In short: NDIS changes can affect both the amount of funding in a plan and how it can be used. They are not limited to fraud prevention. Check your own NDIA notices, the supports listed in your plan and the funding available before agreeing to services. This guide was checked against official information on 28 October 2026.
What funding changes started in October 2026?
The Australian Government has announced a phased funding reset for social, economic and community participation and improved daily living skills supports. It is being applied over the year from 1 October 2026, not to every participant on the same day.
Read the government funding-change guide and your own NDIA notice for the affected budgets, exceptions and safeguards. Do not apply a headline reduction to your whole plan. Confirm the timing before changing services.
Does this mean therapy is no longer funded?
No. Eligible therapy supports remain available, but funding is not automatic just because a service is called therapy or appears on a provider's website.
The NDIA therapy-support guidance explains the evidence and funding requirements. Supports must suit the person's disability-related functional needs and meet the applicable rules. General health treatment and disability support are not interchangeable funding categories.
Can you move money between supports?
Read the wording of your plan. Some funding is flexible and some is stated for a specific support. Do not assume money allocated to one therapy can be used for another.
The NDIS support-budget guide explains the difference. Before changing a service, ask what support item and budget will be used and whether the change is allowed.
What should you check before booking regular sessions?
Bring these questions to your provider, plan manager or NDIS contact:
- Is the proposed support covered by my plan and current NDIS rules?
- What is the total agreed cost, including any reports, travel or cancellation charges?
- How much funding is available now, not just over the whole plan?
- How will we review the schedule if my plan changes?
- Who will tell me when spending is approaching the agreed limit?
Newer plans can release funding in periods. Unused funding can move into the next period within the same plan. Conditional arrangements to delay claims may be possible, but require agreement and can leave less for later. Do not commit to extra sessions on the assumption that future funds are immediately available. See the current funding-period guidance.
How can Reliance Care and Support help?
Our team can explain the proposed allied health service and its fees, and discuss an appointment schedule with you. The NDIA decides what your plan funds; a provider cannot guarantee access, a larger budget or approval for a new support.
Explore our services, read our fees information, or contact intake to confirm the service, your management type and current availability. Our NDIS support service page explains how to contact the team about your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these changes only about fraud?
No. Fraud prevention is separate from changes to support funding and planning. An honestly used plan can still be affected by policy changes.
Will every part of my plan be reduced?
No. The reset concerns specified support groups. Check your NDIA notice for the change to your plan.
Can I keep using my current supports?
Follow your current plan and check any notice from the NDIA before changing arrangements. Speak with your providers early if a revised budget will affect the agreed schedule.
Can I spend therapy funding on a different therapy?
Not automatically. Check whether the support is stated, the relevant funding rules and the amount available before making a change.
What if I disagree or my needs have changed?
Ask the NDIA which options apply. The government guide says the funding reset itself cannot be reviewed, but significant ongoing changes in needs may support a reassessment request. Independent advocacy may help you understand your options.
How often should I check for updates?
Check before agreeing to new services and whenever you receive a plan notice. This is a dated guide, not a live view of your funding.
Trusted sources for further reading
- Australian Government — Funding changes for NDIS supports
- NDIS — What are therapy supports
- NDIS — Guide to support budgets
- NDIS — What is NDIS funding
This is general information, checked on 28 October 2026, not individual legal, financial or clinical advice. Rules and implementation dates can change. Confirm your own plan and options with the NDIA.
