but others are planned to occur when the new access arrangements are implemented in 2028. Therefore, there is a distinction between the current access requirements and what is planned for the future. For the latest information on the reform, see the NDIS legislation changes page.
When Will the New NDIS Access Changes Begin?
Major reforms to the way in which the NDIS is accessed will not commence straight away in 2026. The new access arrangements are currently expected to commence from January 2028.
January 2028
- New access arrangements are to be introduced for new applicants.
- Existing participants are to then be gradually phased out through a process of reassessment.
- This is to occur over a number of years rather than for all current participants to be transitioned at once.
Until the new arrangements take effect, current applicants will need to apply for the NDIS according to existing access conditions and application procedures. This is significant as future reforms should not be considered and confused with existing arrangements.
How Could NDIS Eligibility Assessments Change?
The proposed changes will likely provide for a more standardised and evidence-based approach to how a determination will be made that a person is eligible to join the NDIS. To be more consistent as to how a person’s condition/disease/impairment and effects on their daily life will be considered.
The proposed changes include:
- A more standardised assessment of functional capacity;
- A more consistent analysis of whether an impairment is permanent;
- Analysis of whether an impairment is curable or treatable;
- A more consistent analysis of whether a person has access to other schemes for compensation.
Note that these arrangements are incorporated into the future reforms and are not all currently available under the new system.
Will It Become Harder to Access the NDIS?
It is too early to say that the new arrangements will make the NDIS universally harder to access. What is expected to change is how eligibility is assessed, with a greater focus on a standardised and consistent assessment process. Whether someone can access the NDIS will still depend on the eligibility requirements that apply to their circumstances and the assessment process in place at the time. Because the major new access arrangements are scheduled to begin from January 2028, it is important not to assume that future requirements are already being used. People considering an application should continue to rely on the current NDIS access requirements until the new arrangements come into effect.
Will Existing NDIS Participants Be Affected?
The access changes will affect new applicants first, as these changes can be made to the individual, without affecting everyone else who accesses the NDIS at the same time. The new arrangements will be gradually phased in over a period of years through reassessment of existing participants. Any change will be gradual rather than having to move all existing participants immediately. It is advised that current participants keep up to date with the official NDIS site and be aware of when the new changes will take effect for them.
What do new applicants need to do now?
If you are thinking of applying for the NDIS, you don’t have to wait until the access reforms. In the meantime, you should apply according to the existing NDIS access criteria and application process.
Before you apply: Familiarise yourself with the existing access criteria Gather any evidence you can Explain in detail the impact your disability has on your everyday life Follow the existing application process for the NDIS There shouldn’t be any changes for your application now, so stay up-to-date with current information so you’re ready for the new access arrangements as they come. Check out our What Are the Access Requirements for the NDIS? Article to find out more about the existing requirements for access.
What Do the Access Changes Mean for Families and Carers?
Families and carers that are currently supporting an individual that might seek NDIS support will need to monitor official information more regularly as the changes are rolled out. The key access changes are scheduled for January 2028 and families should avoid assuming that the new access requirements automatically apply. Until the access arrangements come into effect, families can concentrate on: Monitoring official NDIS information Keeping track of current access criteria Organising information regarding the support needs relevant to the person Monitoring any new information that may apply to the individual Taking care not to make assumptions about eligibility requirements in the future
How Will the NDIS Changes Affect Children?
Other amendments to the NDIS will see broad policy changes that could potentially affect how children and families access supports in the future. These must be considered as part of the whole reform process and are not changes to access to the Scheme today. Major reforms to children and families As part of the reform, there is a new program called Thriving Kids that will help children who have developmental concerns but who will not qualify for the NDIS. Learn more about Thriving Kids and support for children
Where can you find official information about NDIS access changes?
As the NDIS reforms are being rolled out piece by piece, you need to look at the official information, rather than articles published some time ago, or presuming the new rules. To find out more about the NDIS reforms, you can go to the NDIS changes information. Alternatively, you can also see the latest NDIS legislation updates to learn about the legislation that is behind the changes. As the reforms are being rolled out, making sure you are checking in on the updates can help applicants, families and carers keep up with changes to NDIS access requirements.
Looking for NDIS Support?
Understanding changes to the NDIS is important, but eligibility and support needs are different for every person. Elmur Community Services provides NDIS support designed to help participants build independence, maintain wellbeing and take part in their communities. If you need support with your everyday goals, our team can help you explore the services that may suit your needs.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about the upcoming NDIS access changes and what they could mean for people considering the Scheme.
1. Are the NDIS access rules changing?
Yes. New NDIS laws include changes to how people will access the Scheme, with major new access arrangements scheduled to begin from January 2028.
2. When will the new NDIS access changes start?
The new access arrangements are scheduled to begin for new applicants from January 2028.
3. Will existing NDIS participants need to reapply?
Existing participants are expected to transition to the new arrangements progressively through reassessments over several years, rather than everyone being affected at the same time.
4. Will it become harder to access the NDIS?
It is too early to say that the changes will make the NDIS universally harder to access. The future process is expected to use a more standardised approach to determining eligibility.
5. What will change in NDIS eligibility assessments?
The planned reforms include a more standardised, evidence-based assessment of functional capacity, along with more consistent consideration of factors such as permanence and whether an impairment can be alleviated or treated.
Understanding the Future of NDIS Access
The way people access the NDIS is expected to change over the coming years, with major new access arrangements currently scheduled to begin from January 2028. The reforms are intended to introduce a more consistent approach to assessing eligibility and functional capacity. For now, prospective participants should continue to follow the current NDIS access process and use official information when preparing an application. As the reforms are introduced progressively, keeping up with official updates will help applicants, families and carers understand when changes become relevant to their circumstances.
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