NDIS Plan Reassessments: What Has Changed from 27 August 2026?
The NDIS Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Act 2026 introduces important changes to the plan reassessment process under the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (Cth). The reforms, which commenced on 27 August 2026, are intended to ensure that plan reassessments are only requested where there has been a genuine and significant change in a participant's circumstances.
Who Can Request a Plan Reassessment?
A new section 48(2) of the NDIS Act now limits who may request a participant-initiated plan reassessment. Going forward, only the participant, their plan nominee or a child's representative can request a reassessment. This change is intended to prevent reassessment requests being initiated by third parties, such as providers, support coordinators or plan managers, without proper participant involvement.
When Will the NDIA Reassess a Plan?
The new section 48A establishes a clearer threshold that must be met before the NDIA will undertake a participant-requested reassessment. Participants must demonstrate a significant and ongoing change in support needs arising from their disability or early intervention needs.
The change must relate to either:
- A significant change in the participant's functional capacity, including communication, social interaction, learning, mobility, self-care or self-management; or
- A significant change in the participant's personal or environmental circumstances, such as living arrangements, education, employment, or informal supports.
In the case of functional capacity, the change must result in a substantial reduction in the participant's ability to carry out daily activities. For personal or environmental circumstances, the change must be significant, ongoing and generally unanticipated.
New Application Requirements
Under section 48(2A), reassessment requests must be made using the approved NDIA form and must include any information or supporting documents required by the CEO. If the required information is not provided, the NDIA may not be required to determine the request.
Longer Decision Timeframes
One notable change is the extension of the decision-making timeframe. Under section 48(3), the NDIA now has 90 days to decide whether to vary a plan, undertake a reassessment, or refuse the request. This replaces the previous 21-day timeframe and reflects current operational processing times.
What Has Not Changed?
Importantly, the reforms do not alter the plan variation provisions under section 47A of the NDIS Act. Participants can still seek urgent, temporary or crisis-related changes to their supports through the existing plan variation process.
How Might These Changes Affect Participants?
The reforms create a more structured reassessment process and place greater emphasis on demonstrating a significant and ongoing change in circumstances. As a result, medical evidence, functional capacity assessments and allied health reports are likely to become increasingly important when seeking additional funding or changes to an NDIS plan.
At Burke Lawyers, we regularly assist participants and their families with NDIS plan reviews, appeals and Administrative Review Tribunal proceedings. If you are considering requesting a plan reassessment or have been affected by an NDIA decision, obtaining early advice and ensuring the appropriate supporting evidence is available can significantly improve prospects of success.
Written by Emma Bruce and Jack Ryan
This article is general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Individual circumstances differ and specific advice should be obtained in relation to your situation.
