Where flexible budgets come from
The 2024 changes to the NDIS Act created a new way of planning, called new framework planning. Under section 32D, new framework plans include a flexible budget and a small number of stated supports, with the budget worked out using a support needs assessment.
Participants start moving to new framework plans gradually from 1 April 2027, and everyone should have moved by 31 December 2030. Until you move, you keep your current plan, which the NDIA now calls an old framework plan.
Flexible funding and stated supports
A new framework plan budget has two parts:
- Flexible funding: money you can use for different NDIS supports. Government examples include general assistive technology, consumables, nursing, employment supports, allied health, in home and community supports, interpreting and specialist driver training
- Stated supports funding: money for specific supports that must be used as planned. Examples include assistance animals, assistive technology assets, behaviour support, home modifications, medium term accommodation, plan management, short term respite and Specialist Disability Accommodation
How it differs from your current plan
In current plans, flexibility sits inside separate budgets such as core and capacity building, and you generally cannot move money between them. In a new framework plan, flexibility is meant to be the standard, with stated supports as the exception. You could, for example, use more of your flexible funding on therapy one quarter and more on support workers the next, as long as each purchase is an NDIS support for you.
The October 2026 funding reset, which cut community participation and daily living skills funding, does not apply to new framework plans.
Limits that can still apply
Flexible does not mean unlimited. Under the proposed rules:
- You can only buy supports on the NDIS supports lists, in line with your plan
- The NDIA can restrict part of your flexible funding, for example to keep money aside for an assessment you need, or where there is a risk of harm, fraud or financial exploitation. You can also ask for a restriction yourself
- Some funding may come with requirements, such as a quote or a qualified professional
- Funding periods still apply, usually 1, 3 or 6 months, though one off purchases may not have them
- Price limits still apply unless you self manage
Where the rules are up to
The rules for new framework planning are still being finalised. The government consulted on them in early 2026, and consultation on the updated planning rules closed on 14 October 2026. Exposure drafts of the final rules are due to be shared. Details in this page may change, so check the NDIS changes pages before your move.
How to get ready
You do not need to do anything yet. The NDIA will contact you before you move. It helps to keep a simple log of the support you need across a typical week, day and night, and to think about which supports you would want to use flexibly and which you would prefer locked in, such as respite your family relies on.