Check if the October 2026 NDIS budget changes affect you
Find out if the budget reductions to Social and Economic Participation and Improved Daily Living Skills apply to your plan, which supports are exempt, and what you can do next. This tool provides guidance only - it is not an NDIS decision.
Check Your Plan Status
Check your plan document or myplace portal for your plan start date.
Check your plan budget statement. These categories typically include community participation support workers, social skills groups, and life skills training.
Understanding the October 2026 changes
What changed?
On 1 October 2026, the NDIA began applying budget reductions to two support categories:
- Social, Economic and Community Participation (Support Category 09)
- Improved Daily Living Skills (Support Category 15)
These changes apply when plans are created or reassessed from 1 October 2026, or renewed from 1 February 2027.
When do the changes apply?
- New plans from 1 October 2026: If your plan is created from this date, the reductions apply.
- Plan reassessments from 1 October 2026: If you request a reassessment and it's approved from this date, the reductions apply.
- Plan renewals from 1 February 2027: When your existing plan ends and is renewed, the reductions will apply.
If your plan was created before 1 October 2026 and you haven't requested a reassessment, your current funding is not affected until your plan is due for renewal.
Which supports are exempt?
Not all supports in these categories are affected. The following are not reduced:
- 24-hour active overnight support
- High Intensity Daily Personal Activities
- Vehicle Modifications
- Home Modifications
- Assistive Technology for Recreational Purposes
- Assistive Technology and Other Capital - Recreational Equipment
- Assistive Products for Household Tasks
- Personal Mobility Equipment
- Communication and Information Equipment
- And several others (see the official NDIA list)
Official list: Changes to support budgets from 1 October (ndis.gov.au) - download the Excel file for the full list of unaffected support groups.
Special pathway for high-budget participants
If you have 24-hour supports and a relevant budget of $215,030 or more, there's a new variation pathway available. Contact the NDIA on 1800 800 110 or speak with your support coordinator to discuss your options.
What to do if you're affected
1. Talk to your support coordinator
Your support coordinator can help you understand how the changes might impact your plan and discuss strategies to make your funding work. They can help you prioritize supports and identify what's most important for your goals.
2. Consider a plan variation
If you have urgent, minor, or short-term needs, you can request a plan variation without waiting for a full reassessment. Variations are faster than reassessments and can address specific issues.
3. Request a plan reassessment (if needed)
From 27 August 2026, only you (or your nominee or child representative) can request a plan reassessment. You'll need to:
- Complete the official reassessment request form
- Provide evidence of why your supports need to change (e.g., reports from therapists, changes in your circumstances)
- The NDIA must make a decision within 90 days
Note: The application of the budget changes is not a reviewable decision. However, other aspects of your plan (like total funding or types of supports) can still be reviewed through the normal review process.
Frequently asked questions
What changed on 1 October 2026?
From 1 October 2026, the NDIA began applying budget reductions to two support categories: Social, Economic and Community Participation, and Improved Daily Living Skills. The changes apply when plans are created or reassessed from 1 October 2026, or renewed from 1 February 2027.
Does this affect my existing plan?
If your plan was created before 1 October 2026 and hasn't been reassessed, it's not affected yet. The changes will apply when your plan is due for renewal (from 1 February 2027) or if you request a reassessment.
Which supports are exempt from the reductions?
Several support groups are not affected, including: 24-hour active overnight support, High Intensity Daily Personal Activities, Vehicle Modifications, Home Modifications, Assistive Technology, and others. The NDIA has published a full list on their website.
What if I have 24-hour supports and a high budget?
If you have 24-hour supports and a relevant budget of $215,030 or more, there's a new variation pathway available. Contact the NDIA or your support coordinator to discuss your options.
Can I request a plan reassessment if I'm affected?
Yes. From 27 August 2026, you (or your nominee) can request a plan reassessment using the official form. You'll need to provide evidence of why your supports need to change. The NDIA must decide within 90 days. Plan variations are still available for urgent, minor, or short-term changes.
Is this decision reviewable?
No. The NDIA has stated that the application of these budget changes is not a reviewable decision. However, other plan decisions (like the total funding or types of supports) can still be reviewed through the normal process.
Sources & Accuracy
Information based on:
- Changes to support budgets from 1 October (ndis.gov.au) - includes Excel file with full list of unaffected support groups
- Changes to plan reassessments (ndis.gov.au)
Last checked: 16 October 2026
Important: This tool provides general information only and is not an NDIS decision. The NDIA makes final decisions about your plan and funding. Speak with your support coordinator or contact the NDIA on 1800 800 110 about your specific situation.
Plan Your Budget with the Changes
Use our budget planner to see how your supports fit into your plan and funding periods, including any changes to your budget.