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Noise‑cancelling headphones may be considered helpful for people who experience sensory sensitivities. Many participants, families, and support providers say that these devices reduce sensory overload, help with emotional regulation, and make busy environments more manageable. Despite their perceived benefits, noise‑cancelling headphones are not typically funded under the NDIS. This article summarises our guidance as your Plan Manager to support you in making NDIS claims. Why Noise‑Cancelling Headphones Are Usually Not Funded Under the NDIS Act (2013), the NDIA defines an NDIS Support as something that directly meets a participant’s disability‑related needs and satisfies the requirements of the legislation and NDIS Rules. Items considered day-to-day living costs are generally not funded. Noise‑cancelling headphones fall into this category as ‘Lifestyle Related’ because: They are widely bought and used by people without disability. They offer features unrelated to disability support, such as listening to music or taking phone calls. They are not specialised or modified for sensory regulation. What to Do if You Believe They Are Needed If you think noise‑cancelling headphones are reasonable and necessary for your disability-related needs, here are some steps to take: Discuss with your myNDIS Contact. Ask for the need to be recorded in your plan’s support details and seek written advice where possible. Review alternatives. Consider whether simpler or more disability‑specific options, such as sensory earmuffs, could meet the same functional needs without added recreational features. Check whether they replace another support. If the noise-cancelling headphones could replace and serve the same purpose as an existing core or capacity‑building support, a replacement support application may be appropriate. Gather clear evidence. Ask your allied health professional to provide functional, goal‑linked justification, instead of just a general recommendation. Our role as Plan Manager First2Care’s role in supporting our clients with their enquiries and requests for assistive technology, such as headphones, is to provide assessment against the NDIS Supports Lists. Plan managers do not approve supports and services or decide what is reasonable and necessary. However, we can help you make informed decisions if the support aligns with your plan and budget. We can only process claims for assistive technology items that are not considered day-to-day living costs and are clearly included in your plan. If not, we will recommend that you seek advice, preferably written confirmation, from their myNDIS Contact before we can proceed. Final Notes Noise‑cancelling headphones can genuinely improve daily life for some participants, but NDIS funding rules are strict. Plan Managers, including First2Care, must comply with the NDIS Act and can only process claims for supports that meet its requirements as outlined in this article. If you are considering purchasing headphones and hoping to claim the cost, seek advice early. Contact your myNDIS representative or speak with First2Care before making the purchase to avoid declined claims later.

Most rejected NDIS invoices have nothing to do with the quality of your work. They come down to something far less interesting: the claim was made against the wrong support category, or against a budget that has already been fully used. If you support plan managed participants, knowing how the NDIS support categories are structured protects your cash flow and saves everyone extra emails. This guide to NDIS support categories for providers covers exactly what you need to invoice accurately and be paid on time. How a plan is structured Every NDIS plan is built around four support budgets, though not every participant has all four: Core Supports. Everyday supports: daily living assistance, community participation, transport and consumables. Usually the largest budget, and the most flexible. Capacity Building Supports. Skills and independence over time: therapies, support coordination, employment supports. Each category can only be used for its own purpose. Capital Supports. Assistive technology and home modifications. Funding can only be used for the specific items that were approved. Recurring Supports (under PACE). Some plans pay certain supports such as transport, as regular recurring payments. The practical point: a participant's funding is not one single amount. Your service must be claimed against the category and support item that match what you delivered. Why this affects your payment When your invoice reaches a plan manager, it is claimed against a specific NDIS support category. Three things commonly go wrong: The support item number does not match the service, so the claim cannot be processed until it is corrected. The category does not have enough funding left. A plan manager cannot claim against a budget that has already been fully used. The support is stated, which means it is set aside for a defined purpose, and the invoice does not match that purpose. None of these are about your work. All of them are avoidable with the right details on the invoice and a plan manager who communicates. Getting the category right, first time Choosing the right support item is the provider's responsibility. The correct NDIS Pricing Schedule and the NDIS provider line 1300 311 675 are your best references. Once your invoice reaches First2Care, if a claim does not match, we will contact you promptly so it can be corrected. Match your service description to what was delivered. Therapy under Improved Daily Living, daily living assistance under Core, and so on. Check your rates against the current NDIS Pricing Schedule. From 1 July 2026, the Pricing Schedule, replaced the Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. It sets out the maximum prices the NDIA considers appropriate for NDIS supports. Talk to the participant before you change a price. Where a current service agreement quotes a price, the participant must agree before the new amount applies. Have a service agreement in place before supports begin. It is the quickest way to avoid invoices being delayed. Send the service agreement to the plan manager before delivering supports so that any issues can be identified early For assistive technology, know the tiers. Items under $1,500 are usually claimed through Core Consumables. Between $1,500 and $15,000 needs written evidence from an assistive technology advisor. Over $15,000 needs an assessment from a qualified assessor and a formal quote before approval. Delivering before approval risks not being paid. Coming on 1 December 2026: the timeframe to claim for a support shortens from two years to 90 days for plan managed and self-managed claims. If your billing runs on monthly or quarterly cycles, that is worth planning for now. A note on plan management funding Some