In short: The NDIS is going through its biggest set of changes since the scheme began. The headlines about a "crackdown" are mostly about stopping fraud and dodgy providers — not about taking funding away from people who use it the right way. This guide explains, in plain English, what is changing, what you can still fund, and where to get help.
This article is reviewed regularly because NDIS rules are changing quickly. For the latest detail, always check the official sources linked at the end or speak with your support coordinator or planner.
What is changing with the NDIS?
Over 2024–2026 the Australian Government has been rolling out reforms it describes as "getting the NDIS back on track" and making the scheme sustainable for the future. The main threads are:
- A clearer definition of what counts as an NDIS support — in other words, what your funding can and cannot be spent on.
- Changes to how plans are built and structured, being introduced gradually by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
- A stronger focus on integrity and fraud — making sure money goes to genuine supports delivered by genuine providers.
- New record-keeping and claiming rules for providers, and in some cases for participants.
Most of these changes are about how the system works behind the scenes. For many participants who use their plans as intended, day-to-day support continues much as before.
What is the NDIS "crackdown" actually about?
The "crackdown" you may have seen in the news is led by the Fraud Fusion Taskforce — a group of more than 20 government agencies, co-led by the NDIA and Services Australia and including the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.
Its focus is on people and businesses deliberately rorting the scheme — for example, claiming for supports that were never delivered, or operating fake provider businesses. The Taskforce has carried out investigations, banned non-compliant providers, and referred matters to court.
The important takeaway: the crackdown targets fraud and exploitation, not participants who use their funding honestly for reasonable and necessary supports. If anything, it is meant to protect participants from unscrupulous operators.
What can you spend NDIS funding on now?
A key change is a clearer definition of an NDIS support. There are now published lists of what is funded and what is not. In general, funding is for disability-related supports that are reasonable and necessary — not everyday living costs that everyone has, regardless of disability.
Allied health and therapy supports — such as occupational therapy, speech pathology, psychology, physiotherapy, dietetics and exercise physiology — remain core, fundable supports when they relate to your disability and goals. If you are unsure whether something is covered, check the official lists or ask your support coordinator before you spend.
How is the way plans are built changing?
The NDIA has been introducing a new way of planning. Over time, the way budgets are described and structured is changing, with the aim of making plans clearer and more consistent. Some support categories are also being reviewed.
These changes are being phased in, and exactly how they affect you depends on your situation and when your plan is next reviewed. Because the detail is still being rolled out, the safest approach is to read your own plan carefully and ask your planner or support coordinator to walk you through anything that has changed.
What do the changes mean for you day to day?
For most participants, the practical points are simple:
- Use your funding for what it is meant for. Keep spending tied to your disability-related goals and the supports in your plan.
- Keep good records. Hold on to invoices and receipts. Providers now have to keep records for several years, and clear records protect you too.
- Claim in good time. The window for claiming for supports is being tightened, so don't sit on invoices — process them promptly.
- Ask before you spend if you are unsure whether something is covered.
- Choose registered, reputable providers. Working with a registered provider gives you extra assurance around quality and safeguards.
How to stay confident, not anxious
It is easy to feel worried when funding rules change. A few habits help:
- Read updates from official sources rather than relying on social media rumours.
- Bring questions to your plan review and write down the answers.
- Keep a simple folder (paper or digital) of your plan, invoices and reports.
- Speak up early if a support you rely on seems to be at risk — your support coordinator can help you plan ahead.
How Reliance Care and Support can help
We are a registered NDIS provider offering allied health and support services across Truganina and Melbourne's west. We can help you:
- Understand how your plan funds allied health and therapy supports.
- Navigate the NDIS with support coordination and plan-related help.
- Get started with a referral or by checking your eligibility.
- Access support in your own language through our multilingual team.
If you have questions about your supports, get in touch with our team — we are happy to talk it through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is therapy still funded under the NDIS?
Yes. Allied health and therapy supports such as occupational therapy, speech pathology, psychology, physiotherapy and dietetics remain fundable when they are reasonable and necessary and relate to your disability and goals. If you are unsure about a specific support, check the official NDIS lists or ask your support coordinator.
What is the NDIS crackdown actually targeting?
The crackdown, led by the Fraud Fusion Taskforce, targets fraud and exploitation — such as claims for supports that were never provided and fake provider businesses. It is not aimed at participants who use their funding honestly for legitimate supports.
Can the NDIA stop or change my plan?
Plans are reviewed periodically, and the way budgets are structured is changing as reforms roll out. Changes depend on your individual circumstances and goals. Read your plan carefully and ask your planner or support coordinator to explain anything you do not understand.
How long do I have to claim for a support?
The timeframe for claiming is being shortened as part of the reforms, so it is best not to delay. Process invoices promptly and keep copies. Your plan manager or support coordinator can confirm the current claiming rules that apply to you.
What records should I keep?
Keep invoices, receipts and any reports relating to your supports. Providers are now required to keep records for several years, and good record-keeping helps protect you and makes plan reviews easier.
Where can I get reliable, up-to-date information?
Use official sources such as the NDIS website and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, and talk to your support coordinator or planner. Be cautious about funding "advice" on social media, which is often out of date or incorrect.
Trusted sources for further reading
- NDIS — Would we fund it: what the NDIS funds
- NDIS — Fraud Fusion Taskforce and protecting the scheme
- Department of Health, Disability and Ageing — NDIS legislation changes
- NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
This article is general information only and is current as at June 2026. NDIS rules change frequently. It is not financial, legal or medical advice. For advice about your own plan and supports, please contact the NDIS or speak with your support coordinator or planner.
