Evaluation of NDIS supports lists and shorter funding periods

We’re looking at how the new NDIS supports lists, funding amounts, funding periods and funding components are working.

We’re publishing 3 reports from this evaluation:

A summary report on the first 3 months, published in June 2025
A progress report on the initial 9 months, published in April 2026
A final evaluation report using data collected over 13 months will be published in early 2026.

These reports will:

First summary report

The first summary report provides early observations on the implementation of changes to NDIS legislation.

It covers the period from 3 October to 31 December 2024 and draws from a wide range of data sources including:

Some of the key findings include:

Some participants reported uncertainty and anxiety about NDIS supports, indicating a need for clearer guidance
Staff training was effective but highlighted a need for further support in applying the changes
The number of requests and approvals for replacement supports.

You can read more details in the report:

The second progress report provides further observations on the implementation of changes to NDIS legislation.

It covers the period from 3 October 2024 to June 2025 and draws from a wide range of data sources including:

Some of the key findings include:

Clearer information is helping participants understand the NDIS supports lists and how the NDIA makes funding decisions.
Participant complaints and questions about the NDIS support lists have reduced over time.
Some participants have experienced changes to their supports, and a small number are using replacement supports – mostly for communication tools like tablets and apps.
The NDIS support lists are helping planners make more consistent decisions and explain those decisions to participants.
Planners reported consistent use of NDIA guidance documents to help them choose suitable funding periods for different supports.
Planners are more likely to use a shorter funding period when they’re concerned a participant could run out of funds early, for example if  there’s a history of overspending or a risk of fraud or financial harm.

To read more details download the report:

The final progress report provides the final observations on the implementation of changes to the NDIS legislation.

It covers the period from 3 October 2024 to 31 October 2025 and draws from a wide range of data sources including:

Some of the key findings include:

Clarity about the NDIS supports lists has improved for some participants but there is more to do to help all participants better understand the lists
The supports lists are improving the integrity of the NDIS and planners are making more consistent decisions
Early signs suggest that funding periods may help reduce plans being spent faster than their budget
The data shows that reforms are helping participants better manage their plans in terms of spending on NDIS supports and staying within budget.

To read more details, download the report:

We look forward to working with you to promote continuous improvement in the delivery of NDIS legislation.