Emerge Australia has heard from many people with ME/CFS and long COVID who are worried about upcoming changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) planning process. These changes are called new framework planning.
These changes affect how current NDIS participants have their support needs assessed and how their funding is determined. They do not change the process of applying to join the NDIS.
In November 2025, Emerge Australia staff attended a webinar series hosted by the Department of Health, Disability, and Ageing and the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). This article explains what we know so far, what is still unclear, and how you can share your views.
Why is the NDIS planning system changing?
Many people say the current system is confusing, stressful, and unfair. Common problems include inconsistent decisions, too much focus on diagnoses instead of daily needs, limited participant input, complex forms, and high costs to get evidence.
A 2023 independent review agreed change is needed and recommended a fairer, more consistent system. (https://www.ndisreview.gov.au/)
What will change?
Under the new system, participants will meet with a trained NDIS assessor at a time and place that suits them. You can bring a support person.
The assessor will use a structured conversation tool called the I-CAN to look at support needs across everyday life, such as personal care, mobility, communication, home and community life, and work or study. The focus is on what support a person needs to live their life.
After the meeting, the assessor will write a support needs report using the I-CAN results, a questionnaire about your living situation, and extra reports if specialised supports are needed (for example, special equipment or home modifications).
Assessments will be completed by NDIA staff who receive specific training designed by the University of Melbourne and The Centre for Disability Studies. The first assessors will be allied health professionals, but later assessors may come from other professional backgrounds.
The support needs report will help calculate funding. The NDIA is still developing the exact method, but increased spending flexibility is expected.
When will these new assessments start?
The changes are planned to start from mid-2026 and will be rolled out gradually over several years. If you have a plan review coming up, the NDIA will tell you if the new system will be used and explain what to expect.
How might this impact participants living with ME/CFS or long COVID?
There may be benefits, such as:
- Less need to pay for repeated medical reports
- More focus on self-reported daily support needs
A system that may better recognise fluctuating symptoms.
However, people still have concerns, including:
- Whether assessors will understand post-exertional malaise (PEM), brain fog, and fluctuating symptoms
- If existing doctor and specialist reports can be considered (because so few health professionals specialise in ME/CFS, it is important that reports from trusted clinicians can still be used)
- How taxing the assessment may be (it could last up to three hours)
- That not all assessors will have an allied health background.
In summary
The new system could become more fair, simpler, and more focused on real-life needs. However, it is understandable to feel cautious because many details are still unknown. Emerge Australia will continue to follow these changes and advocate for people with ME/CFS and long COVID.
How can you get involved?
You can share your thoughts through the public consultation HERE which is open until March 6. 2026.
If you are an NDIS participant or plan nominee, you can volunteer to join the New Framework Planning Pool HERE. Volunteers may be invited to take part in activities that help improve the new planning approach.