NDIS plan renewals and reassessments: unspent funds will no longer roll over
By the Supportd team · Checked against official sources on 14 October 2026
The short answer
Since 27 August 2026 only you, your nominee or your guardian can ask for an unscheduled reassessment, and only for significant and ongoing changes. From 1 February 2027, when a plan reaches its reassessment date a renewed plan is created and unspent funds do not carry over.
Unscheduled reassessments: tighter rules from 27 August 2026
An unscheduled reassessment is one you ask for before your plan is due. Since 27 August 2026:
- Only the participant, their plan nominee or their guardian can request one
- It must be because of a significant and ongoing change in your functional capacity and support needs, or in your living, education, work or informal support arrangements
- The change does not have to be unexpected. A foreseeable change counts, as long as it is significant and ongoing
- The NDIA has up to 90 days to decide. If it has not decided by then, the request is treated as refused, and you can seek a review
- If you have experienced fraud or are in a crisis or emergency, you can request a plan variation instead
Plan renewals and no rollover from 1 February 2027
From 1 February 2027, when your plan reaches its reassessment date a renewed plan will be created. Unspent funds from the previous plan will not be rolled over. The renewed plan is set at the level you were assessed for, adjusted for current prices.
This is also when the October 2026 funding reset starts being applied to renewals, so many people will see both changes at the same time.
Reasonable and necessary is changing too
From 1 February 2027 there are new criteria the NDIA must consider when deciding what is reasonable and necessary. These apply to new participants first, then to current participants as they go through usual reassessments. The NDIA must now weigh the sustainability of the NDIS and fairness between participants with similar needs.
For children, the law now spells out what parents are expected to provide anyway, including supervision, personal care, transport, emotional support and behavioural support. It does not include the extra support a child needs because of their disability compared with children of a similar age. The NDIA must also consider the risk of harm to families and informal supports if a support is not funded.
What to do now
- Use your funding through the plan rather than banking it. From February 2027 there is no rollover to fall back on.
- If your hours are hard to fill because you cannot find a provider, sort that out early so funding is not left unused.
- Write down changes in your situation as they happen, with dates. They are the evidence for an unscheduled reassessment.
- If the NDIA has not answered an unscheduled reassessment request within 90 days, treat it as refused and ask about 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
Will unspent NDIS funds carry over to my next plan?
From 1 February 2027, no. When your plan reaches its reassessment date a renewed plan is created and unspent funds from the previous plan are not rolled over.
Can my support coordinator request a reassessment for me?
Not since 27 August 2026. Only the participant, their plan nominee or their guardian can request an unscheduled reassessment. Your coordinator can still help you prepare it.
What if the NDIA does not respond to my request?
If the NDIA has not decided within 90 days, the request is treated as refused and you have access to review rights.
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.