providers worry that recommending a plan manager reduces a participant's support budget. It does not. Plan management is funded under Improved Life Choices, which appears as Choice and Control under PACE. The NDIA adds it specifically for that purpose. It never comes out of the funding available for your services. How First2Care works with providers First2Care's brand promise is that compliant, invoices in line with the participant's plan received before midday are lodged with the NDIA by close of business the following day, so providers working with First2Care participants can be confident that invoices will be lodged quickly. The NDIA typically pays claims within 2 to 3 business days of submission but may take longer if they conduct a pre-payment review. If something on an invoice needs correcting, an item number, a rate or a date, we contact you directly rather than leaving it for later. If you are new to plan managed participants, our team will the setup: where to send invoices, what to include, and how the participant’s categories work. When invoicing runs to plan, participants keep their supports steady and you are paid for work already done, without following it up. Send your invoices to accounts@first2care.com.au. If you are ever unsure which support item applies, the current NDIS Pricing Schedule and the NDIS provider line on 1300 311 675 are the best places to check. You can also call us on 1300 322 273 for help with anything on the payment side. A real person answers. Frequently Asked Questions About NDIS Budget Categories Which support category should I invoice against? The category and support item that match the service you delivered. Choosing the correct support item is the provider's responsibility, so the current NDIS Pricing Schedule and the NDIS provider line on 1300 311 675 are your best references. Getting it right the first time is quicker than resubmitting a rejected claim, and if something does not match when your invoice reaches us, we will contact you promptly. It is important to work with the participant and support coordinator to understand how the plan has been funded. What happens if the participant’s budget category is exhausted? A plan manager cannot claim against a category with no funding left. Good plan managers keep track of budgets and work with participants to understand the expenditure patterns. Do I need to be registered to work with plan managed participants? Not for most supports. Plan managed participants can use both registered and unregistered providers. Some higher risk supports, including Supported Independent Living, Specialist Disability Accommodation, and behaviour support, do require registration. Pricing should still follow the current NDIS Pricing Schedule. Why was my invoice rejected when the price and service were right? Most often the support item number did not match the service or the participant’s funding structure. At First2Care, we contact you promptly to correct details, so payment is not delayed longer than necessary. Sometimes, the participant may decline the invoice, or pause processing to allow them time to review. How long do I have to claim for a support? From 1 December 2026, claims must be lodged within 90 days for plan managed and self-managed claims, so it is worth reviewing your billing cycle before then Related reading: Invoicing and Record Keeping for NDIS Providers · For Providers: What to Do if an Invoice Isn’t Paid · NDIS Pricing Changes 2026/27: What Providers Need to Know First2Care is a registered NDIS plan management provider (ABN: 24 601 046 155), registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. This article is general information for providers. For claims specific guidance, please refer to current NDIA guidance or contact our team.

Finding that your NDIS funding is running low with months still left in your plan is one of the more stressful parts of managing supports. You may finally have the right supports in place and be starting to feel some stability, and then the budget looks tight far sooner than expected. The reassuring news is that overspending is often preventable. With clear information, regular budget checks, and the right support around you, there is a lot you can do to keep your funding on track. This guide explains the common causes, what to watch for early, and the practical steps that help your funding last across the full plan period. Important to know: Your NDIS plan has a fixed budget for a set period. Some newer or reassessed plans include shorter funding periods within the same plan. Unspent funds can roll into the next funding period within that plan, but they do not roll into a new plan. Understanding how your funding works is the first step. Why overspending happens, and why it is rarely the participant’s fault Most overspending is not about carelessness. It usually comes down to information and systems, such as: Core Supports can be used quickly when supports are running at full capacity, and this is not always explained up front. Weekend and public holiday rates are higher than weekday rates under the NDIS Pricing Schedule, so costs add up across a plan period. The NDIS Pricing Schedule updates each year from 1 July, so the same supports can cost more in the second half of a plan that spans the financial year. Budgets are sometimes hard to see in real time, so spending is not always reviewed early. Invoices processed in batches rather than promptly can make spending look lower than it really is until the batch lands. These are usually information and systems gaps, not mistakes made by participants or families. Understanding them is the first step in preventing them. The five most common ways NDIS budgets get overspent 1. Spending heavily in the first few months. A new plan arrives, supports go in place, and things start moving. Using a large share of Core Supports in the first two or three months can leave less for later. A rough guide: divide your Core Supports total by 12 for a monthly reference point. It does not need to be rigid, but it gives you an early signal when spending is running well ahead of pace. 2. Not accounting for weekend and public holiday rates. Under the NDIS Pricing Schedule, support is charged at different rates depending on when it is delivered. Weekday rates are lower, Saturday is higher, Sunday higher again, and public holidays are the highest. If your supports regularly fall on weekends or public holidays, your real hourly cost is higher than the weekday rate, and that is worth factoring in. 3. Forgetting that July pricing update. If your plan spans 1 July, the same supports may cost more later in your plan even though your budget has not changed. That means the same number of hours can cost more in the second half of your plan. A quick heads-up early makes this easy to plan for. 4. Using several providers without tracking the combined spend. Using Plan management lets you use both registered and unregistered providers, which is a genuine advantage. Unregistered providers set their own rates up to the NDIS price limits, and those rates vary. If several providers are billing and no one is tracking the combined spend in real time, costs can add up quietly. 