2026 has been a busy year for the NDIS, with several reforms rolling out or on the horizon at different stages. Tenax Supports has covered each of these changes in more detail as they've been announced, and with the year now well underway, it felt like a good time to bring them together in one place. Below is a general, plain-language recap of what's changing and roughly when, with links back to our earlier, more detailed posts on each topic.
Tighter Timeframes for Claims Submission
One of the changes providers and participants have had to adjust to is a shorter window for submitting claims after a support has been delivered, generally understood to be around 90 days. The intent behind this is to keep plan budgets accurate and up to date, so participants have a clearer picture of what's left to spend. In practice, it means providers need good systems for invoicing promptly, and participants may want to check in with their providers about how claims are being lodged. Tenax has processes in place to help keep claims on track and avoid unnecessary delays. Read our earlier look at the 90-day claims rule.
Reforms to Autism-Related Supports
Later in 2026, changes are expected that affect how autism-related supports are assessed and funded under the NDIS, with reforms broadly anticipated to take effect around October. The details are still being finalised by the NDIA, but the general direction is towards more consistent, needs-based assessment of support requirements. For families and participants on the autism spectrum, this is worth keeping an eye on in the lead-up to any changes, and it's a good idea to talk to your support coordinator about what it might mean for your plan. Read our earlier look at the autism support reforms.
Functional Capacity Reviews on the Horizon
Looking further ahead, functional capacity reviews are expected to become a more regular part of the NDIS from 2027. In general terms, these reviews look at a participant's functional capacity, how they go about everyday activities, to help ensure funding continues to reflect actual support needs over time. While this is still some way off and details will likely be refined between now and then, it's a change worth being aware of early, particularly for participants due for a plan review closer to that time. Read our earlier look at functional capacity reviews.
Changes to Plan and Budget Periods
During 2026, there have also been changes affecting how NDIS plan and budget periods are structured, which can influence how and when funds become available across a plan. These changes are being introduced gradually and won't look the same for every participant, depending on when their plan was approved and its current structure. If anything about your plan's budget periods looks different to what you expected, it's worth raising with your planner or support coordinator rather than assuming there's an error. Read our earlier look at changes to plan periods.
Mandatory Registration for SIL Providers
From 1 July 2026, registration has become mandatory for providers delivering Supported Independent Living. This is a significant shift for the SIL sector, aimed at strengthening quality and safeguards for participants living in SIL arrangements. Tenax is a registered NDIS provider and has been operating within these registration requirements as they've come into effect, so our SIL participants and their families shouldn't need to do anything differently as a result of this change. Read our earlier look at mandatory SIL provider registration.
NDIS changes can feel like a lot to keep track of, especially when several are moving at once. If you have questions about how any of these changes might affect your plan, your supports, or your budget, our team is happy to talk it through with you.
Coming Up: Funding Changes From 1 October 2026
From 1 October 2026, budgets for social, economic and community participation supports and improved daily living skills supports are being reset as plans are created, reassessed or renewed. Our guide to the NDIS funding changes from 1 October 2026 explains what's changing, which supports aren't affected and how to plan ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to do anything right now because of these NDIS changes?
Not necessarily, most of these changes are being phased in gradually or are still to come. It's worth checking with your support coordinator or provider about anything specific to your plan, but there's no need to assume urgent action is required.
Is Tenax Supports affected by the mandatory SIL registration change?
No. Tenax is already a registered NDIS provider, so the move to mandatory SIL provider registration from 1 July 2026 doesn't change how we operate or how we support our SIL participants.
Will the 90-day claims rule affect how quickly my supports are delivered?
The claims timeframe relates to how and when providers submit claims for supports already delivered, not to the delivery of supports itself. Tenax manages its claims processes to stay within these timeframes.
When will functional capacity reviews start affecting my plan?
Functional capacity reviews are generally expected to become more common from 2027, so most participants won't see changes from this immediately. We'll continue to share updates as more detail becomes available.
If you'd like to talk through how these NDIS changes might affect your plan, get in touch with Tenax Supports via our contact page or enquiry form.