Your Essential Guide to Navigating New NDIS Assessment Methods
TL;DR: The NDIS is introducing 'New Framework Planning' and 'Support Needs Assessments' from mid-2026, aimed at creating fairer, more consistent NDIS plans. These changes involve a structured conversation with a trained assessor to understand your support needs, with a phased rollout over several years. Preparing involves understanding your needs, gathering relevant documents, and staying informed about the changes.
Significant changes are on the horizon for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) planning process. Inspired by feedback from thousands of people with disability, families, carers, and providers, the Australian Government is implementing a new approach called 'New Framework Planning'. This includes a new 'Support Needs Assessment' designed to make plans fairer, more consistent, and easier for participants to navigate. As your NDIS Advocate at DisabilityInsights, we understand that changes can bring questions and concerns. This guide is designed to empower you with the knowledge needed to prepare for these upcoming shifts. For a broader look at NDIS reforms and their impact, See our complete ndia-workforce-expansion-ndis-reforms-participant-impact guide.
What is 'New Framework Planning' and why is it being introduced?
New Framework Planning represents a fundamental shift in how NDIS plans are developed, moving towards a more consistent and person-centred approach. This new method directly addresses feedback from the Independent Review of the NDIS, which highlighted a need for greater fairness and clarity in plan development. The core aim is to focus intensely on a participant's disability support needs rather than solely on their functional impairment, ensuring that budgets are developed based on a holistic understanding of their life and the supports required to achieve their goals. The changes to the NDIS Act in October 2024 paved the way for these improvements, with a strong emphasis on consistent budget allocation across participants with similar support needs. This evolution seeks to improve participant experiences and build greater trust and transparency within the scheme.
How will the new 'Support Needs Assessment' work for participants?
The new Support Needs Assessment is a key component of New Framework Planning, designed to gather comprehensive information about a participant's daily life and disability support requirements. This assessment will involve a structured, guided conversation with a trained and accredited NDIS assessor. Participants can choose a suitable time and place for this meeting and are strongly encouraged to bring family, support people, or carers who can contribute to the discussion and provide valuable insights. The assessor will delve into various aspects of daily life to identify what types of support are genuinely needed, which will then inform the participant's budget. This process is intended to lead to fairer and more consistent plan budgets, ensuring equitable access to necessary supports.
What tools will assessors use during this conversation?
Assessors will utilise specific tools to guide their conversation and ensure comprehensive data collection. A primary tool will be the Instrument for the Classification and Assessment of Support Needs (I-CAN v6), which forms the foundation for the new assessment process. Developed by the Centre for Disability Studies, I-CAN v6 is a person-based and strengths-based instrument that has been used in the care sector for over two decades to identify disability-related support needs effectively. This will be used in conjunction with a new 'personal and environmental circumstances questionnaire', designed to collect additional, specific information crucial for understanding a participant’s unique support requirements. In cases of more complex support needs, participants may be asked to provide relevant reports from their treating health professionals to ensure a complete picture is formed.
When can participants expect these changes to begin?
The introduction of New Framework Planning and the new Support Needs Assessments will be a phased rollout, commencing from mid-2026. This means that while some participants will be among the first to experience these changes, many others will not see an immediate alteration to their current NDIS planning process for some time. The government's intention is to ensure a smooth transition, allowing time for the new processes to be tested and refined. Participants, families, and representatives will receive direct communications from the NDIS about how these changes will affect them and when they can expect to transition to the new planning approach. The NDIA and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (DHDA) are committed to providing ample notice and opportunities for engagement.
Can participants provide feedback on the new rules and processes?
Absolutely, participant input is highly valued during this transitional period. The Australian Government is actively seeking feedback on the new NDIS rules being developed by the DHDA, with public consultation available on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing Citizen Space until March 6, 2026. This is a crucial opportunity for participants to share their views and help shape the future of the NDIS. Furthermore, the NDIA is inviting participants to help test the new planning approach by joining workshops and activities through the New Framework Planning Pool, accessible via NDIS Engage. Engaging in these consultations and testing opportunities is an excellent way for participants to directly contribute to a better, more participant-focused NDIS.
Will NDIS plans still be approved by a person, and can I review my plan?
A significant concern for many participants is whether the new assessment methods will lead to automated plan approvals, removing the human element. The NDIS has affirmed that all NDIS plans will continue to be approved by trained NDIS staff, not automated systems. This commitment ensures that real people, who are skilled and understand the complexities of disability support, will review and approve each plan. The new approach is designed to allow NDIS staff to spend more quality time engaging with participants during the planning process than under the current system, fostering a more collaborative and understanding environment.
Do participants retain their rights to review a plan decision?
Yes, participants absolutely retain their fundamental right to ask for a review of their NDIS plan decisions. This crucial safeguard ensures that if a participant is not satisfied with an outcome or believes their plan does not adequately meet their support needs, they can challenge the decision. This right includes pursuing an internal review by the NDIA, and if necessary, an external review through the Administrative Review Tribunal (formerly the AAT). These mechanisms are in place to uphold participant rights and ensure accountability within the NDIS, regardless of the new assessment methods.
What practical steps can participants take to prepare for the new assessment method?
Preparing proactively for the new NDIS assessment methods can significantly reduce stress and ensure you are well-positioned to advocate for your support needs. The most effective preparation involves gathering and organising information that clearly articulates your disability-related support requirements and your life goals. This is an opportunity to reflect deeply on how your disability impacts your daily life and what supports genuinely enable your participation and goal achievement. Being organised and clear in your communication will be key to a successful support needs assessment.
How can I best organise my information for an assessment?
To best organise your information, start by gathering all existing reports from treating health professionals, therapists, and any other relevant specialists. These reports should ideally detail your diagnoses, functional impacts, and recommended supports. Beyond formal reports, consider creating a personal statement or a brief document outlining your daily routine, the supports you currently use, any gaps in support, and your aspirations for the future. Think about the specific activities where you require assistance and how these supports help you achieve greater independence or community participation. Having this information readily available and perhaps even summarised will help the assessor gain a clear and comprehensive understanding of your needs during the structured conversation.