5. Support hours increasing without adjusting the plan. Needs change, and support hours can rise gradually or quickly. The plan budget was set at the last reassessment, based on needs at that time. When hours increase well beyond what the plan was designed to fund, the budget comes under pressure. That is a signal to document the change and raise it at a plan reassessment, ideally with supporting evidence from your treating team. How to keep your NDIS budget on track in practice Knowing the risks is one thing. Here is what staying on track looks like day to day, whether you manage your plan yourself or work with a plan manager. Check your budget regularly, as a routine. Review it at least monthly, and more often if your supports are running at high capacity. Look at each category on its own: Core Supports, each Capacity Building subcategory, and Capital Supports. At First2Care, every participant can see their budget any time through the Plan Magic portal. Pace your Core Supports across the plan period. Use the divide-by-12 guide as a monthly reference. Life is not perfectly even, and some months cost more than others, but a large gap between early spending and that guide is worth noticing early. Ask your plan manager for a spending report. A good plan manager can produce a spending report for any category at any time, showing what has been spent, what has been processed, and what remains, in everyday words. At First2Care we prepare these on request, and if a category is tracking unusually, we get in touch first. Factor in the July pricing update if your plan spans it. If your plan runs across 1 July, ask how the update affects your supports. It is a short conversation that keeps your projections accurate. We raise this with our participants each year, so it is one less thing to remember. Get in touch early, while you still have options. The sooner a budget question is raised, the more options you have. If spending looks high in a category, or your support hours have increased, contact your plan manager straight away, so there is time to adjust or reassess. What this could look like in real life These examples are based on common situations our team sees. Names and details have been changed for illustration. Sarah's story: catching it early. Sarah is a plan-managed participant with Core Supports funding for daily living assistance and community access. In month four, her support hours increased while her primary carer was recovering from surgery, and her spending that month was almost double her monthly average. Her Client Services Officer at First2Care noticed the increase, called to talk it through, and together they worked out a revised schedule that covered the period of higher need while keeping the plan on track to the end of the period. Sarah’s plan continued without an emergency reassessment and without a gap in supports. Michael's shared visibility. Michael changed plan managers mid-year. During the handover, three months of invoices from his unregistered support worker were processed in one batch, which made his Core Supports look nearly used up at once. Without a real-time view, the gradual build-up had not been visible. After moving to First2Care, Michael’s budget is tracked invoice by invoice, so the next time a category trends high, even gradually, he hears about it early. If your funding is already running low First, know that acting early gives you more options and a better chance of keeping essential supports in place. Contact your plan manager as soon as you can. Share which category is running low, how much remains, and how many months are left. A good plan manager helps you understand your options and prioritise what matters most. Consider which supports are most essential right now. If funding is genuinely short, your support coordinator can help you work through which supports are essential and which could be reduced or paused for a time. Ask about a plan variation or reassessment if your needs have changed. If your funding is short because your support needs have genuinely changed, speak with the NDIA about whether a plan variation (a small change) or a reassessment (a broader review) is appropriate. You can request either at any time, and supporting evidence from your treating team will help. Your support coordinator can help you prepare it. It is good to know this option exists, and it is always easier to prevent the situation than to rely on it. Frequently Asked Questions What happens if I overspend my NDIS budget? If you overspend a budget category, the NDIA will generally not top it up until your next plan review. This can leave you without funding for essential supports for the remaining months of your plan. Proactive budget monitoring with a plan manager like First2Care helps prevent this from happening. Can I move money between NDIS budget categories? Generally, no. Your NDIS plan has separate budget categories (Core Supports, Capacity Building, and Capital Supports) and funding cannot be moved between them. However, within Core Supports, there is some flexibility to use funding across sub-categories. Your plan manager can help you understand what flexibility exists in your specific plan. How does First2Care help me avoid overspending my NDIS budget? First2Care gives you real-time budget visibility through the Plan Magic portal, monitors your spending proactively across all categories, and reaches out before a category runs low. We also flag pricing changes from 1 July each year so your budget projections stay accurate. Can I request a plan review if my NDIS funding runs out early? Yes. If your support needs have genuinely changed and your funding has run short as a result, you may be eligible for an unscheduled plan review. This requires supporting evidence from your treating team. Your support coordinator and plan manager can help you prepare. Does plan management cost anything from my NDIS budget? No. Plan management is funded separately by the NDIA under the Improved Life Choices category. It does not reduce your Core Supports, therapy, or other funding. How First2Care can help Overspending is stressful, and in most cases it is preventable with a clear real-time view of your budget, steady monitoring, and a plan manager who gets in touch early. That is what we are here for: not only to process invoices, but to keep an eye on your plan with you, raise things before they become a worry, and be a real person on the phone when you have a question. If you would like help keeping your budget on track, call First2Care on 1300 322 273 or email support@first2care.com.au, and we can talk through your options.

