You do not need to submit a new NDIS application just because reforms have been announced. However, the NDIA can already check whether an existing participant still meets the eligibility requirements.
From 1 January 2028, existing participants will begin having their eligibility reassessed against new access criteria. This will be rolled out over three years, rather than happening to everyone at once.
If you receive an eligibility reassessment letter now, respond to it. Do not wait until 2028.
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Can the NDIS reassess my eligibility before 2028?
Yes. Under the current NDIS eligibility reassessment process, the NDIA may check your eligibility if it receives information suggesting you no longer meet the requirements.
For example, it may need evidence that you still meet the disability or early intervention requirements, or that you still meet the residency requirements.
The NDIA will tell you if it starts this process. A reassessment letter is not a final decision that you must leave the NDIS. It is an opportunity to provide information about your circumstances.
What changes for existing NDIS participants from 2028?
The Government's NDIS reform guidance says eligibility reassessments will begin from January 2028 and take place progressively over three years.
The new process will use a standardised, evidence-based assessment of functional capacity. This means looking at how your impairment affects everyday activities, not simply the name of your diagnosis.
There will also be new criteria for assessing whether an impairment is permanent or likely to be permanent, including evidence about appropriate treatment.
The assessment tools and thresholds are still being developed. The Government says participants will receive information well before their reassessment, and people with permanent and significant disability will continue to be able to access the NDIS if they meet the requirements.
The three-year period describes the rollout. It does not mean every participant has been told to reapply each year.
Are the arrangements different for children under 9?
Yes. Children accessing the NDIS before 1 January 2028 will continue to be reassessed under the pre-2028 eligibility criteria while they are under 9. Once they turn 9, they will be reassessed under the new criteria, from January 2028 onwards. Turning 9 does not automatically mean losing NDIS access.
Is an eligibility reassessment the same as a plan reassessment?
No. An eligibility reassessment checks whether you still qualify for the NDIS. A plan reassessment considers the supports and funding in your NDIS plan.
A change to your plan budget is not, by itself, a decision about your eligibility.
The new support needs assessments due to begin rolling out from April 2027 are part of the planning process. They will help set plan budgets and are separate from the January 2028 access changes.
What should I do if I receive an NDIS eligibility reassessment letter?
Read the letter carefully. It should explain which eligibility requirements are being checked, what evidence is needed and when you must respond.
The current NDIA guide says you have 90 days from when the letter is sent to provide your information and evidence.
- Ask your NDIS contact to explain anything you do not understand.
- Share the evidence request with your treating health professional. Your support coordinator can also help if you have one.
- Keep copies of what you submit and a record of when you sent it.
- If you need more time, contact the NDIA before the deadline. Explain why and how much extra time you need.
You can request more time through your NDIS contact or by calling 1800 800 110. Do not assume an extension has been granted.
If you do not respond, the NDIA may decide using the evidence it already holds. This could result in a decision that you are no longer eligible.
What evidence can help show I still meet NDIS eligibility requirements?
The evidence you need will depend on what the NDIA is checking. For disability-related requirements, useful information may include recent reports explaining:
- Your impairment and whether it is permanent.
- How it affects daily activities and the assistance you need.
- Treatments you have tried, their outcomes and relevant future options.
- How your needs vary, including during more difficult periods.
Practical examples can help explain your needs. For instance, describe the prompting you need to get dressed or the assistance required to travel safely, rather than only listing your diagnosis.
A functional capacity assessment may help, but do not assume every reassessment requires a new one. Ask what evidence is needed before paying for another report.
Can I keep using my NDIS plan during an eligibility reassessment?
Under the current process, you can continue using the NDIS supports in your plan while the NDIA carries out the eligibility reassessment.
If the NDIA later decides you are no longer eligible, it will tell you when your participation will end. Check that date carefully. Requesting a review does not automatically guarantee that your funding will continue.
Can I challenge a decision that I am no longer eligible for the NDIS?
Yes. You can request an internal review of the decision. The current deadline is three months from receiving the decision.
If you disagree with the internal review outcome, you can apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal. The usual deadline is 28 days from receiving the internal review decision.
Seek help promptly from a disability advocate or legal service if you need support with a review, especially if your letter says your NDIS access will end soon.
Do I need to arrange new reports now for the 2028 changes?
Not simply because the future rollout has been announced. Keep your existing reports and treatment records organised, but wait for advice about your individual reassessment before assuming you need new assessments.
This does not replace the need to respond to a current evidence request or tell the NDIA about relevant changes in your circumstances.
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This resource provides general information, not individual legal or eligibility advice. Only the NDIA can decide NDIS eligibility. Check your own letters and the linked official guidance for deadlines and updates.
