Short answer: Not right now. From 1 January 2028, current NDIS participants will begin to have their eligibility reassessed against new access criteria. This will happen progressively over 3 years.
The NDIS says people with permanent and significant disability will continue to be able to access the Scheme. The NDIA will provide information well before a person’s reassessment takes place.
What is changing?
From 1 January 2028, NDIS access decisions will use a standardised, evidence-based assessment of functional capacity. This means the assessment will focus on how a person’s disability affects their day-to-day life.
There will also be a more consistent assessment of whether an impairment is permanent or likely to be permanent, and whether treatment may alleviate it. The new criteria will apply to people who apply to the NDIS from 1 January 2028 and will also be used when existing participants are reassessed.
Will every current participant be reassessed?
The Australian Government says current participants will start to be reassessed from 1 January 2028. The process will be phased in over 3 years, rather than happening to everyone at once.
This means an existing participant should not assume they need to do anything now. The NDIA says it will let people know in advance if a change affects them and will provide information and support.
What will the reassessment look at?
The new process will focus on functional capacity. In simple terms, this is how a person’s disability affects everyday activities and participation.
The Technical Advisory Group will provide advice about the assessment tools and thresholds used for access. The Government says this work will consider different types of disability and impairment, including conditions that are degenerative, fluctuating or episodic.
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing also says a person will not be required to undertake a particular treatment. Expected treatments will be limited to those that receive public funding, such as through Medicare, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme or public hospitals. Further rules are still to be developed through consultation.
Is an eligibility reassessment the same as a plan reassessment?
No. A plan reassessment looks at whether a person’s NDIS plan still meets their disability support needs. An eligibility reassessment looks at whether the person continues to meet the requirements to access the NDIS.
A change to a plan or funding through the ordinary planning process is not, by itself, an eligibility reassessment. The NDIS says it is normal for plans to change as a participant’s needs change over time.
What should I do now?
You do not need to reapply for the NDIS now. Continue using your current plan and supports as usual. The NDIS says eligibility changes do not begin until 1 January 2028.
It may be helpful to keep relevant reports and information about how your disability affects everyday life organised. However, the exact assessment process, thresholds and information requirements for reassessments are still being developed. Wait for information from the NDIA about your individual circumstances before assuming you need a new assessment or report.
If a person disagrees with an NDIS access decision, they can still ask for the decision to be reviewed.