From the 1st of July 2026, changes to how Short-Term Accommodation (STA) is claimed under the NDIS have come into effect. These updates are designed to make it clearer what supports you are receiving during your stay and how your NDIS funding is being used. Before looking at the claiming changes, it's worth noting a recent terminology update. The support is once again being referred to as Short Term Accommodation (STA). The NDIA had previously renamed STA to Short Term Respite (STR), but following feedback, it has changed the name back. The change reflects feedback that the term respite placed greater emphasis on the needs of informal supports. In the latest Operational Guideline, the NDIA describes STA as “mutually rewarding” time apart for participants and their informal supports, recognising the benefits these supports can provide for both participants and their support networks. What has changed with NDIS Short Term Accommodation The main change is how STA costs are now claimed. Previously, STA was charged as an all-in-one daily fee that included everything. From 1 July 2026, this has been separated into different parts, which means: Support from workers is charged based on the time and level of support you receive Accommodation is charged separately and may include both for your stay and for your support worker. It is now capped at around $160 each, which could possibly limit the range of available options Everyday living costs that are not considered NDIS supports, such as meals, activities, and utilities, are not included in STA claims. Even in group settings, meals are now formally excluded, where they may have been funded before. Your invoices will now clearly separate support work and accommodation into individual line items, helping you see exactly how your supports are delivered and what your NDIS funding is paying for. Working with your provider With these updates, it can help to have an open communication about what to expect with your provider so you feel informed and prepared. You might want to ask: What costs are covered by my NDIS plan? Are there any out-of-pocket costs I need to plan for? These details should be clearly outlined in your service agreement. Your provider should explain everything in a way that makes sense to you. If something isn’t clear, it’s okay to ask questions. Having these discussions early can help avoid surprises and make sure your STA suits your needs and goals. If you intend to purchase STA-related expenses and seek reimbursement from your plan, it is especially important to supply receipts that clearly show the daily accommodation and support worker costs, not just a single lump sum. How First2Care can support you At First2Care, we’re here to support you through these changes. We support clear and compliant claims, helping ensure invoices align with current NDIS requirements, including this new update to itemised STA claims. We also work proactively to resolve issues efficiently, reducing delays and follow-ups, so you can feel confident about how your NDIS funding is being used. If you have any questions or would like help understanding what this means for you, please reach out to our team. For more information, read the NDIS guide on What is short-term accommodation.

From the 1st of July 2026, updates have changed how Supported Independent Living (SIL) supports are delivered and claimed under the NDIS. These changes mainly apply to providers but understanding what’s changing can help you feel more prepared and confident about your supports. What has changed with NDIS Supported Independent Living New support item codes within a new registration group will be introduced for SIL services delivered from 1st July 2026. Providers will need to use these updated claiming codes when submitting invoices. There are also new registration requirements. By 1st October 2026, providers delivering SIL supports must be registered, or have applied to register, under the updated NDIS registration group. What this means for you For most participants, supports will continue without disruption, particularly if providers meet the new requirements. If your SIL provider is registered or has applied to register, your supports should continue as usual. If your provider is not registered by 1 October 2026, they may not be able to continue delivering SIL supports under the NDIS. In that situation, you may need to move to a registered provider. These changes are intended to improve the quality and consistency of SIL services across the NDIS. Working with your provider If you’re unsure about your provider’s status, there are a couple of simple steps you can take: Ask your provider if they are registered or planning to apply Check their details using the NDIS Commission provider register Many providers are already working through the registration process, so there is no immediate need for concern. However, if your provider decides not to register, it can help to start planning early to avoid any gaps in support. Your current provider should also work with you, your family, or your support network to help ensure your services continue as smoothly as possible. We know that SIL arrangements can vary for different participants. If there is any concern about provider registration changes and how this might impact your supports, it’s important to contact the NDIA as soon as possible. How First2Care can support you At First2Care, we’re here to support you through these changes. This includes reviewing invoices, ensuring providers meet the updated requirements, and helping maintain continuity of your supports. If you have any questions or would like help understanding what this means for you, please reach out to our team. Read the latest reforms about SIL on SIL claims and payment changes from 1 July 2026.

