Changes to NDIS assessments announced
Sept 25, 2025
The NDIA have announced a new NDIS assessment process for 2026, changing how participant needs are assessed and funded.
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) have this week announced changes to the assessment framework for National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants.
What are the changes?
Currently, participants are required to pay for reports and evidence from family doctors or allied health professionals to gain access to the NDIS, and to have their NDIS funding allocated based on these reports.
With this new announcement, participants will soon go through a new ‘disability needs assessment’ interview with a trained assessor from the NDIA.
During the interview, participants will be asked questions relating to 12 areas of their life, including mobility, communication, self-care, physical health, domestic life, and more – to gain an understanding of their support needs and the funding they require.
Participants with complex needs will have additional targeted assessments to ensure their full support needs are understood.
When will this change happen?
This change will occur from mid-2026 (in 9 months), at which time participants aged 16 and older will go through the new ‘needs assessment’ interview, when it comes time to review their NDIS plan.
What do you have to do?
You are not currently required to take any action regarding this change. We will keep you informed of any additional information as we become aware of it, so you are fully aware of any changes.
We understand that this change may raise some concerns for the disability community. Please be assured that we will work with our clients and the NDIA to provide feedback on this change as things progress.
Seeking NDIS support?
Whether you’re seeking support with your NDIS plan, or looking to sign up for new supports, you can speak to our Yooralla Connect team about any questions you may have.