NDIS Changes 2026 - What Gold Coast Participants Need to Know from an Occupational Therapist

The NDIS is changing, with new laws passed by Parliament in August 2026. These reforms will gradually affect NDIS plans, funding, reassessments, access and how supports are delivered.

If you’re an NDIS participant on the Gold Coast, you may be wondering what these changes mean for your current plan and future supports.

For now, the key message is simple: you can continue using your current NDIS plan and supports as usual.

At Mindful Beings Occupational Therapy, our Gold Coast Occupational Therapists support NDIS participants to understand their functional capacity, identify everyday support needs and provide clear evidence for NDIS planning and reassessment.

What are the new NDIS changes?

The new NDIS laws will gradually change:

• how people access the NDIS

• how NDIS plans are created and reassessed

• how funding can be used

• how providers deliver supports

• how NDIS pricing is set

• how the NDIA manages fraud and integrity.

Some changes will begin in 2026, while others will be introduced throughout 2027, 2028 and beyond.

NDIS changes beginning in 2026

Plan reassessments and functional capacity

Seven days after the new laws are signed by the Governor-General:

• Only participants, plan nominees or child representatives will be able to request a plan reassessment.

• Plans will generally only be reassessed when support needs or circumstances have changed in a significant and ongoing way.

• Participants will need to keep relevant records for 3 years, while nominees will need to keep records for 5 years.

• A new definition of functional capacity will apply.

For NDIS participants, understanding and documenting functional capacity can be an important part of demonstrating how disability impacts everyday life.

An NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment or Change of Circumstances Assessment completed by an Occupational Therapist can provide evidence about a participant’s abilities, support needs and level of independence across everyday activities.

NDIS funding changes from October 2026

From October 2026, funding will reduce for some:

• social, community and civic participation supports

• supports designed to build skills for everyday life.

These changes will occur gradually as plans are renewed or reassessed.

A new plan variation pathway will also be introduced for some participants with high support needs who require continuous 24-hour disability-related care.

New 90-day claiming timeframe

From December 2026, participants, providers and plan managers will need to make a claim within 90 days of an NDIS support being delivered.

NDIS plan renewals from February 2027

From February 2027, NDIS plan renewals will begin.

When a plan is due for reassessment, it may either be reassessed by an NDIA planner or renewed with the same supports.

Importantly, unspent funding from a previous plan will not roll over.

The NDIA will also introduce new criteria for determining reasonable and necessary supports, including clearer guidance about what parents are expected to provide for children with disability.

New NDIS planning framework from April 2027

From April 2027, the NDIA will begin transitioning participants to a new way of planning.

The transition is expected to take approximately four years, meaning participants will move onto the new framework gradually.

NDIS access changes from January 2028

From January 2028, changes to how people access the NDIS will begin.

Access will focus on how a person’s disability affects their ability to complete everyday activities.

People with permanent and significant disability will continue to be able to access the NDIS.

Do I need to do anything now?

For most participants, there is no need to make immediate changes to your current NDIS plan because of these reforms.

Continue using your current plan and supports as usual and stay informed as the NDIA releases further guidance.

If you have an upcoming plan reassessment or your functional needs have changed, it may be helpful to consider whether your current reports accurately demonstrate the impact of your disability and the support you require in everyday life.

Looking for an NDIS Occupational Therapist on the Gold Coast?

Mindful Beings Occupational Therapy provides NDIS Occupational Therapy services across the Gold Coast, supporting participants to better understand their functional capacity, increase independence and provide evidence of their disability-related support needs.

Our Gold Coast Occupational Therapists can assist with:

• NDIS Functional Capacity Assessments (FCA)

• NDIS Change of Circumstance reports

• NDIS SIL, SDA, ILO reports

• NDIS Eligibility Review support letters

• NDIS Equipment reports

• Supporting participants preparing for NDIS planning and reassessment.

If you’re searching for an NDIS OT on the Gold Coast or need a Functional Capacity Assessment on the Gold Coast, contact Mindful Beings Occupational Therapy to discuss how our team can support you.

This article is based on information provided by the NDIA in its participant update dated 20 August 2026. NDIS reforms are being introduced progressively and may change. Please refer to the NDIA for current information about your individual circumstances.