From the 1st of July 2026, changes to how Short Term Accommodation (STA) is claimed under the NDIS have come into effect. And for providers, this is a significant shift. STA is moving from a bundled daily rate to an itemised approach. While this may take some adjustment, it ultimately brings clearer accountability and reflects the supports you actually delivered. Before looking at the claiming changes, it's worth noting a recent terminology update. The support is once again being referred to as Short Term Accommodation (STA). The NDIA had previously renamed STA to Short Term Respite (STR), but following feedback, it has changed the name back. The change reflects feedback that the term respite placed greater emphasis on the needs of informal supports. In the latest Operational Guideline, the NDIA describes STA as “mutually rewarding” time apart for participants and their informal supports, recognising the benefits these supports can provide for both participants and their support networks. What has changed for claiming Short Term Accommodation under the NDIS Previously, STA was claimed as an all-in-one daily fee. This bundled rate included Disability Support Worker (DSW) costs, accommodation, food, and utilities under a single line item. While this made invoicing simpler, it made it difficult to separate disability-related supports from everyday living expenses which are not NDIS-funded supports. Under the updated guidance, STA will be unbundled, which means each component must be claimed separately using new line items. This includes: Support work - claimed based on the actual hours, timing, and intensity of support delivered. Accommodation - claimed separately for either participants and support workers, and expected to align with Medium Term Accommodation (MTA), currently priced at $162.85 per night. This could possibly limit the range of available accommodation options. Costs that are not considered NDIS supports, such as meals, utilities, and activities, can no longer be included in STA claims. Even in group settings, meals are now formally excluded, where they may have been funded before. What this means for you The biggest impact is on how you record services and submit claims. With the removal of the flat daily rate and the worker-to-participant ratio component, billing must now reflect what was actually provided during each stay. In practice, this means your claims will need to clearly separate support work and accommodation into individual line items. Participants and families may notice changes in how STA services are described or invoiced, so keeping them informed can help manage expectations and maintain trust. It is also important that participants understand what is covered by their NDIS plan and whether there are any out-of-pocket costs to consider. Having these discussions early can help avoid surprises and ensure everyone has a clear understanding of the supports being provided. Any changes should be clearly explained and reflected in your service agreement. Making these adjustments may feel like extra work at first, but it’s a step towards more transparent, sustainable funding and makes it easier to show that your claims accurately reflect the eligible NDIS supports you’ve delivered. How First2Care supports providers At First2Care, we work alongside providers to help make things clearer and more manageable. We support clear and compliant claims, helping ensure invoices align with current NDIS requirements, including this new update to itemised STA claims. We also work proactively to resolve issues efficiently, reducing delays and follow-ups, so you can focus on delivering quality supports and spend less time chasing paperwork.

From 1st of July 2026, updates to Supported Independent Living (SIL) will change how services are delivered and claimed under the NDIS. These changes directly affect providers and introduce new requirements around claiming and registration. What has changed with NDIS Supported Independent Living From 1 July 2026: All SIL services must be claimed under new support items within the registration group: 0138 – Assistance with Supported Independent Living These replace the previous codes in the Assistance with daily life tasks in a group or shared living arrangement registration group (0115), which no longer apply to services delivered from this date. SIL supports delivered before 1 July 2026 should be claimed under the legacy support items in registration group 0115. SIL providers must also meet updated registration requirements. By 1 October 2026, all SIL providers must: Be registered under registration group 0138, or Have submitted an application for registration Existing unregistered providers who were delivering SIL supports prior to 1 July 2026 and have submitted a registration application can continue claiming under the new support item code while their registration application is being assessed. However, providers who have not applied for registration by 30 September 2026 will no longer be able to claim SIL supports from 1 October 2026. What this means for you These changes reflect ongoing reforms to regulate service providers and are a result of mandatory registration requirements for SIL providers. To help avoid disruptions to payments and claims processing, it’s important to: Use the correct support item (codes in group 0138) for all SIL services delivered from 1 July 2026 onwards If you are not yet registered, submit your registration or application before 1 October 2026 From 1 October 2026, compliance with these requirements will be necessary for SIL invoices to be processed by plan managers. Invoices submitted by providers who do not meet the requirements may be rejected, resulting in delayed payment or non-payment of claims. Working with NDIS Participants Participants may have questions or concerns about how these changes could affect their supports. Clear and timely communication can help them understand what the changes mean and what to expect. Here are some tips you can consider: Keep participants informed of your registration status and progress to help reassure them that their supports will continue without change If you have decided not to register, start conversations early with participants to support transition to another registered provider Maintaining continuity of support remains a priority. Working closely with participants and their support networks can help reduce stress and ensure a smooth transition to avoid any gaps in service delivery. How First2Care supports providers At First2Care, we work alongside SIL providers to support accurate and compliant claiming aligned with updated NDIS requirements. We are here to review claims against current rules, identify potential issues early, and provide clarification where needed. Our goal is to support efficient claims processing and help providers navigate these changes with greater confidence and clarity. Read the latest reforms about SIL on SIL claims and payment changes from 1 July 2026.

