27/05/2026
Proposed NDIS Changes in 2026: How SIL Participants Can Best Prepare
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is undergoing significant reform as the Australian Government works toward what it describes as a more sustainable and consistent system for the future. Many participants, families, carers, and Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers are understandably feeling uncertain about what these proposed NDIS changes may mean for funding, including access to Supported Independent Living services and ongoing NDIS support coordination, reassessments, and ongoing supports. (Health, Disability and Ageing Australia)
While many details are still being finalised, several major changes are expected to roll out progressively between 2026 and 2028. These reforms are likely to impact how participants access the NDIS, how support needs are assessed, and how funding decisions are made. (People with Disability Australia
What Changes Are Being Proposed to the NDIS?
Some of the key proposed NDIS reforms include:
New functional capacity assessments
Changes to eligibility requirements
Increased reassessments and evidence reviews
Stricter funding guidelines
Expanded provider registration requirements
New “Foundational Supports” outside the NDIS
Greater scrutiny around reasonable and necessary supports
Changes to plan management and support coordination systems (NDIS)
The government has stated these reforms are designed to improve consistency, reduce fraud, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the NDIS. However, many participants are concerned about how these changes may affect their existing supports and future funding. (Health, Disability and Ageing Australia)
Why Preparation Is Important for SIL Participants
For participants living in Supported Independent Living (SIL), preparation is critical. SIL supports often involve complex care needs, behavioural supports, medication management, psychosocial support, or 24-hour supervision. Strong evidence and accurate documentation will become increasingly important during future reassessments and plan reviews.
Participants who are proactive now may be in a stronger position when changes are implemented.
How Participants Can Best Prepare
Keep Medical and Allied Health Reports Updated
Participants should ensure they have current reports from:
General practitioners
Psychologists
Occupational therapists
Speech therapists
Behaviour support practitioners
Psychiatrists or specialists
Reports should clearly explain:
Functional impairments
Daily support needs
Risks and vulnerabilities
Impact on independence and safety
Why current supports remain necessary
The proposed reforms are expected to place greater emphasis on functional capacity and evidence-based assessments rather than diagnosis alone. (ABC News)
Maintain Strong Daily Documentation
Progress notes, behaviour incident reports, medication records, and support logs may become increasingly important evidence during reassessments.
Good documentation helps demonstrate:
Ongoing support requirements
Risks if supports are reduced
Behavioural or psychosocial challenges
Community access needs
Support worker interventions
Progress toward goals
Strong evidence can help support continuity of SIL funding.
Understand Your Current NDIS Plan
Participants and families should review:
Current SIL funding
Core support budgets
Community participation supports
Capacity building supports
Assistive technology funding
Behaviour support funding
Understanding how funding is currently used can help identify areas where stronger justification may be needed in future plan reviews.
Prepare for Reassessments
The NDIS is moving toward a new planning framework and updated support needs assessments beginning from mid-2026. (NDIS)
Participants should prepare by:
Keeping records organised
Attending regular medical reviews
Documenting support needs consistently
Bringing advocates, family members, or support coordinators to planning meetings
Ensuring SIL providers supply accurate reporting and evidence
Preparation can reduce stress and improve participant confidence during reassessment processes.
Work With Registered and Compliant Providers
The proposed reforms also include tighter regulation and expanded registration requirements for providers delivering higher-risk supports such as SIL and personal care. (ABC News)
Participants should consider working with providers who:
Understand NDIS compliance
Maintain strong documentation systems
Use person-centred approaches
Have experienced leadership and clinical oversight
Understand behaviour support and risk management
High-quality providers can help participants navigate changes more effectively.
Staying Informed Is Essential
Many aspects of the reforms are still under consultation and may continue evolving over the coming years. Participants and families should regularly monitor updates from:
The NDIA
NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
Disability advocacy organisations
Registered SIL providers
Support coordinators
Reliable information is essential during periods of change and uncertainty.
Final Thoughts
The proposed NDIS reforms represent one of the biggest shifts in the disability sector since the scheme began. While change can feel overwhelming, preparation is one of the best ways participants can protect their supports and advocate for their needs.
For SIL participants in particular, maintaining strong evidence, updated reports, and quality support relationships will likely become increasingly important as the NDIS moves toward new assessment and planning systems.
The most important thing participants can do right now is stay informed, stay organised, and work closely with trusted providers and professionals who understand the evolving NDIS landscape.
