The changes to the NDIS have now passed Parliament.

People with disability, families, advocates and organisations across the country warned that these changes could leave people with less support, push people out of the Scheme and put more pressure on families and already stretched services.

Our community spoke up. People shared deeply personal experiences. We made submissions, appeared before the Senate inquiry and called on decision-makers to listen.

We are deeply disappointed that these concerns were not enough to stop the changes.

Now, many people will be wondering: What does this mean for me? What happens to my supports? And what can I do if an NDIS decision leaves me worse off?

You should not have to navigate that uncertainty alone.

If your funding is reduced, your plan doesn’t meet your needs, you’re told you’re no longer eligible for the NDIS, or you receive a decision you don’t understand or agree with, there are advocacy services, legal supports and review processes that may be able to help.

And while Every Australian Counts will keep fighting for an NDIS that delivers on its promise, we also want to make sure our community knows where to turn for help.

What happens now?

The legislation has passed, but that does not mean every change happens at once.

The changes will be introduced in stages, and different changes will affect people at different times.

If you’re an NDIS participant, don’t assume that the passage of the legislation means your current plan or supports have changed immediately. In fact, nothing should happen until 1 October when we expect cuts to community and social participation to begin being rollout.

Pay close attention to information you receive from the NDIA about your plan, eligibility or supports. Keep copies of letters, emails and decisions, and seek independent advice if you’re unsure what a decision means for you.

If you’re worried about how the changes could affect you, getting advice early can help you understand your rights and options.

Start with an independent disability advocate

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t understand a decision or aren’t getting the answers you need from the NDIA, an independent disability advocate can be a good place to start.

An advocate may be able to help you:

  • understand an NDIA decision
  • understand your rights and options
  • prepare for a planning meeting or review
  • communicate with the NDIA
  • make a complaint
  • challenge a decision you disagree with.

You can find a local advocacy service through Ask Izzy’s Disability Advocacy Finder, which can help connect people with disability advocacy services.

The National Disability Advocacy Program also funds organisations across Australia to provide advocacy support to people with disability.

Advocacy services can be busy, so reach out as early as you can.

If you disagree with an NDIA decision

If the NDIA makes a decision you disagree with, you may have the right to ask for it to be reviewed.

Not every interaction with the NDIA follows exactly the same review process, so check the decision letter carefully. It should tell you whether the decision can be reviewed and what you need to do next.

For reviewable decisions, you can generally ask the NDIA for an internal review.

There can be time limits for asking for a review, so don’t put it off. If you’re unsure about your rights or the deadline that applies to you, contact an advocate or legal service as soon as possible.

If you still disagree after the NDIA’s internal review, you may be able to apply for an external review through the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).

You don’t have to navigate this process alone.

The NDIS Appeals Program funds support for people seeking external review of NDIA decisions. Depending on your circumstances and the stage of your matter, advocacy or legal assistance may be available to help you understand the process and prepare your case.

When legal help can make a difference

Sometimes an advocate can help you resolve an issue.

Sometimes you may also need legal advice, particularly if the decision is complex, could have a significant impact on your supports, or your matter is going to the Administrative Review Tribunal.

You may be able to get help through an organisation funded under the NDIS Appeals Program.

You can also contact Legal Aid in your state or territory or a community legal centre to ask about your rights and what assistance may be available.

You don’t need to wait until you’re at the Tribunal to ask for advice. If you’re unsure about a decision or worried about a deadline, getting advice early can make a difference.

Where should I go for help?

It can be confusing to know which organisation to contact. The right place depends on what’s happened.

  • If you’re worried about an NDIA decision, your plan, eligibility or funding: contact an independent disability advocate and find out whether you have review rights.
  • If you want to challenge a reviewable NDIA decision: check your decision letter and seek advice about requesting an internal review.
  • If you’ve completed an internal review and still disagree: you may be able to seek an external review through the Administrative Review Tribunal, with support potentially available through the NDIS Appeals Program.
  • If you need legal advice: contact an NDIS Appeals Program service, Legal Aid or a community legal centre.
  • If your concern is about the quality or safety of supports provided by an NDIS provider: the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission handles complaints and concerns about NDIS providers and workers.
  • If you’re looking for advocacy or other community services: Ask Izzy can help you find services in your area.

If you’re not sure where your issue fits, an independent disability advocate can help you work out where to start.

If you’re worried about a funding cut, eligibility decision or plan review

Try to act as early as you can.

  • Keep copies of every letter, email, plan and decision you receive from the NDIA.
  • Read decision letters carefully, including information about your review rights and any deadlines.
  • Write down important phone calls, including the date, who you spoke to and what was discussed.
  • Contact an independent disability advocate.
  • Gather relevant reports and other evidence that explain your disability, circumstances and support needs.
  • If you disagree with a reviewable decision, seek advice about requesting an internal review.
  • Seek legal advice if your matter is complex or is heading to the Administrative Review Tribunal.

Most importantly, don’t assume you have to work everything out by yourself.

If all of this is taking a toll

Fighting for the support you need can be exhausting.

For many people with disability and families, the uncertainty surrounding the NDIS and these latest changes has already taken a toll.

If you need someone to talk to, support is available:

  • Lifeline (24/7): 13 11 14 or webchat
  • Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or webchat
  • Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 or webchat
  • QLife (LGBTIQA+ support): 1800 184 527 or webchat
  • Kids Helpline (5–25 years): 1800 55 1800 or webchat
  • Disability Gateway: 1800 643 787
  • Carers Australia: 1800 242 636

Reaching out for support is always an option.

You shouldn’t have to fight for the support you need

People with disability shouldn’t have to become experts in NDIS rules, reviews and legislation just to access the support they need to live their lives.

And people should not be left to navigate the consequences of major NDIS changes on their own.

The disability community warned Parliament about the risks of these changes. Those concerns don’t disappear because the legislation has passed.

Every Australian Counts will continue to stand alongside people with disability, families, carers, support workers and advocates and fight for an NDIS that is fair, transparent and delivers the choice and control people were promised.

We will also be watching closely as these changes are implemented and listening to what people with disability are experiencing.

If these changes affect you, we want to hear about it.

Your experiences matter. They help show decision-makers what these changes mean in the real world and why getting the NDIS right matters.

The vote in Parliament does not mean our work is over.

The NDIS exists because people with disability and families came together and refused to accept less. That collective voice changed Australia once, and it remains powerful today.

Together, we will keep fighting to protect our NDIS.