If you are someone who is thinking about applying for the NDIS, or you know someone who may need disability support in the future, you may have heard that changes are coming. The Australian Government is introducing reforms to how people become eligible for the NDIS. For many people, these changes can feel confusing or worrying, especially when disability supports are essential to everyday life. This blog explains what the reforms are around participant eligibility, why they are happening, and what they mean for people who are already on the NDIS as well as to those applying for the first time. Why is the NDIS Changing Eligibility Rules? The NDIS has grown much faster than originally expected. It now supports many more people and costs significantly more than was first planned. Governments have said that without changes, the scheme may not be financially sustainable in the long term. The aim of the eligibility reforms is to make access decisions clearer and more consistent, while ensuring the NDIS can continue to support people who genuinely rely on it not just now, but long into the future. The reforms are designed to: Focus NDIS funding on people with permanent and significant disability Make it clearer what the NDIS does and does not fund Strengthen other systems, such as health and education, to better support people with lower support needs These changes are being introduced gradually, recognising that uncertainty can be stressful for people with disability and their families. What Is Changing About NDIS Eligibility? 1. More Focus on How Disability Affects Daily Life One of the biggest changes is a shift away from relying mainly on diagnosis, and towards how a disability affects day-to-day life. Having a diagnosis alone will no longer be enough. Applicants will need to show how their disability significantly impacts daily activities, such as mobility, communication, self‑care, learning, or social participation, even after treatments and supports are considered. Many current NDIS participants worry that they may need to “prove” their disability all over again. In practice, what matters most is clearly showing how disability affects day-to-day life, which is something many participants and families already do well through reports and evidence. 2. A Clearer Definition of “Permanent” Disability Eligibility will also rely more heavily on whether an impairment is considered permanent. For new applicants, this may mean showing that: Available treatments or therapies have already been tried, or There are no other reasonable treatments likely to significantly improve the condition This change is intended to ensure NDIS funding is directed toward long‑term disability needs, rather than conditions expected to improve with treatment. 3. Linking Supports to Accepted Impairments Another key reform already in progress is that NDIS funding must relate directly to the impairments a person was accepted under (for example intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, or physical). From 1 January 2025, participants receive a Notice of Impairments, which lists the impairment categories they were found eligible for. NDIS funding is then limited to supports that relate to those accepted impairments. Over time, this approach is also being reflected more clearly in plan reviews and funding decisions. 4. Changes for Young Children For children aged 8 and under with lower to moderate support needs, governments are introducing Foundational Supports outside the NDIS, often referred to as the Thriving Kids. From 2028, some children who might previously have entered the NDIS may instead receive supports through mainstream health, education, and community services. Children with higher and more complex needs will continue to be eligible for the NDIS. Children already on the NDIS will not be automatically removed as a result of these changes. How Do These Eligibility Reforms Affect Current Participants vs New Applicants? This is one of the most common questions people ask, and the answer depends on whether you are already on the NDIS or applying for the first time. For Current NDIS Participants If you are already an NDIS participant, your eligibility does not change immediately. You will not suddenly lose access just because new rules are being introduced. Changes are generally applied: At your next scheduled plan reassessment, or If you request a significant change to your plan Understanding how your plan funding relates to your accepted impairments can make these reassessments easier to navigate. Having up‑to‑date evidence that clearly explains your daily support needs can also help. For more detail on how reassessments are changing, see our NDIS Plan Reassessments blog which explains what to expect as reforms continue to roll out. For New NDIS Applicants For people applying to the NDIS for the first time, the eligibility process will become more detailed and evidence‑focused. New applicants will need to: Clearly show how their disability affects everyday functioning Provide evidence that the disability is permanent Explain why NDIS support is needed, rather than supports from other systems For families of young children, this may also involve being directed to early supports outside the NDIS if needs are assessed as lower or moderate. Final Thoughts It is completely understandable to feel uneasy when rules change, especially when disability supports are essential to everyday life. If you are thinking about applying for the NDIS, or supporting someone through the process, understanding these eligibility reforms early can help reduce uncertainty and allow you to prepare. These reforms aim to balance sustainability with fairness, so the NDIS can continue to support people with significant and ongoing needs, both now and in the future. Most changes are being introduced gradually, with transition arrangements in place. Many details are still being developed, and governments have stated that people will not be left without essential support as the system evolves. At First2Care Plan Management, we work closely with NDIS participants and families, supporting them to understand how these changes to NDIS rules affect eligibility and plan funding over time.

