Three NDIS changes this month affect participants, families and providers: smaller budgets in two support categories from 1 October, new service agreement resources, and the SIL registration deadline. Here is what each one means, in plain English.

1. Some support budgets are changing from 1 October

Under the new NDIS laws, budgets for two support categories will be reduced as plans are created or reassessed from 1 October 2026, or renewed from 1 February 2027:

• Social, Economic and Community Participation
• Improved Daily Living Skills

The NDIA says some supports in these categories won’t be affected, including employment supports, disability-related health supports, high intensity supports, intensive and complex behaviour supports, and hearing services. Essential day-to-day supports such as help with eating, dressing, toileting, cleaning, medication, home modifications and specialist disability accommodation are also not affected.

What to do: if your plan is due for reassessment or renewal, talk to your support coordinator early about your goals and the supports you rely on. Every plan is individual, so the impact will be different for each person.

Source: NDIS, Changes to support budgets from 1 October

2. New service agreement template and checklist

On 13 October the NDIA released a new service agreement template, a checklist, guidance and Easy Read versions. Service agreements are mandatory for Specialist Disability Accommodation, and strongly encouraged for other supports, particularly Supported Independent Living. Using the template is optional.

What to do: use the checklist when you review any service agreement, so you know exactly what you are agreeing to.

Source: NDIS, New service agreement resources available

3. SIL providers must now be registered

Unregistered Supported Independent Living providers had until 1 October 2026 to apply for registration with the NDIS Commission, or stop providing SIL. If you use SIL, check your provider is registered.

Read our guide: Does your SIL provider have to be registered?

Need help with any of this?

Pursue Ability is a registered NDIS provider. Call us on 02 7227 6310 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm), email enquiries@pursueability.com.au, or send a referral.

General information only, current at 20 October 2026. Always check the official NDIS website for the latest details.