NDIS eligibility changes from 1 January 2028: functional capacity and permanence
By the Supportd team · Checked against official sources on 14 October 2026
The short answer
Nothing changes about how people access the NDIS until 1 January 2028. From then, access is based on a standardised assessment of functional capacity, and current participants are reassessed against the new criteria over 3 years. People with permanent and significant disability will still be able to access the NDIS.
What is changing
- Access will be based on a standardised, evidence based assessment of how your disability affects day to day living
- Your impairment must be permanent or likely to be permanent, which includes looking at whether appropriate treatment has been tried
- New applicants whose impairment came from a motor vehicle accident or a work injury, and who are covered by another compensation scheme, may not be eligible. Current participants keep existing arrangements
- Children 8 and under with developmental delay or autism and low to moderate needs will be supported by Thriving Kids
What "appropriate treatment" does and does not mean
The law does not force anyone to have treatment. Appropriate treatment means widely accepted, publicly funded treatments likely to make a meaningful difference, not trying everything. You will not be expected to have treatment that is unsuitable, risky, could cause serious long term side effects or affect fertility, or invasive interventions such as cochlear implants. Restrictive practices never count as treatment.
Current participants
From 1 January 2028, existing participants are reassessed against the new criteria progressively over 3 years. You will be told well in advance. In the assessment you can use the everyday aids you normally use, such as glasses, walking sticks or hearing aids, and children can have age appropriate help. A Technical Advisory Group is advising on how fluctuating, episodic and degenerative conditions are assessed. You can still ask for a review of any access decision.
What to do now
- Nothing to do yet. Keep your current evidence, reports and treatment history in one place.
- If your condition fluctuates, keep a record of good and bad periods. It will matter at reassessment.
- Watch for the new eligibility assessment rules. Public consultation on them ran from 31 August to 2 October 2026.
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Common questions
Will I lose my NDIS access in 2028?
Not automatically. From 1 January 2028 current participants are reassessed against the new criteria over 3 years, and the government says people with permanent and significant disability will still be able to access the NDIS.
Do I have to try every treatment to be eligible?
No. Appropriate treatment means widely accepted, publicly funded treatment likely to make a meaningful difference. Nobody is forced to have treatment.
Related on Supportd
Sources
- About the changes to the NDIS (Department of Health, Disability and Ageing)
- Securing the NDIS for future generations timeline (September 2026)
- Final changes to the Securing the NDIS for Future Generations Bill 2026 (fact sheet)
General information only, checked on 14 October 2026. Dates and details can change as rules are finalised. For decisions about your own plan, contact the NDIA on 1800 800 110 or talk to your support coordinator.