The new NDIS plan variation for participants with 24 hour support needs
By the Supportd team · Checked against official sources on 14 October 2026
The short answer
If you receive 24 hour disability support and your plan has $215,030 or more across daily life, home and living, and community participation before the reset, you can ask for a plan variation within 90 days of the reset being applied, so your 24 hour care stays safe.
Why this pathway exists
The October 2026 funding reset cuts community participation budgets by 50%. For people in Supported Independent Living or other round the clock support, part of their daytime care is often funded from that budget. This pathway lets the NDIA top up the right part of the plan so 24 hour support is not put at risk.
Who can apply
You are a high support needs participant for this pathway if both of these are true:
- Your plan has $215,030 or more in total across Assistance with Daily Life, Home and Living, and Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation, measured before the reset
- You receive 24 hour funded NDIS supports for needs arising directly from the impairments you access the NDIS for
What 24 hour support means here
NDIS funded disability support available throughout the day and night for your ongoing disability related needs. It can be a mix of shared supports, individual supports and overnight assistance. The $215,030 benchmark is the government's measure of 24 hour support at a 1:3 shared ratio, meaning one worker supporting three people.
People living in residential aged care are unlikely to be eligible, because their 24 hour support comes through the aged care facility.
How and when to ask
- Apply within 90 days of the funding reset being applied to your plan. The NDIA can extend this in exceptional circumstances
- Only you or your nominee can request it. A support worker or advocate can help you if you do not have a nominee
- The NDIA cannot start the variation for you
- The NDIA has 21 days to decide whether you are a high support needs participant, then a further 21 days to decide on the variation, unless it tells you it needs more time
What the NDIA can increase
If your reduced plan is not enough to keep safe 24 hour support at the ratio you need, the NDIA can increase funding for daily living and home and living supports. The increase is capped at the amount the reset took away, and community participation funding itself cannot be increased through this pathway.
You can ask for a review of decisions about whether you qualify and whether the variation is approved.
What to do now
- Add up your Daily Life, Home and Living and Community Participation budgets as they were before the reset. Is it $215,030 or more?
- Diary the date your reassessed or renewed plan starts. Your 90 days to apply runs from then.
- Ask your SIL provider or support coordinator to help you show the hours and ratios you need across the day and night.
- Keep a copy of everything you send and every decision you receive, in case you need a review.
Need to find a provider who fits your new plan?
Leave your details and a real person on our team will look for the support you need near you and come back to you within 48 hours.
Common questions
Does this pathway apply automatically?
No. You or your nominee must request it within 90 days of the reset being applied to your plan. The NDIA cannot start it for you.
Can community participation funding be restored this way?
No. The NDIA can increase daily living and home and living funding to keep 24 hour support safe, but not the community participation budget.
What if I do not reach $215,030?
You can still request a plan variation or unscheduled reassessment if your needs or circumstances have changed in a significant and ongoing way.
Related on Supportd
Sources
- Funding changes for NDIS supports (Department of Health, Disability and Ageing)
- 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.