Planning Update 2026: NDIS New Framework Planning Delayed to April 2027

The Direct Answer 

NDIS new framework planning has been delayed from mid-2026 to 1 April 2027. The delay was announced on 22 April 2026 to allow more time for consultation with people with disability, testing of rules and processes, and information sharing with participants and providers. Current NDIS planning rules and plans remain in place until then, participants should continue accessing their supports as outlined in their existing plans. 

For Support Coordinators managing participants who were anticipating changes to their plans this year, the delay is significant. But it is also an opportunity; there is now more time to understand the new framework, prepare clients for what is coming, and address any issues in current plans before the transition begins. 

This guide explains what the new framework planning actually involves, what the delay means in practice, and what the confirmed timeline looks like for every stage of the transition. 

What Is NDIS New Framework Planning? 

New framework planning is a redesigned approach to building and managing NDIS participant plans. It was developed in response to feedback from thousands of participants, families, carers, and providers who told the Independent Review of the NDIS that the existing planning process needed to improve. 

Source: ndis.gov.au — Update: A New Way of Planning ↗ 

Under the current system, plans are built through conversations between participants and NDIA planners, supported by reports from allied health professionals and treating providers. Funding is allocated across support categories: Core, Capacity Building, and Capital,  with varying degrees of flexibility between categories. 

Under new framework planning, the process changes in four meaningful ways. 

1. A new Support Needs Assessment 
   Instead of relying primarily on reports from treating health professionals, new framework planning begins with a structured Support Needs Assessment conducted by a trained NDIA assessor. The NDIA has selected the I-CAN (Instrument for the Classification and Assessment of Support Needs) v6 tool, developed with the University of Melbourne and the Centre for Disability Studies, as the basis for these assessments. 
    
2. The I-CAN is described as a person-based, strengths-based tool that identifies the disability-related supports a person needs. Assessors will complete a dedicated training and accreditation program before conducting assessments. For participants with more complex support needs, reports from treating health professionals can still be requested.Source: ndis.gov.au ↗ 
    
3. A new budget structure 
   Plans will be funded in one of two ways: as a stated item (money locked for a specific purpose or support), or as part of a flexible budget, which can be used across any NDIS supports on the supports list. This is a deliberate simplification of the current three-category system, which many participants find difficult to navigate. 
    
4. Longer plan durations 
   Plans under the new framework will cover longer periods, meaning participants will have more certainty and fewer scheduled plan reviews. This is intended to reduce the administrative burden on participants and their families and allow them to focus on using their supports rather than repeatedly managing the planning process. 
    
5. Important change: plan rollovers ending Under the current system, unspent funds can roll over from one plan to the next. The new framework ends this practice, plans will be designed to reflect reasonable and necessary supports, and unspent funds will not carry forward. Participants who rely on accumulated unspent funds for large purchases should be made aware of this change ahead of their transition. 
    
6. Changes to unscheduled reassessments 
   The government has also announced it will tighten the rules around unscheduled plan reassessment requests. That is, requests to change a plan outside of a scheduled review. The current approach allows these too freely, contributing to plan inflation. People with significant changes in their support needs will still be able to request plan variations. 

Why Was It Delayed? 

New framework planning was originally scheduled to begin from mid-2026 for participants over 16 with less complex support needs. On 22 April 2026, the government announced the rollout would be delayed to 1 April 2027. 

The reason given was the need for more time to listen to feedback from people with disability, test proposed rules and processes, and share detailed information about the transition. The disability community, including peak bodies and advocacy organisations, had raised significant concerns about the pace and adequacy of co-design in the lead-up to the original start date. 

What the NDIS confirmed 

The NDIA confirmed that current eligibility and planning policies remain in place. Participants should continue accessing their disability-related supports and services as outlined in their existing NDIS plans. Providers should continue to support participants in line with funding in existing approved plans. Participants will be informed well in advance before anything changes for them personally. 

How the New Planning Process Will Work 

When new framework planning does begin in April 2027, participants will move through a four-step process. Understanding this process now helps Support Coordinators prepare clients well in advance. 

• Preparing for the Support Needs Assessment 

The NDIA contacts the participant and provides information to help them prepare. Support Coordinators play a key role here — helping participants understand what the assessment involves and what information to have ready. 