Plan reassessments have become a key topic in the NDIS community, particularly with recent reforms being introduced. Along with other changes, it is intended to keep the NDIS clear, fair, and sustainable while staying aligned with its purpose of supporting people with permanent and significant disability. For many participants, the key question is not just what is changing, but how those changes may apply in practice. While some changes are still being introduced over time, it can help to have a clearer picture of what may be different, what is staying the same for now, and how you can prepare for your next reassessment. What’s changing with plan reassessments? One of the key changes is how support needs are assessed. There will be a stronger focus on how your disability affects your day-to-day life, rather than relying mainly on diagnosis. Reassessments will increasingly look at the support you need for everyday activities. Over time, this will be guided by more standardised and evidence-based assessments. There will also be clearer guidance around what the NDIS will fund. This is intended to make it easier to understand what is considered reasonable and necessary and what supports fall under the NDIS, and what should be provided by other services like health or education. What this means for your plan As these changes roll out, you may notice some differences in how reassessments are handled: More structured and consistent reassessments Stricter rules for requesting reassessments outside your scheduled review, though you can still request changes if your needs significantly change Unspent funds will no longer carry over to your next plan so that each plan will be reviewed more intentionally Budgets may become more consistent across participants with similar support needs These changes are designed to keep plans aligned with current needs and ensure supports are used as intended. When will these changes happen? The updates will be introduced in stages: Tighter rules for unscheduled reassessments will begin shortly after legislation is passed Changes to reassessment approaches and funding decisions will start from February 2027 A new planning framework, including updated assessments and budgeting methods, will begin from April 2027 This means most participants will continue with their current plans for now, with changes introduced gradually over time. At the same time, there are confirmed updates, proposed reforms, and future planning changes are all being discussed, which can make the overall picture feel unclear. When you may feel uncertain about these changes It’s understandable if these changes may feel difficult to follow. Because NDIS reforms are being introduced over time, many participants are still waiting to see how future reassessments will work in practice. Some may be concerned that a reassessment could lead to reduced funding or even affect their eligibility or supports. This is where First2Care can help. We understand that uncertainty can make planning harder, especially when there is a lot of information. We’re here to support you in understanding the changes, getting organised for your reassessment, and feeling more confident about the steps ahead. How to prepare for your next reassessment Even with these updates, the best preparation is still to make sure your current situation is clearly documented and well supported by evidence. Focus on your day-to-day experience. Keep notes about how your disability affects daily living, routines, safety, communication, mobility, or participation in the community. This is likely to remain an important part of future assessments. Keep evidence up to date. Recent reports from therapists, specialists, or support providers can help explain your current needs more clearly. Review how you use your funding. With plan rollovers ending, it’s important to make the most of your current budget. Be thoughtful about reassessment requests. If you need a change outside your scheduled review, strong supporting evidence will be essential. Stay informed and supported. Changes will roll out in stages, so staying connected with your plan manager can help you navigate each step and what information may be useful when your plan comes up for review. Final thoughts Plan reassessments can bring a lot to think about, especially while changes are still being introduced. For now, your current plan remains in place, and the focus continues to be on your individual needs and goals. Any future changes will be introduced gradually over time If you’re unsure how these updates may affect you, having a conversation early with First2Care can help you feel more informed and better prepared for what comes next.

The NDIS has released new pricing for the 2026–27 financial year, starting from 1 July. Each year, these updates set the maximum rates that providers can charge for supports. They are designed to keep pricing consistent and reflect changes in costs across the disability sector. For participants, these updates are a normal part of how the NDIS operates. While pricing changes can sometimes feel unclear, most of the impact is managed behind the scenes. What has changed The most important changes are: An increase in the maximum rate for support work Increase to psychology and specialist behaviour support maximum rates Significant reduction in the “Other professional Therapies” maximum rate Seperation of short-term respite (STR) funded supports Short Term Respite These changes will have a major impact on how respite can be claimed. Previously, it was claimed an all-in-one support including support work, accommodation and other NDIS Supports in a single claim. This made it difficult to identifythat things that are not NDIS Supports such as food were not purchased, as the daily flat fee concealed how the total cost was calculated. Instead, new claim codes for support work inside an STA, and for participant and support worker accommodation have been introduced. At this stage, this would exclude auxiliary costs such as meals (in a centre or group residence). This year’s update includes a mix of adjustments across different support types. Some everyday supports, such as support worker services, have increased in line with wage changes. Therapy supports have seen mixed changes, with some increasing, some decreasing and others remaining the same. Pricing for Plan Management and Support Coordination has not changed. These updates reflect the NDIA’s annual review process, which considers factors such as workforce costs, market data and broader sector trends. This year, a larger data set was used to guide pricing decisions, which has informed how different supports have been adjusted. What this means for you In most cases, you will not need to do anything. NDIS plans are usually adjusted to reflect updated pricing, which helps ensure participants can continue accessing their supports. You may notice that some providers review or update their pricing, but this does not automatically mean your supports will decrease. It is important to understand that NDIS pricing sets maximum rates, not fixed prices. Providers can charge up to these limits, but they cannot charge above them Working with your providers With new pricing in place, some providers may review their service agreements. If this happens, they should always speak with you first and explain any proposed changes. Providers are required to have your agreement before applying any new pricing to your services. This ensures you stay informed and in control of how your supports are delivered. Staying informed While no immediate action is required, it is helpful to stay aware of any updates your providers may share. If your service agreement is updated, take the time to review it and ask questions if anything is unclear. Clear communication is important, and you should always feel comfortable understanding how your supports are delivered and billed. How First2Care can support you At First2Care, we understand that changes like this can feel difficult to follow. Our role is to make things clearer and easier to manage. We keep track of pricing updates and make sure provider charges are in line with NDIS requirements. We can also support you in understanding any updates to your agreements or help you work through conversations with your providers. If you are ever unsure about a change, our team is here to support you.

