As we know, NDIS is changing, it can feel both hopeful and a little overwhelming for participants and carers. You might be thinking what is actually changing? Will it affect your plan? What does it mean for the supports you rely on every day?
We know how important it is to feel supported through every step of your NDIS journey. That is why we have written this guide that helps you understand how the new NDIS planning reforms might shape your next assessment. This guide also help you know what you can do to prepare. Whether you are receiving NDIS psychology services, working with NDIS allied health assistant, this blog is only for you.
Why Are NDIS Changes Happening?
Over the past few years, many people in the NDIS community have called for more transparency, consistency & person-centred planning. The main motto of these upcoming reforms is to reduce complexity and make sure funding decisions better reflect a participant’s real goals.
So, What’s Actually Changing?
Here are the major shifts participants and carers should be aware of:
1. Assessments Will Be More Individualised
Now, planning decisions are based on generic templates or outdated assessments. Under the new reforms, there will be more focus on understanding your functional capacity.
What this means for you:
• Your next planning conversation will likely feel more personal & holistic.
• You will be encouraged to share how your supports are working, including things like NDIS psychology services or support from an allied health assistant NDIS.
• The emphasis will be on your goals, challenges and achievements not just your diagnosis.
2. Plan Reviews Will Be Less Frequent
Annual reviews won’t necessarily be the norm anymore. Instead, if your situation is stable, your plan may last longer. But if something in your life changes your goals, your health, or your circumstances.
Why this matters:
• You won’t have to “start from scratch” every 12 months.
• Plans will be designed to grow with you, especially important if you are working on long-term goals like improving independence, managing mental health, or accessing the community.
3. Budgets Will Be Structured Around Support Categories, Not Just Line Items
Instead of being given a strict set of hours, plans will be grouped into broader categories. This will give more flexibility to use funding where it is needed most.
What this means in practice:
• If you find that NDIS psychology services are making a big difference, you may have more freedom to continue that support rather than reapplying.
• If an allied health assistant under NDIS is helping you develop key life skills, your plan can better support that role over time.
What Should You Do to Prepare for Your Next Planning Meeting?
The more prepared you are, the more effective your planning conversation will be. Here’s how to get ready:
1. Reflect on What IS Working and What IS Not
Ask yourself:
• What supports have made the biggest difference in the past year?
• Have your goals changed?
• Are there things you want to do but haven’t had the support for yet?
If you have been accessing therapy through NDIS psychology services, think about the progress made, what’s still challenging and how continued support could help. If you have been working with an allied health assistant, describe the improvements in routines, confidence, or daily living tasks.
2. Collect Clear Examples
When it comes to assessments, real-life example matters the most. Try to write down specific stories, such as:
• “With help from my psychologist, I’ve gone from not leaving the house to attending two weekly community activities.”
• “With regular support from my allied health assistant, I can now follow a morning routine without prompting.”
These are not just feel-good stories, they are powerful evidence of progress and future potential.
3. Talk to Your Providers Early
Before your planning meeting, ask your support team to help:
• Write up progress notes.
• Identify areas for ongoing or increased support.
• Suggest realistic, measurable goals for your next plan.
At Care Squared, we work closely with our participants to make this process easy and collaborative. Whether it is preparing input from your therapist or outlining a strategy for your allied health assistant’s support, we are here to help your voice come through clearly.
How These Reforms Support Key Roles Like Psychologists and Allied Health Assistants
NDIS Psychology Services
Mental health support is increasingly being recognised as a critical part of participant wellbeing and rightly so. Under the new reforms, you can expect a stronger alignment between your personal goals and how psychology services are funded.
If managing anxiety, building emotional regulation, or developing social confidence are part of your plan, a psychologist will continue to play a central role.
Key tip: Be clear about how this support contributes to functional outcomes. It’s not just counselling, it’s confidence building, skill development and participation in life.
Allied Health Assistant (NDIS)
These professionals often work alongside therapists to put strategies into action. Whether it’s practicing communication tools, building routines, or supporting physical therapy, an allied health assistant under NDIS can be a key player in your journey.
Why it matters:
• Allied health assistants can provide more frequent, hands-on support at a lower cost than specialist sessions.
• Their work is practical and builds real-world skills.
Common Questions You Might Have with Helpful Answers
Q: Will I lose my current supports under the new reforms?
A: No. The goal isn’t to take things away, but to make sure supports match your needs more closely. If you’ve been using services that clearly help you move toward your goals, there’s a strong case for keeping them.
Q: Do I need to change providers?
A: Not at all. If you’re happy with your current support team, you can continue working with them. In fact, consistency often strengthens your case during assessments.
Q: I have never worked with an allied health assistant before. Should I consider it?
A: Absolutely. If you are looking for practical, day-to-day support that helps you build independence, this role can make a real difference. It’s also a cost-effective way to get regular assistance without using up your entire therapy budget.
The Takeaway: These Reforms Are Designed to Support You Not Burden You
We get it change is hard. But when done right, change can also mean less red tape, more support for your actual needs and planning conversations that feel more human and less like an audit.
Your next assessment should be about you your goals, your growth and your voice. Whether you are accessing NDIS psychology services, working with an allied health assistant NDIS, or planning for new goals ahead, this is your time to speak up and be heard.
At Care Squared, we will be by your side to help you prepare, reflect and step into your next plan with clarity and confidence.
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