Updated May 2026
The Australian Government has announced changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). We know many people with cerebral palsy, families and supporters have questions about what this means. This page explains what has been announced, what may change over time, and what it means for people with cerebral palsy.
Why is the Government changing the NDIS?
The Government has said the NDIS is growing faster than expected and needs to be sustainable long-term.
The Minister said the goal is to:
- Make the NDIS fairer
- Focus support on people with significant and lifelong disability
- Improve consistency across the scheme
- Reduce fraud and misuse
What are the key changes?
The Government has outlined several important changes, including:
- A move away from using diagnosis alone to decide eligibility
- A greater focus on how disability affects daily life (functional capacity)
- More checks on how NDIS money is spent
- Fewer unplanned reviews of NDIS plans
- Development of additional supports outside the NDIS (“foundational supports”)
These changes will be introduced gradually through legislation and new planning approaches.
What has been confirmed since the announcement
Since the initial announcement, more details have been provided.
The Government is developing the exact assessment approach for “functional capacity”, so we expect more detail about how this will work in practice over time.
New framework planning
- A new way of creating NDIS plans will begin from mid‑2026
- It will be introduced gradually over time
More structured planning and assessments
- Planning will involve structured conversations about daily life and support needs
- This may reduce reliance on multiple reports
Clearer plan rules
- Plans will have defined end dates
- New plans will be created when existing plans end
- Funding will be more closely linked to support needs
1. An update on changes to NDIS – New Framework Planning starting mid 2026
2. NDIS amendment (securing NDIS for Gurue Generations) Bill 2026
3. NDIS update – a new way of planning
What does this mean for people with cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition
Cerebral palsy is a permanent condition, and many people require support across their lifetime.
The Government has stated the NDIS will continue to focus on people with significant and lifelong disability.
Will people with cerebral palsy lose their NDIS funding?
No — people will not lose supports automatically.
However:
For people with cerebral palsy who:
Plans will have defined end dates
● Some people across the NDIS may be reassessed over time
● Future funding decisions will focus more on functional needs
● Changes usually happen during plan reviews
For people with cerebral palsy who:
● Need daily support
● Use assistive technology
● Require help with mobility, communication or personal care
These supports remain central to the purpose of the NDIS, although how funding is decided may evolve as changes are introduced.
Will funding amounts change?
The Government has said average plan sizes may change over time.
This does not mean supports will be automatically removed.
However:
- Funding may be reviewed at your plan review
- Support must be clearly linked to your disability-related needs
What should I expect next?
The proposed changes are going through a parliamentary process, including review by the Senate, which means details may continue to evolve.
What we have been told is that:
- Changes will be introduced gradually over time
- Most people will not see immediate changes
- Planning and assessments may evolve over the next few years
- More details will be shared as reforms are implemented
What can you do now?
You do not need to take action right away.
It may help to:
- Keep notes about your daily support needs
- Prepare for future plan reviews
- Stay informed using trusted sources
We are here for you
Cerebral Palsy Australia is:
- Monitoring these changes closely
- Working with government and the sector
- Advocating for people with cerebral palsy
We will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Need more details:
👉 NDIS changes and cerebral palsy: your questions answered.
Understanding the timeline for NDIS changes
👉 Timeline for key dates related to securing the NDIS for future generations