From 2026, the NDIS is introducing a mandatory digital payment system designed to give the NDIA real‑time visibility over claims, reduce fraud, and ensure participant funding is spent on supports that are actually delivered. There will be a potential change to how providers are paid either directly or through a new system, (the method has yet to be confirmed by the NDIA). This reshapes how services are recorded, reviewed, and ultimately approved for payment. Why Is the NDIS Moving to Digital Payments? The digital payment reform is part of the Federal Government’s broader NDIS “reset”, announced in April 2026. The goal is to improve the long-term sustainability of the NDIS while protecting participants from misuse of funds. At present, the NDIA has limited visibility over how most claims are substantiated. Minister Butler indicates that around 90% of claims lack supporting evidence at the point of payment. This has made the system vulnerable to fraud, errors, and misuse of funds. In response, the NDIS is moving towards a system where: Claims are digitally traceable Payments are linked to identified providers Evidence of service delivery can be verified Higher‑risk payments receive closer scrutiny From a plan management perspective, this shift is significant. It improves how we validate claims, reconcile budgets, and support participants to use their funding with confidence. What Do Digital Payment Reforms Mean for NDIS Providers? Mandatory Enrolment in a Digital Payment System Under the reforms, all providers will need to be enrolled in a traceable digital payment system in order to receive NDIS payments. This enrolment is expected to be gradual, with providers progressively added over time. Providers will increasingly be expected to supply appropriate evidence and comply with NDIS technological requirements. Manual, fragmented, or poorly documented processes are more likely to result in delays or claim rejections as digital controls tighten. Stronger Evidence Requirements for Claims For higher‑risk supports (such as personal care, daily living supports, and supports delivered in closed settings), the NDIA has indicated that stronger point‑of‑service evidence may be required before payments are released. This means: · Service agreements must align cleanly with claims · Progress notes and rostering data must support invoicing · Claims must withstand review, not just submission How Does This Link to Mandatory Registration? Digital payments are closely tied to expanded mandatory provider registration, especially for higher‑risk supports. Greater payment visibility goes hand‑in‑hand with stronger provider oversight. Registered providers with well‑established digital systems are expected to be better positioned as these reforms are rolled out. The government has signaled an intent to introduce differentiated pricing based on registration status. Moving Forward with Digital Payment Systems As a plan management provider, First2Care operates at the intersection of participants, providers, and NDIA systems. From this position, we’re seeing three clear trends emerge: Increased scrutiny of claims data. Clean claiming supports faster payments while also reducing follow‑up queries and administrative rework. Closer alignment between service delivery and invoicing. Gaps between what was delivered and what was claimed are becoming more visible. Greater value in proactive provider‑plan manager communication. Providers who work closely with plan managers tend to resolve issues more quickly as reforms take effect. Overall, digital payments are likely to reinforce good practice and help level the playing field. Providers who already maintain clear, consistent digital records will find the transition easier, while others may need to make more significant operational adjustments.

The NDIA has released the Annual Pricing Review outcomes and the 2026–27 pricing schedule, effective from 1 July. This annual update provides guidance on what the NDIA considers appropriate pricing for supports across the Scheme. While pricing is updated each year, the broader context remains important. Providers continue to operate in an environment shaped by rising costs, workforce pressures and increasing expectations around compliance and transparency. What has changed The 2026–27 pricing update includes adjustments across several areas. Support worker-related pricing has increased in line with wage growth, while therapy pricing has seen a mix of increases, reductions and unchanged rates depending on the discipline. Pricing for Plan Management and Support Coordination remains unchanged. These changes are informed by a wider evidence base than previous years, with the NDIA drawing on a larger data set across the health and disability sectors. This reflects an ongoing focus on aligning NDIS pricing with broader market conditions. What this means for providers Although pricing has been updated, the operating environment remains complex. Many providers will continue to manage ongoing cost pressures alongside increasing administrative and compliance requirements. The pricing schedule should be understood as guidance rather than an automatic change. It sets the maximum rates that can be charged, but it does not replace existing service agreements or remove the need for clear communication with participants. The most important changes are: An increase in the maximum rate for support work Increase to psychology and specialist behaviour support maximum rates Significant reduction in the “Other professional Therapies” maximum rate Separation of short-term respite (STR) funded supports Short-Term Respite These changes will have a major impact on how respite can be claimed. Previously, it was claimed an all-in-one support including support work, accommodation and other NDIS Supports in a single claim. This made it difficult to identify that things that are not NDIS Supports such as food were not purchased, as the daily flat fee concealed how the total cost was calculated. Instead, new claim codes for support work inside an STA, and for participant and support worker accommodation have been introduced. At this stage, this would exclude auxiliary costs such as meals (in a centre or group residence). Service agreements and communication Any changes to pricing must be discussed with participants before they are applied. Service agreements should be reviewed and updated as needed, ensuring that participants understand and agree to any changes before they take effect. Clear and consistent communication remains essential. Participants rely on providers to explain changes in a way that is simple and transparent, particularly during periods of pricing updates. Ongoing focus on compliance The NDIS continues to move toward greater oversight of pricing and claims. This includes more structured pricing arrangements, clearer line items and increased visibility across billing practices. For providers, this reinforces the importance of maintaining accurate systems, consistent documentation and clear justification of services delivered. Looking ahead There are also broader structural changes on the horizon. Proposed reforms may give the NDIS Minister greater authority in pricing decisions, with the Annual Pricing Review continuing to play a role in informing those outcomes. This indicates a continued shift toward more centralised pricing oversight and a stronger focus on long-term scheme sustainability. How First2Care supports providers At First2Care, we work alongside providers to ensure pricing is applied correctly and remains aligned with NDIS requirements. We support accurate and compliant claiming, help identify potential issues early, and assist in maintaining clear communication with participants. Our aim is to reduce complexity and support providers in navigating pricing updates with confidence.