NDIS help guide

The NDIS plan management changes coming in 2027 and 2028

The NDIA is setting up a panel of plan managers from October 2027. What has been announced, the timeline, and what it means for you right now.

NDIS information checked 3 November 2026

The NDIA has announced changes to how plan management works. The biggest is a panel of plan managers. From April 2028, participants will need to use a plan manager from that panel.

Nothing changes for you today. Right now you can keep using your plan and your supports as usual. This page sets out what has been announced, when, and where it comes from, and we’ll keep it updated as the NDIA publishes more.

What is changing

The NDIA says it is changing how plan management services are priced and designed. It will set up what it calls a trusted panel of plan managers from 1 October 2027. Participants will need to use a plan manager from the panel. Participants who are affected will be supported to move to a plan manager on the panel over 6 months.

The NDIA says plan managers on the panel will continue to play an important role in helping participants manage their NDIS budgets.

Why the NDIA is making the changes

The NDIA gives three reasons:

  • to make it easier for participants to pay providers and manage their NDIS funding
  • to strengthen how it detects and deals with fraud and participant safety concerns
  • to make sure providers are only paid for services actually delivered to participants.

The timeline

This is the timeline the NDIA has published:

  • 2026: the NDIA explains the expected changes. It will also ask plan managers for feedback through a request for information, published on the NDIS Engage website.
  • From April 2027: the NDIA publishes an approach to market for the panel on the AusTender website. Plan managers who want to join the panel must apply through this process, and it will include the requirements they must meet to be selected.
  • From June 2027: applications close. The NDIA assesses them and tells plan managers whether they are on the panel.
  • From October 2027: the panel launches and a 6 month transition period begins. If your plan manager isn’t on the panel, the NDIA will support you to move to one that is.
  • From April 2028: the transition period ends. Participants must use a plan manager from the panel, and plan managers who aren’t on the panel can no longer provide plan management.

What the new law says

These changes sit within the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Act 2026. Once the plan management part of that law starts:

  • A plan manager can only be registered if it has a deed of arrangement with the NDIA. The deed must cover integrity and governance (including reporting to the NDIA), staff and key personnel, how claims are handled (including checking identity and checking that supports were actually provided), technology and systems, and related parties and conflicts of interest.
  • A business registered to do plan management can’t also be registered for other NDIS supports, and must not provide any supports other than plan management.
  • The NDIA must keep a public register of registered plan managers.

That part of the law starts on a date set by Proclamation, and no later than 1 September 2028.

Other changes that affect plan managed participants

Two other changes from the same law are already set:

  • Gifts and inducements, from 20 November 2026. NDIS providers, including plan managers, must not give or offer a gift or benefit that is likely to get someone to choose them, or stay with them, as plan manager. There are some exceptions, such as discounts that are a legitimate pricing practice.
  • Claims within 90 days, from December 2026. Claims must be submitted within 90 days of a support being delivered. If your funding is plan managed, ask your providers to send their invoices to your plan manager promptly, so there is time to check and claim them.

Common questions

Do I need to do anything now?
No. The NDIA says you can keep using your plan and supports as usual, and it will let you know if a change affects you.

Will I have to change plan managers?
Only if your plan manager isn’t on the panel. From October 2027 the NDIA will support affected participants to move over 6 months. From April 2028, everyone must use a plan manager from the panel.

Is anyone on the panel yet?
No. The NDIA plans to open applications from April 2027 and launch the panel from October 2027.

Will plan management still be paid from my plan?
Today it is paid from separate plan management funding in your plan. The NDIA has said it is changing how plan management is priced, but it hasn’t published the details yet. See what plan management costs for how it works now.

Can I still change plan managers before then?
Yes. You can change your plan manager at any time during your plan. Our guide on how to change NDIS plan managers explains the steps.

Questions about the changes?

If you’re unsure how these changes affect you, give us a call on 0424 881 408 or 0412 613 331, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm (Queensland time), or send us a message through our contact page. We’ll explain what’s been announced in plain English, and we’ll keep this page updated as the NDIA publishes more.

Sources

NDIS information on this page was checked on 3 November 2026. These changes are still being rolled out, so please check the NDIS website for the latest.