NDIS changes: questions and answers for adults with cerebral palsy

The Australian Government has announced changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

If you are an adult with cerebral palsy, you may have questions about what these changes mean for your NDIS supports, funding and plan reviews. This FAQ provides simple, clear answers to the most common questions people are asking.

What NDIS changes were announced in 2026?

The Government said it will make changes to the NDIS so it can continue long term and focus on supporting people with significant and lifelong disability.

The main changes include:
•    Stricter rules about who can access the NDIS
•    More focus on how a disability affects daily life, not just diagnosis
•    Tighter checks on how NDIS funding is used
•    More supports outside the NDIS for people with lower support needs

The Government said these changes will be introduced gradually, starting with new laws in 2026.

What is happening with the NDIS changes in Parliament? 

The Government has introduced laws to make changes to the NDIS. 

These laws are being reviewed by Parliament, including the Senate. 

This is a normal process. It means: 

• The details may continue to develop 
• Changes will be introduced over time, not all at once

Why is the Government changing the NDIS?

The Minister said the NDIS is growing faster than expected and now supports many more people than it was originally designed for.

The Government says it wants to:
•    Make sure the NDIS is sustainable into the future
•    Reduce fraud and misuse
•    Focus funding on people with the highest and most ongoing support needs

Is cerebral palsy still considered a lifelong disability under the NDIS?

Cerebral palsy is a permanent and lifelong disability. Many people with cerebral palsy need ongoing support across their lives.

The Minister said the NDIS will continue to focus on people with significant and permanent disability, which includes many people with cerebral palsy.

Will people with cerebral palsy lose their NDIS supports?

The Government has not said that all people with cerebral palsy will lose access to the NDIS.

However:
•    Some people across the NDIS will be reassessed over time
•    Future decisions will focus more on functional support needs, not diagnosis alone

For people with cerebral palsy who need daily supports, mobility aids, communication supports, personal care or assistance to participate in the community, these supports remain central to the purpose of the NDIS, although how funding is decided may evolve over time as changes are introduced.

Could my NDIS funding be reduced?

Not automatically.

The Government said that average plan sizes across the NDIS may reduce over time. This does not mean everyone’s funding will be cut.

NDIS plans should still be based on:
•    Reasonable and necessary supports
•    What you need to live your life
•    How your disability affects you day to day

Being well prepared for plan reviews is more important than ever.

What is changing about eligibility for the NDIS?

The Government said it plans to:

•    Move away from using diagnosis alone to decide eligibility
•    Use assessments that look at how much support a person needs in daily life

This mainly affects:
•    New applicants
•    People with lower or short term support needs

Details of how this will work are still being developed.

How will the NDIS decide what supports are funded?

The Bill proposes that funded supports must be linked directly to the impairment that met the NDIS access criteria. This may affect how some supports are assessed at plan reviews, especially when people have more than one condition or support need. 

What happens if someone is no longer eligible for the NDIS?

The Government said it will invest more in supports outside the NDIS, sometimes called “foundational supports.”

These supports are intended for people who:
•    Do not meet NDIS eligibility
•    Still need some assistance to participate in everyday life

States and territories will be involved in delivering these supports.

More details are expected later in 2026.

When will the NDIS changes happen?

Changes will be introduced over time. Some parts of the new approach rely on new rules that are expected to be developed and introduced later. 

The Government said:
•    New laws will be introduced during 2026
•    Changes will not happen all at once
•    Most people will not see immediate changes 
•    Existing participants will be reviewed gradually as their plans come up for renewal

What can I do now to protect my supports?

You can:
•    Prepare carefully for your next plan review
•    Make sure your goals clearly explain your support needs
•    Keep reports or notes that show how supports help you
•    Ask for help from a support coordinator or advocate

If you are an adult with cerebral palsy, this guide may help: NDIS goal setting for adults with cerebral palsy.

Are these changes final, or could they change? 

The proposed changes are being considered by Parliament and may be refined. Cerebral Palsy Australia will: 

• Monitor the NDIS changes closely 
• Advocate strongly for people with cerebral palsy 
• Share updates in clear and simple language as more information becomes available 

We will continue updating My CP Guide and Cerebral Palsy Australia’s website as information is confirmed.  You are not alone. Support and advocacy will continue. 

Need more help?
Preparing well for your NDIS plan review can make a real difference.

Read our practical guide: 👉 NDIS goal setting for adults with cerebral palsy

Understanding the timeline for NDIS changes
Visit👉 Timeline for key dates related to securing the NDIS for future generations