Major NDIS Changes Announced

Published on April 26, 2026 | Updated on April 26, 2026

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is undergoing one of its biggest reforms since its launch, with the Australian Government announcing sweeping changes aimed at reshaping how disability supports are funded, accessed, and monitored in the coming years. One announcement that has attracted major attention is that around 160,000 fewer people than previously forecast are expected to be on the NDIS by 2030 under the new eligibility model as access rules tighten and alternative supports are developed. For participants, families, carers, and support coordinators, this naturally raises questions: Will eligibility rules change? Who may be affected? What happens to participants currently on the scheme? How will supports be assessed moving forward? At Openhearted Support, we believe in keeping our community informed, supported, and prepared for every change within the NDIS landscape.

What Has Been Announced?

The Federal Government has outlined major reforms focused on making the NDIS more financially sustainable while ensuring people with permanent and significant disability continue receiving appropriate supports.

Some of the key proposed changes include:

New Functional Capacity Assessments

The NDIS is moving away from simply relying on diagnosis-based eligibility and towards standardised, evidence-based functional assessments.

This means assessment will increasingly focus on:

✔ how disability impacts daily life

✔ mobility and self-care needs

✔ communication challenges

✔ independence in routine activities

✔ social and community functioning

✔ long-term support requirements

This shift is designed to make access more consistent and evidence-based.

Tighter Eligibility Rules

Government modelling suggests participant numbers could reduce compared with earlier projections, with access more tightly focused on those with significant functional impairment and high support needs.

Importantly:

This does NOT automatically mean current participants lose support overnight.

Changes are expected to roll out over time, with consultation, transition pathways, and alternative supports being developed.

Foundational Supports Outside the NDIS

A major policy shift is the creation of broader Foundational Supports — supports outside the NDIS designed for people who still need help but may not meet stricter eligibility criteria.

This may include:

✔ early intervention supports

✔ community-based disability assistance

✔ therapeutic support programs

✔ family support services

✔ psychosocial supports

✔ developmental supports for children

This could create a larger disability support ecosystem beyond just the NDIS.

Stronger Provider Regulation

The Government is also increasing provider oversight through:

✔ expanded mandatory provider registration

✔ tighter compliance requirements

✔ digital payment systems

✔ fraud prevention measures

✔ improved accountability across the sector

For registered providers like Openhearted Support, this reinforces quality, transparency, and participant safety.

What This Means for Participants

For participants, the biggest takeaway is:

Good evidence will matter more than ever.

Functional reports, therapist recommendations, assessments, and documented support needs will become increasingly important.

That’s why participants should begin preparing by:

✅ updating functional assessments

✅ documenting daily living challenges

✅ reviewing goals regularly

✅ strengthening therapist evidence

✅ engaging strong Support Coordination

✅ working with experienced registered providers

How Openhearted Support Can Help

At Openhearted Support, we are well positioned to help participants navigate upcoming reforms through:

✔ Support Coordination — helping participants understand policy changes and plan effectively

✔ Occupational Therapy Assessments — documenting functional capacity and support needs

✔ Daily Personal Activities & High Care Support — ensuring participants continue receiving meaningful supports

✔ Community Participation — helping participants build independence and inclusion

✔ Therapeutic Supports — strengthening evidence for plan reviews and future assessments

✔ Behaviour Support & Complex Care Services — specialised support for participants with high needs

Our goal remains simple:

Protect participant wellbeing, maximise independence, and ensure every participant has access to the right supports.

Final Thoughts

The NDIS is changing — and while reform can feel uncertain, informed preparation is powerful.

The system is moving toward:

✔ stronger evidence

✔ clearer assessments

✔ more regulated providers

✔ improved sustainability

✔ a broader disability support system

At Openhearted Support, we’ll continue standing beside participants, carers, and families — helping navigate every change with confidence, compassion, and professional guidance.

📞 Contact Openhearted Support

📞1800 976 186

📧admin@ohsupport.com.au

🌐www.openheartedsupport.com.au