NDIS 2026 Changes: What the New Framework Planning Means for Sydney Participants

NDIS 2026 Changes: What the New Framework Planning Means for Sydney Participants

The NDIS is undergoing its most significant transformation since the scheme began. If you are an NDIS participant, family member, or support coordinator in Sydney, these changes will affect how your plan is built, how your supports are assessed, and how your funding is allocated. Understanding what is changing, when it takes effect, and what you can do now will help you navigate this transition with confidence.

This guide explains the 2026 NDIS changes in clear, practical terms. We will cover the new framework planning process, the I-CAN v6 assessment tool, community participation funding updates, new eligibility criteria, and exactly what Sydney participants should do to prepare. Whether you live in Blacktown, Castle Hill, Liverpool, Parramatta, or anywhere across Greater Sydney, this information applies to you.

[Related: List of Registered NDIS Providers in Sydney 2026]

What Are the 2026 NDIS Changes?

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has announced a series of reforms that will reshape how NDIS plans are created and funded. These changes stem from the NDIS Review and the NDIS Amendment Act 2024, which created the legal foundation for a new planning framework.

The key changes fall into four areas:

• **New framework planning** — a structured, standardised approach to building NDIS plans
• **I-CAN v6 assessment** — a new support needs assessment tool replacing the previous patchwork of functional capacity assessments
• **Community participation funding updates** — changes to how social and community participation supports are funded
• **New eligibility criteria** — shifting from diagnosis-based to functional-capacity-based eligibility (from 2028)

The NDIA has stated that these changes aim to make the scheme fairer, more consistent, and more sustainable. For participants, this means plans may look different, evidence requirements are changing, and preparation for plan reviews is more important than ever.

When Do the Changes Take Effect?

The NDIA originally planned to begin the new framework from mid-2026. However, on 22 April 2026, the NDIA announced a revised timeline:

Your current NDIS plan remains active and unchanged until you are personally contacted about transitioning to the new framework. No one will be moved to the new system without advance notice.

What Is New Framework Planning?

New framework planning is the NDIA's redesigned approach to creating NDIS plans. Instead of the previous participant-led planning conversations, the new process uses a structured support needs assessment to build plan budgets.

The key differences between old and new framework planning:

Under the new framework, funding will be provided either as a **stated support** (must be used for a specific purpose) or as part of a **flexible budget** (can be used flexibly on any NDIS support). This gives participants more flexibility in how they use their funding, while also creating more structured, assessment-driven budgets.

What This Means for Sydney Participants

If your plan review is scheduled after the new framework begins, your next plan will be built using the new process. The assessment will be conducted by an accredited allied health professional — such as an occupational therapist, psychologist, physiotherapist, speech pathologist, or social worker — and will be funded by the NDIA at no cost to you.

You can bring family members, carers, or a support person to the assessment. The assessor will have a structured conversation with you about your daily life to identify what types of support you need.

[Related: How to Choose the Right NDIS Support Coordinator in Sydney 2026]

The I-CAN v6 Assessment: What You Need to Know

The I-CAN v6 (Instrument for the Classification and Assessment of Support Needs, version 6) is the new standardised tool the NDIA will use to assess support needs. It was developed by the Centre for Disability Studies and has been used in the care sector for over 20 years.

The 12 Life Domains Assessed

The I-CAN v6 evaluates your support needs across 12 defined life domains:

• Self-care and personal hygiene
• Daily life activities
• Communication
• Mobility
• Interpersonal interactions and relationships
• Learning and applying knowledge
• Employment
• Health and wellbeing
• Social and community participation
• Home and living
• Positive behaviour support
• Support coordination

Each domain is scored in terms of both your current functional capacity and the level of support you require. The combination of these scores drives the funding recommendation in your plan.

How to Prepare for the I-CAN v6 Assessment

Preparation is the single most important thing you can do. Here is what we recommend:

**1. Ask your treating professionals to document functional capacity**

Your GP, occupational therapist, speech pathologist, psychologist, and physiotherapist should document what you can and cannot do — not just your diagnosis. Reports should speak to the 12 I-CAN domains where possible.