• The Support Needs Assessment 

The participant meets with a trained NDIA assessor to discuss their daily life, support needs, and plan preferences. The assessor submits a Support Needs Assessment report to the NDIA. For participants with complex needs, reports from treating professionals may also be included. 

• Building the Plan 

The NDIA uses the assessment report to develop the participant’s plan and determine a total funding amount. Plans are always approved by trained NDIA staff — not by algorithm. Participants receive the plan with an explanation of how the budget was calculated. 

• Using the Plan 

Participants may request an implementation meeting with the NDIA. They then use the NDIS supports list to choose, purchase, and claim for their supports under the new plan. The flexible budget element gives participants more autonomy than the current category-based system. 

The Confirmed Timeline 

The following dates are based on the government’s April 2026 announcements and NDIA official communications. Some dates are subject to legislation passing parliament.

Source: health.gov.au/securingtheNDIS ↗ · Better Care Delivered ↗ 

Now Current planning rules remain in place. Participants continue on existing plans. No changes to eligibility or supports. 

• Jul 2026 – Social and community participation funding changes begin. Plan budgets in this area are being reset. Not all participants will be affected at the same time. 

• Jul 2026 – SIL mandatory registration in effect. All SIL providers must hold NDIS registration to legally deliver SIL supports. 

• Jul 2026 – Consultation begins on commissioned SIL model. Government will engage with providers and the disability sector on the future structure of home and living supports. 

• 1 Apr 2027 – New framework planning begins. Participants start transitioning to new plans. Adults with less complex needs are expected to transition first. 

• 1 Feb 2027 – Plan reassessment and renewal changes for existing participants begin rolling out as part of the new framework transition. 

• Oct 2027 – New plan management approach. Beginning with a 6-month transition period for current plan management arrangements. 

• 1 Jan 2028 – New eligibility boundary changes apply to prospective participants. Current participants reassessed over a transition period. 

• Jul 2028 – Commissioned support coordination function begins — government-vetted SC providers replace open market model. 

• End 2030 – Full expanded provider registration implemented across all NDIS support types. 

Key Facts about the NDIS New Framework Planning 2027 

NDIS new framework planning has been delayed from mid-2026 to 1 April 2027, announced on 22 April 2026. 

• The I-CAN (Instrument for the Classification and Assessment of Support Needs) v6 tool has been selected for the new NDIS Support Needs Assessment, developed with the University of Melbourne. 
   

• Under new framework planning, funding will be split into stated items (for specific purposes) and a flexible budget (usable across any NDIS support). 
   

• Plans will cover longer periods with fewer scheduled reviews — designed to reduce administrative burden on participants and families. 
   

• Plan rollovers end under the new framework. Unspent funds will not carry over into the next plan period. 
   

• Social and community participation funding changes begin from 1 July 2026 — before the broader new framework planning rollout. 
   

• New eligibility boundary changes apply to prospective participants from 1 January 2028. Existing participants are reassessed over a transition period. 
   

• Support coordination will move to a commissioned model from July 2028. Plan management transitions from October 2027. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

• When does NDIS new framework planning start? 

• • New NDIS framework planning has been delayed to 1 April 2027. It was previously expected to begin from mid-2026. The delay allows more time for consultation, testing of rules, and information sharing with participants and providers. 
     

• What is the I-CAN assessment tool? 

• • The I-CAN (Instrument for the Classification and Assessment of Support Needs) v6 is the tool selected by the NDIA for the new Support Needs Assessment process. It is a person-based, strengths-based tool developed with the University of Melbourne and the Centre for Disability Studies. Assessors undergo a dedicated training and accreditation program before conducting assessments. 
     

• Will my NDIS plan change before April 2027? 

• • Your core plan structure will not change to the new framework before April 2027. However, social and community participation funding changes are expected to begin from 1 July 2026. Participants will be informed in advance before anything changes for them personally. 
     

• Do I need to do anything now to prepare? 

• • No immediate action is required. Current planning rules remain in place until April 2027 at the earliest. However, Support Coordinators should begin familiarising themselves with the new framework structure — particularly the shift from diagnosis-based to functional capacity-based planning, and the end of plan rollovers, so they can support participants effectively when the transition begins. 
     

• What happens to support coordination under the new framework? 

• • Support coordination is moving toward a commissioned model from 1 July 2028. Rather than participants choosing from an open market of providers, the government will identify a shortlist of accredited, quality providers. The transition period begins from October 2027 with the new plan management approach. Further consultation on the detail of the commissioned model is expected to occur during 2026 and 2027. 

