What is the new NDIS plan suspension rule?
The NDIA can now suspend an NDIS plan if it can't get in touch with the participant or their nominee.
Suspend simply means the plan is paused. While a plan is paused, you can't use the funding in it.
This can happen when the NDIA asks you for information and can't get in touch with you, even after trying several times.
What happens if a plan stays suspended?
If a plan has been suspended for at least 90 days, and the NDIA still can't reach you, it can take one more step. It can end the person's status as an NDIS participant.
This is the part we really want to help you avoid. Losing participant status means losing access to the NDIS altogether.
What does the NDIA have to do first?
The NDIA can't pause a plan after one missed phone call. The law sets out what it must do before a plan can be suspended.
The NDIA must:
- Try to contact the participant, their nominee or authorised person directly
- Make at least 5 attempts to reach you
- Use your preferred way of being contacted, such as phone, email or post
- Contact you at least once in writing, even if writing isn't your preferred method
- Spread these attempts out, so the first and last are 3 to 4 months apart
When contact attempts don't count
Some situations are protected. Contact attempts don't count while the participant is in hospital or another institution, or is experiencing homelessness.
If any of these apply, it's a good idea to let the NDIA know.
When was the plan suspension rule announced?
This rule is part of a recent NDIS law called Securing the NDIS for Future Generations. The government introduced it to Parliament on 14 May 2026, after the Federal Budget.
On 1 July 2026, the government added more detail about how the NDIA must try to contact you. This came after feedback from people with disability, families and advocates.
Parliament passed the law on 19 August 2026. It became law the next day, on 20 August 2026.
When does the rule start?
The plan suspension rule started on 1 October 2026. It applies now.
How to keep your NDIS plan safe
Check your contact details
Make sure the NDIA has your current phone number, email and postal address. You can check and update your details in the my NDIS portal, or by calling the NDIA on 1800 800 110.
Know your preferred contact method
The NDIA will reach out using the method you've chosen. If that's email, keep an eye on your inbox. It's worth checking your junk or spam folder too.
If phone calls are hard for you, ask to change your preferred method to something that suits you better.
Update your details when life changes
Moved house? New phone number? New email address? Let the NDIA know as soon as you can.
Check who your nominee is
If someone acts as a nominee, the NDIA may contact them instead of you. Make sure they know to look out for NDIA messages and reply.
If you look after your child's NDIS plan, make sure your own details are the ones on file.
Reply to NDIA requests
If the NDIA asks for information or a report, try to send it on time. If you need more time to pull documents together, tell them.
What if a plan has already been suspended?
Please don't panic. Contact the NDIA as soon as you can.
When you get back in touch, the NDIA must decide within 28 days whether to lift the suspension, or keep it in place and ask you for more information. The NDIA says that in most cases, it will lift the suspension as soon as possible.
If the suspension stays in place, the NDIA will tell you why and what information it needs from you.
Try not to wait. If a plan has been suspended for at least 90 days and the NDIA still can't reach you, it may end participant status.
If you disagree with a decision to suspend a plan, you can ask for a review. Your support coordinator, plan manager or a disability advocate can help you with this.
Frequently asked questions
Will one missed call get my plan suspended?
No. The NDIA must make at least 5 attempts to contact you, spread over 3 to 4 months, before it can suspend a plan.
Can I still use my plan while it's suspended?
No. While a plan is suspended, you can't use the funding in it. That's why staying in touch matters so much.
Does this rule apply to my child's plan?
Yes. If you manage your child's plan, the NDIA will be trying to reach you. Keep your own contact details up to date.
What if I was in hospital when the NDIA tried to call?
Contact attempts don't count while a participant is in hospital or another institution. Let the NDIA know as soon as you're able, or ask someone you trust to tell them for you.