**2. Translate support worker progress notes into functional outcomes**

If you work with a support worker, ask them to document progress in functional terms. For example, instead of "assisted with meal prep," the note should say "participant independently completed 30 percent of meal prep task with prompting; from Week 4 onwards, completing 60 percent."

**3. Set goals that map to the I-CAN domains**

A goal of "build independence" is too vague. A goal of "be able to prepare a simple meal independently" maps clearly to the self-care domain and is much stronger evidence.

**4. Keep your evidence current**

Reports older than 12 months carry less weight. Schedule fresh assessments 3 to 6 months before your plan review.

**5. Bring a support person to the assessment**

You can bring a family member, carer, or advocate to your I-CAN v6 assessment. They can help you communicate your needs and ensure nothing is missed.

[Related: 25 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an NDIS Support Worker]

Community Participation Funding Changes

One of the most immediate changes affects social and community participation funding. From 1 July 2026, reductions to community participation funding allocations begin.

Community participation covers supports that help you access social activities, community events, recreational programs, and build social connections. It is a core part of many NDIS plans, particularly for participants working toward independence and social inclusion.

What to Do Before July 2026

If your current plan includes community participation funding:

• **Use your existing allocation** — do not leave it sitting unspent. If you have funding available, use it before the changes take effect.
• **Document the impact** — keep records of how community participation supports have helped you or your family member. This evidence will be valuable at your next plan review.
• **Talk to your support coordinator** — if you have one, discuss how the changes may affect your next plan and what evidence you should gather now.

What to Do After July 2026

If your plan review falls after 1 July 2026:

• Be prepared to clearly articulate why community participation supports are reasonable and necessary for your specific circumstances
• Gather evidence that shows the functional impact of community participation on your daily life
• Link participation activities to specific NDIS goals
• Ask your provider for progress reports that demonstrate outcomes

New Eligibility Criteria: From Diagnosis to Functional Capacity

From 2028, NDIS eligibility will shift from a diagnosis-based model to a functional-capacity-based model. This means eligibility will be determined by how significantly your disability affects your daily functioning, not solely by having a diagnosis from an approved list.

The NDIA has selected the I-CAN assessment tool to assess functional capacity under the new framework. A person will need to demonstrate a "significant reduction in functional capacity" to qualify for the scheme.

What This Means for Existing Participants

If you are already an NDIS participant, your eligibility will be reviewed under the new framework when your plan comes up for review. This does not mean you will automatically lose access — but the evidence required to demonstrate eligibility will change.

Key actions for existing participants:

• Start gathering evidence that documents functional impact, not just diagnosis
• Ask your treating professionals to write reports that address functional capacity across the 12 I-CAN domains
• Keep a record of how your disability affects your daily life, not just what your diagnosis is

What This Means for New Applicants

If you are planning to apply for the NDIS after 2028, the application process will require evidence of significant functional impairment. This means you will need to demonstrate how your disability affects your ability to perform daily activities, communicate, move around, manage self-care, and participate in the community.

How Livara Care Supports Sydney Participants Through These Changes

At Livara Care, we understand that NDIS changes can feel overwhelming. As a registered NDIS provider (Provider Number 405 352 2740) serving 127 suburbs across Greater Sydney, we are committed to helping participants and families navigate these reforms.

What We Do to Help

**Evidence and documentation support** Our support workers document progress in functional terms that align with the I-CAN v6 domains. This means your progress notes are already written in a format that supports your plan review.

**Plan review preparation** We help participants gather the evidence they need for plan reviews, including progress summaries, outcome documentation, and functional capacity observations.

**Flexible, person-centred support** We offer flexible scheduling, no lock-in contracts, and transparent pricing in line with the NDIS Price Guide. Our support workers are matched to your needs, preferences, and cultural background.

**Local knowledge across Sydney** Our support workers live in the communities they serve — from Castle Hill and Baulkham Hills to Blacktown, Liverpool, Campbelltown, and Penrith. This local presence means we understand the community resources, transport options, and services available in your area.

