Have your say on the new NDIS planning process

The way NDIS plans are made is going to change. These changes are designed to make planning fairer, more consistent and easier for participants. This new approach is called New Framework Planning.

The NDIA and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing are working with state and territory governments and the disability community to develop the new planning rules. They are currently holding a public consultation to hear from people with disability, families, carers and the broader community about what works and what could be improved.

All NDIS participants aged 16 and over will move to New Framework Planning gradually. The changes will happen in stages, so many people may not notice anything different straight away.

You must already be an NDIS participant to take part in the new planning process. There is a separate process for applying to become an NDIS participant and gaining access to the NDIS.

Under this new approach, the planning process is designed to be more person-centred and focused on individual support needs rather than diagnostic categories. It aims to simplify how plans are developed and explained and build greater transparency into how funding decisions are made.

Four steps in the new planning journey

The proposed planning process outlines four key stages:

Preparing for a support needs assessment: Participants receive information to help prepare for a meaningful conversation about their support needs.

The support needs assessment:  A structured discussion between the participant and an NDIA assessor to identify support needs and preferences.

Building a plan: Using the assessment report, the NDIA develops the participant’s plan and explains how funding is determined.

Using a plan: Participants can choose supports, purchase services and, if needed, meet with the NDIA to discuss implementation.

These changes are expected to begin from mid-2026, with a phased implementation. Current plans and supports will remain unchanged until participants transition to the new process.

Your voice can help get it right

Public consultation on the draft planning rules is now open until 6 March 2026, and Northcott strongly encourages people to take part.

There are several ways you can share your feedback:

Complete an online survey

The survey has:

• questions where you can select a response
• questions where you can type in a response in your own words.

Upload a written submission

Upload a submission as a standalone response or at the end of the survey. This can be written in a text box or attached as a file.

Discuss your views directly by contacting [email protected]

These submissions will be used to refine the rules before they are finalised, ensuring they reflect the lived experiences and priorities of people with disability.

Why your feedback matters

Having a say means:

• influencing how the planning process works in practice,
• helping ensure plans are fair, transparent and tailored to individual needs,
• and contributing to a stronger, more responsive NDIS for everyone.

Whether you are a participant yourself, support someone with disability, or work within the broader sector, your insights are important.

Want to get involved?

Visit the consultation page on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website to learn more, share your feedback and help shape the future of NDIS planning:

https://consultations.health.gov.au/ndis/nfp-public-consultation/