NDIS Planning Is Changing

Starting from mid-2026, the new planning approach will gradually roll out across Australia. While many participants won’t see immediate changes, it’s important to understand what’s coming and how it may affect future plans. At Openhearted Support, we stay up to date with every change so we can guide you smoothly through the transition.

Why Is the Planning Framework Changing?

These updates come directly from feedback gathered through the NDIS Review, which involved thousands of participants, families, carers, providers, and disability organisations.

The goal is simple:

✔ Plans based on real support needs

✔ More transparency and consistency

✔ Fairer budgets tailored to each person’s life

✔ A clearer, more supportive planning experience

The NDIS is co-designing this new framework with the disability community through workshops, forums, and a new Design Hub to ensure it works in real life — not just on paper.

What Is the New Way of Planning?

Under the new planning system, the focus shifts from a participant’s impairment to their daily support needs. Instead of a standard approach, participants will go through a Support Needs Assessment — a structured conversation with a trained NDIS assessor.

What happens in a Support Needs Assessment?

Participants will discuss:

• Their daily life

• Challenges they face

• What supports help them function

• What goals and skills they are working towards

• Environmental, social, and functional needs

This assessment will then guide a fair and flexible budget tailored to the individual — a major improvement from the previous system where budgets could feel inconsistent or unclear.

Who Approves the Plans?

Even with a new assessment process, plan approvals will still be made by real NDIS staff — not automated systems.

Participants will continue to have the right to:

✔ request a review

✔ escalate to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART)

✔ provide additional supporting evidence

Your voice and your experience remain central to the process.

When Will Participants See These Changes?

The rollout begins in mid-2026, but changes will happen gradually.

Many participants won’t transition to the new planning framework until later stages.

The NDIA is currently working with government departments to finalise:

• policies

• rules

• assessment guidelines

• budget-setting methods

These will create a transparent and predictable process for determining budgets.

What Should NDIS Participants Do Now?

You don’t need to take any action immediately — but staying informed is crucial.

The NDIA will release clear guidance for providers and support coordinators to help participants navigate the new system smoothly.

At Openhearted Support, our team is already preparing for the transition so we can support you confidently when the changes arrive.

How Openhearted Support Will Help You Through the New Planning System

As an NDIS-registered provider supporting participants across Melbourne and surrounding areas, we are committed to helping you understand and adapt to the new framework.

Here’s how our team will support you:

Support Coordination to Help You Understand Your New Plan

We guide you through assessments, planning meetings, and reviews to ensure your voice is heard.

Occupational Therapy & Functional Assessments

Our OTs help provide high-quality evidence about your functional capacity — which becomes even more important in the new planning system.

Behaviour Support, Community Access, Daily Living Supports & Therapeutic Care

We ensure your supports are aligned with your assessed needs and your goals.

Advocacy and Transparency

We’ll help you understand how your budget was set and what supports you can access.

Ongoing Updates

As the NDIA releases more information, we will keep all participants and support coordinators informed.

Final Thoughts

The new NDIS planning framework aims to create a more fair, consistent, and needs-based system. While full rollout won’t begin until mid-2026, understanding the changes early ensures you’re prepared.

At Openhearted Support, we are here to help every participant, family, carer, and support coordinator prepare for a smooth transition. Our commitment is to make the NDIS easier, clearer, and more empowering for you.

📞 1800 976 186

📧 admin@ohsupport.com.au

🌐 www.openheartedsupport.com.au