The NDIA is evaluating the reforms to the NDIS. This will take place over 5 years and focus on key areas for improvement.
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:
- show what is working well
- include stakeholder engagement
- highlight areas that need improvement
- share ideas to make the NDIS better for participants.
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:
- Agency administrative data (for example plans, claims and payments)
- existing agency surveys of participants and staff
- internal reports, summary documents, and review papers
- internal sector engagement, including consultations with key stakeholders.
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:
- NDIS support lists, funding amounts and periods – Summary report (DOCX 500KB)
- NDIS support lists, funding amounts and periods – Summary report (PDF 400KB)
- Easy Read NDIS support lists, funding amounts and periods – Summary report (DOCX 56KB)
- Easy Read NDIS support lists, funding amounts and periods – Summary report (PDF 5.9MB)
The second progress 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:
- a participant experience survey
- a frontline staff experience survey
- internal reports, summary documents and review papers
- Agency administrative data (for example, plans, claims and payments).
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 -- such as if there’s a history of overspending or a risk of fraud or financial harm.
To read more details download the report:
- NDIS support lists, funding amounts and periods – Progress report (PDF 747KB)
- NDIS support lists, funding amounts and periods – Progress report (DOCX 561KB)
- Easy Read NDIS support lists, funding amounts and periods – Progress report (PDF 6.5 MB)
Next steps for this evaluation
We will publish third and final report for the evaluation of the introduction of NDIS supports, funding amounts, funding periods and funding components.
We are actively engaging with stakeholders and the community to enhance the quality of the NDIS. This is consistent with the NDIS Review.
Our evidence is helping to improve the NDIS.
Contact us
If you would like more information on this evaluation, email the Participant Outcomes, Evidence and Evaluations team
We look forward to working with you to promote continuous improvement in the delivery of NDIS legislation.