From July 2026, NDIS participants aged 16 and over will gradually transition to the New NDIS Framework Planning. While this change is designed to create fairer and more consistent outcomes, preparing early can make the process far less stressful for participants, families, and carers.
These upcoming NDIS planning changes 2026 aim to improve consistency, transparency, and fairness in how plans are developed and reviewed
The new framework places greater emphasis on everyday functioning, real life support needs, and structured assessments. Preparing now helps ensure your needs are clearly understood when the time comes.
These changes are being introduced by the National Disability Insurance Scheme following recommendations from the NDIS Review. Official information and updates are published at
https://www.ndis.gov.au
This guide focuses on practical steps you can take now to feel confident and ready for the NDIS transition to the new framework. What Participants Should Start Documenting Now.
One of the most important ways to prepare is by documenting everyday life. Under the new planning framework, real world examples matter more than technical language or lengthy reports.
This is especially important under the proposed NDIS functional assessment
model, where practical daily examples help inform funding decisions.
Participants may find it helpful to keep simple notes about
- Daily routines at home and in the community
- Tasks that are easy and tasks that are challenging
- Support currently used and how it helps
- Situations where additional support is needed
- Changes in needs over time
This information helps planners understand how support fits into everyday life rather than relying only on paperwork.
Guidance on how NDIS plans are built and used is available here https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/using-your-plan
How to Prepare for I-CAN Support Needs Assessments
The I-CAN Support Needs Assessment is expected to play a central role in future NDIS planning changes 2026
. While it is not a test, being prepared can help you feel more confident during the assessment.
To prepare:
- Reflect on your typical day rather than your best or worst day
- Think about where you need support to stay safe, independent, and well
- Use real examples rather than general statements
- Be honest about challenges, even if they feel routine
Preparing early can make your NDIS assessment preparation
smoother and less stressful.
The assessment focuses on how you function in everyday life, not how well you explain your disability.
Official planning and assessment guidance can be found here https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/operational-guidelines/planning
What Families and Carers Can Do Now
Families and carers play a key role in supporting participants through planning changes. Preparing together helps ensure nothing important is missed.
Families can also help participants prepare for the upcoming NDIS New Framework Planning transition
by keeping shared documentation.
Families and carers can
- Help document routines and support needs
- Observe patterns that participants may overlook
- Attend planning or assessment discussions if appropriate
- Support clear communication during assessments
Keeping shared notes can be especially helpful for participants who find it difficult to describe their needs in formal settings.
Information on disability reform and participant support is published by the Australian Government Department of Social Services https://www.dss.gov.au/disability-and-carers
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing
While preparation is important, there are some common mistakes that can make planning harder than it needs to be.
Focusing only on diagnoses
The new framework places greater emphasis on function. Diagnoses alone do not explain how support helps in daily life.
Minimising challenges
Many people understate difficulties because they have adapted over time. Being honest helps planners understand real support needs.
Waiting until the last minute
Starting early reduces stress and allows time to gather meaningful information before the NDIS planning transition 2026.
Relying only on reports
External reports may still be useful, but everyday examples are now just as important.
Staying Informed During the Transition
The rollout of New NDIS Framework Planning will be phased, and not everyone will transition at the same time. Staying informed about official NDIS planning updates 2026
helps avoid confusion and misinformation.
Reliable updates should always be checked through official NDIS channels https://www.ndis.gov.au
Trusted providers who closely follow NDIS reforms can also help explain how changes apply to individual circumstances.
How Ambition Health Group Can Support You
At Ambition Health Group, we actively monitor NDIS planning changes 2026 and help participants, families, and carers prepare with confidence. We support you to understand what to document, how to prepare for assessments, and how to navigate planning conversations under the NDIS New Framework Planning.
If you would like guidance on preparing for the NDIS New NDIS Framework Planning before 2026, contact Ambition Health Group today and let us support you through the transition with clarity and care. Prepare confidently for your NDIS assessment
Frequently Asked Questions About Preparing for NDIS New NDIS Framework Planning
Q. When will the New NDIS Framework Planning start for NDIS participants?
New NDIS Framework Planning is scheduled to begin rolling out from July 2026. The transition will be phased, meaning participants will move to the new framework at different times. Official rollout updates are published by the National Disability Insurance Scheme
https://www.ndis.gov.au
Q. Do I need to do anything right now to prepare?
There is no immediate action required, but preparing early can make future planning smoother. Keeping notes about daily routines, challenges, and supports that help can be useful when transitioning to the new planning framework.
Information on how NDIS plans work is available here https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/using-your-plan
Q. What type of information should I document?
It helps to record real life examples, such as how you manage daily activities, where support is needed, and how current supports assist you. The focus is on everyday functioning rather than medical terminology.
Q. How can I prepare for the I-CAN Support Needs Assessment?
Preparation involves reflecting on a typical day and being ready to talk about how support helps with safety, independence, and participation. The assessment is not a test and is designed to understand real life needs.
Early NDIS assessment preparation can reduce stress and improve clarity during planning discussions.
Official planning and assessment guidance can be found at https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/operational-guidelines/planning
Q. Can families or carers support participants during preparation?
Yes. Families and carers can help document routines, attend discussions if appropriate, and support clear communication during planning and assessment processes.
Further information on disability support and reform is provided by the Department of Social Services https://www.dss.gov.au/disability-and-carers
Q. Should I organise new reports before the new framework starts?
In many cases, there is no need to rush to obtain new reports. The NDIS New Framework
aims to reduce reliance on multiple external reports and place greater emphasis on functional needs and everyday support.
Q. Will my current NDIS plan remain valid during the transition?
Yes. Existing NDIS plans remain in place during the phased rollout. Participants will continue using their current supports until they transition to the new planning framework.
Q. Where can I find reliable updates about NDIS changes?
The most reliable information comes directly from official NDIS communications. Participants should regularly check the NDIS website and speak with trusted providers who stay informed on reforms https://www.ndis.gov.au