Changes to the NDIS | What's Happening September
September 22, 2026
The NDIS is currently undergoing several changes that will affect how NDIS participants receive services. Some of these changes will happen now, and other changes won’t happen for a while.
Timeline Overview
27 August 2026: Change of Situation (COS) lodgement restrictions begin.
Support Coordinators can no longer submit a COS request on your behalf.
Only the participant, their plan nominee, or legal guardian can submit a COS request.
1 July 2026: Mandatory registration for Supported Independent Living (SIL) and platform providers begins.
All SIL providers must now be registered with the NDIS.
1 October 2026: Social and community participation budget adjustments start.
As plans are reviewed, funding for social and community participation is expected to reduce by approximately 50 %.
1 February 2027: Tighter reasonable and necessary assessments for new entrants.
Access assessments for new NDIS participants will become more consistent and rigorous.
1 April 2027: New framework plans roll out.
1 October 2027: Plan management changes.
The NDIA will introduce a commissioning process that may limit the number of plan managers available to NDIS participants.
1 January 2028: New eligibility boundaries for prospective participants.
Further details have not yet been released.
1 July 2028: Support Coordination Changes.
Participants will no longer receive individual funding for Support Coordination in their NDIS plans.
The NDIA will commission approved organisations to provide a new service called Support Coordination and Connection (SCC).
What Happens Next?
Now until October 2nd 2026
The NDIA is seeking feedback on the design of the new SCC model. BrainLink will submit a response advocating for continued specialist support coordination for people with brain injuries and degenerative neurological conditions.
2027: Procurement
The NDIA will conduct a competitive tender process and appoint organisations to deliver SCC services in each region. BrainLink will assess opportunities to participate.
Early 2028: Transition
Participants and providers will begin transitioning to the new SCC model.
1st July 2028: Start Date
The new SCC service model will commence.
Staying Informed
BrainLink will continue to keep participants informed as more information becomes available. Many of these changes are still being developed, and we are working through what they may mean for our participants and services.
We understand that change can be challenging. If you have concerns or questions, please speak with your BrainLink team.