Key Takeaways for Support Coordinators 

1. New NDIS framework planning is delayed to 1 April 2027. Current plans and planning rules continue unchanged until then. 
   
   
2. The new process replaces current category-based plans with a Support Needs Assessment, longer plan durations, and a flexible/stated budget structure. 
   
   
3. Plan rollovers will end. Begin advising clients who rely on accumulated unspent funds now. 
4. Social and community participation funding changes begin from 1 July 2026 — before the broader framework rollout. 
   
   
5. Support coordination moves to a commissioned model from July 2028. SCs should monitor consultation developments through 2026. 
   
   
6. SIL mandatory registration is in effect from 1 July 2026. Verify registration status of any SIL providers your clients are using now. 

What This Means for Connecting Families and How We Can Help 

As an NDIS registered SIL and disability housing provider operating across New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia, Connecting Families is directly affected by, and actively watching, every stage of the planning framework transition. 

Here is what the planning delay and associated reforms mean for the participants we support and the professionals who refer to us. 

• More time to plan transitions, and, use it 

The delay to April 2027 gives Support Coordinators, participants, and providers more runway to prepare. If you have a participant whose current plan is approaching review, or who has complex support needs that may be affected by the shift from diagnosis-based to functional capacity-based assessment, now is the time to build an evidence base — not to wait until the new framework begins. We can provide documentation of support delivery, incident history, and outcomes for any participant currently in one of our SIL homes to support their transition. 

• Plan rollovers ending: Advise clients now 

The end of plan rollovers is one of the most practically significant changes for participants who have been accumulating unspent funds for large capital purchases — assistive technology, home modifications, or equipment. If any of your participants are in this position, the advice is to act before their plan transitions to the new framework. We can help coordinate the housing and support side of any transition where the timing of a plan rollover matters. 

• SIL mandatory registration from 1 July 2026 

While the broader new framework planning rollout is delayed to April 2027, SIL mandatory registration is not. From 1 July 2026, any SIL provider that is not NDIS registered cannot legally deliver SIL supports. Connecting Families is already registered and fully compliant. If you are supporting a participant in a SIL arrangement with an unregistered provider, the window to organise an alternative is narrowing. We accept urgent referrals and can move quickly for complex cases. 

• Support coordination changes are coming — but not yet 

The commissioned support coordination model does not begin until July 2028 — which is well ahead. But the government’s direction is clear, and SCs who are working with participants in SIL should begin familiarising themselves with what a commissioned model means for how referrals and placements are managed. Connecting Families will be engaging directly in the consultation process and will share updates as the detail becomes clearer. 

• Homes available now 

The planning reform timeline does not affect what is available today. We have SIL homes ready now across Northern Sydney, the Illawarra, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Logan, and Adelaide. If a participant needs housing, from hospital, from OOHC, or from an existing arrangement that is not working. Reply with a brief participant profile and we will come back to you the same day. 

Sources 

All information in this article is drawn from publicly accessible, non-paywalled government and sector sources. 

• NDIS — National Disability Insurance Agency 

• • Update: A New Way of Planning 

• • ndis.gov.au/news/11024 ↗ 
     

• Australian Government — Department of Health, Disability and Ageing 

• • Securing the NDIS for Future Generations — Official Government Reform Page 

• • health.gov.au/securingtheNDIS ↗ 
     

• NDIS — National Disability Insurance Agency 

• • Securing the NDIS for Future Generations — Official NDIA Announcement 

• • ndis.gov.au/news/11168 ↗ 
     

• Better Care Delivered 

• • NDIS Changes Announced: What’s New and What It May Mean for You 

• • bcd.org.au ↗ 
     

• Physical Disability Australia 

• • Updates from the NDIS Following Announcements by Mark Butler MP at the National Press Club 

• • pda.org.au ↗ 
     

• Australian Government — Department of Health, Disability and Ageing 

• • NDIS Rules: Public Consultation on New Framework Planning 

• • consultations.health.gov.au ↗ 
     

Connecting Families Australia · NDIS Registered SIL Provider · NSW · QLD · SA 

Questions about what these changes mean for your participants? 

We are NDIS registered, actively accepting referrals, and happy to talk through what the reforms and planning delay mean for your caseload. Homes available now across NSW, QLD, and SA.