**Multilingual support** We provide support in multiple languages including Arabic, Hindi, Punjabi, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Korean, and Tamil. For multicultural families, this can make a significant difference in how effectively supports are delivered and documented.

[Related: NDIS Support for Multicultural Families: Guide to Services and Resources]

Practical Checklist: Preparing for the 2026 NDIS Changes

Use this checklist to make sure you are ready:

• [ ] Check your current plan expiry date on myplace.ndis.gov.au
• [ ] Identify whether your next plan review falls before or after the new framework rollout
• [ ] Ask your treating professionals to write reports addressing functional capacity
• [ ] Ensure reports are less than 12 months old
• [ ] Set goals that map to the 12 I-CAN v6 life domains
• [ ] Ask your support worker to document progress in functional terms
• [ ] Use any unspent community participation funding before 1 July 2026
• [ ] Talk to your support coordinator about evidence gathering
• [ ] Keep a personal record of how your disability affects your daily life
• [ ] Bring a support person to your next assessment or planning meeting
• [ ] Verify your provider is registered with the NDIS Commission
• [ ] Review your service agreement to understand notice periods and pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NDIS new framework planning?

New framework planning is the NDIA's redesigned approach to building NDIS plans. It uses a standardised support needs assessment (I-CAN v6) conducted by an accredited allied health professional to determine your support needs across 12 life domains. The assessment results drive your plan's funding, creating fairer and more consistent budgets.

When does the new NDIS framework start?

The NDIA announced on 22 April 2026 that the staged rollout of the new framework will begin on 1 April 2027. Community participation funding changes begin from 1 July 2026. New eligibility criteria based on functional capacity take effect from 2028. Your current plan remains unchanged until you are personally contacted about transitioning.

Do I need to do anything right now?

If your plan includes community participation funding, use it before 1 July 2026. If your plan review is approaching, start gathering evidence that documents your functional capacity — not just your diagnosis. Ask your treating professionals to write reports that address how your disability affects your daily functioning across the 12 I-CAN domains.

Will I lose my NDIS funding because of these changes?

The changes do not automatically reduce or remove funding. However, the way plans are built and the evidence required is changing. Participants who prepare well — by gathering functional evidence, setting clear goals, and documenting progress — are better positioned to receive appropriate funding under the new framework.

What is the I-CAN v6 assessment?

The I-CAN v6 is a standardised support needs assessment tool developed by the Centre for Disability Studies. It measures support needs across 12 life domains including self-care, communication, mobility, social participation, and more. An accredited assessor conducts the assessment, and the results are used to build your NDIS plan budget. The assessment is funded by the NDIA at no cost to participants.

Can I bring someone to my I-CAN v6 assessment?

Yes. You can bring family members, carers, or an advocate to your support needs assessment. Having a support person can help you communicate your needs clearly and ensure the assessor has a complete picture of your daily support requirements.

How can a registered NDIS provider help me prepare?

A registered NDIS provider like Livara Care can help by documenting your progress in functional terms that align with the I-CAN domains, providing reports for plan reviews, and ensuring your supports are working toward your NDIS goals. Your provider can also help identify gaps in your evidence and recommend assessments or reports you may need before your next plan review.

Conclusion: Preparation Is Your Best Protection

The 2026 NDIS changes are significant, but they are also gradual and manageable with the right preparation. The participants who will navigate this transition most successfully are those who:

• Understand what is changing and when
• Gather evidence that documents functional capacity, not just diagnosis
• Set clear goals that map to the I-CAN domains
• Work with providers who document progress in functional terms
• Use their current funding effectively before changes take effect

If you are an NDIS participant or family member in Sydney and want support navigating these changes, Livara Care is here to help. We offer free consultations, transparent pricing, no lock-in contracts, and local support workers who understand your community. Call us on (02) 9025 9680 or complete our online referral form to get started.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. Always refer to the official NDIS guidelines or speak with a support coordinator. Livara Care is a registered NDIS provider (Provider Number 405 352 2740).