From April 2027, the NDIS will introduce a new planning process that changes how plans and funding are determined.
Participants aged 18 and over will begin transitioning to the new planning process from April 2027, with the full rollout expected to be completed by December 2030.
How will the new planning process work?
Under the new planning process, plans will include both flexible and stated budgets for approved support categories.
Flexible budgets will list the support category rather than individual items. This will give participants more control over how they spend their funding within that approved category. For example, a participant may have flexible funding for therapy and low-cost assistive technology. They may also have stated funding for support coordination or specialist housing.
The type of budget will depend on the approved support category. Flexible funding will provide participants with greater choice in how they use their funding, while stated funding will apply to specific supports.
Testing the new planning process
The NDIA is still developing and testing new processes and rules to make sure the changes work in practice. Participants can get involved by joining the New Framework Planning Pool and testing the new assessment. Taking part will not affect their current plan or future eligibility for the NDIS.
The changes will be introduced gradually from April 2027, when participants aged 18 and over will begin transitioning across. Full rollout is expected by December 2030.
