Section 30 Changes – NDIS Eligibility Reassessments

What changed in 2025-2026?

1. Extended timeframes for documentation

One of the major changes made by the NDIA is extending the timeframe for participants to supply documentation should they be subject to eligibility reassessment. Prior to the change, the NDIA has previously given a timeframe of up to 28 days for participants to supply sufficient documentation in order for their reassessment to occur. Documentation may include letters from doctors or treating therapists or a letter from a support worker. This has now been extended from 28 days to 90 days, which gives the participant a more reasonable timeframe in which to collate all their necessary documentation needed for their reassessment. This change significantly helps the participant as it relieves stress in needed to supply enough documentation in time. Furthermore, participants are able to request additional time to supply the appropriate documentation if they are unable to respond and provide evidence within the 90 day timeframe.

If the NDIA deems that the participant no longer meets the eligibility requirements, they will still receive their NDIS plan for 3 months, allowing them time to prepare for the changes. Participants are also given the opportunity to have the decision be reviewed if they do not agree with it. 

2. What happens if they are no longer eligible?

Eligibility reassessments happen when the NDIA believes the participant’s circumstances may have been changed sufficiently to the point where they no longer meet the eligibility requirements to receive NDIS funding, including the residency and disability or early intervention criteria. The NDIA can also request specific information or require you to do certain things like undergo an assessment if we are considering revoking your status as a participant. If the participant’s current circumstances do not comply with the eligibility requirements then their NDIS funding may be revoked. If the NDIA deems that the participant does not meet the eligibility criteria and gets their funding revoked, they will be able to access funding for a further 3 months before the enrolment is ceased.

3. Impact on Psychosocial Disabilities

The eligibility criteria surrounding psychosocial disabilities have tightened with some conditions potentially falling outside key classifications, making it harder for some to prove ongoing eligibility. Previously, disorders like schizoaffective disorder or severe personality disorders were accepted under the NDIS with the right paperwork. The new legislation has changed requirements to stay eligible. The law lists certain conditions, and psychosocial disabilities, for better or worse, seem to be out of the main categories. This change is important because it means a lot of people who used to be eligible may not be able to present the evidentiary requirements to continue receiving their support. This raises concerns about how participants with severe mental illness, such as schizoaffective disorder will access much needed disability supports.

4. Reassessment for Specific Cohorts

From the 3rd of October 2024, The NDIA will roll out a new eligibility reassessment for specific cohorts, specifically children turning 9 years of age. Previously, the eligibility reassessment age for children with developmental delays was 7 years old. Now the NDIA has increased the age to 9 years old to ensure they still meet the criteria. This shift aligns with early intervention pathway changes, focusing on assessing if, at age 9, they require ongoing NDIS support rather than mainstream services. The reassessment at this age helps determine if the child has a permanent impairment that requires ongoing NDIS support under the disability requirements, or if their needs can be met through mainstream and community services. This means that parents/guardians/support workers need to collate sufficient documentation of the participant for the reassessment. This ties back to the extended timeframe which means the participants now have 90 days to respond and provide evidence from health professionals in order to prevent revocation of NDIS support.

5. What does this mean for NDIS participants?

To conclude, the recent changes to the eligibility for a Section 30 reassessment under the NDIS bring the system closer to a fairer system that is more participant-focused. The additional time to provide evidence of a change in circumstances, the clarity of the reasons for a reassessment, and the provision of support during the process reduce the stress, anxiety, and disengagement that people with mental health-related impairments experience. The changes to the Section 30 process acknowledge the episodic and fluctuating nature of psychosocial disabilities however it may be more difficult to continue receiving NDIS support as the eligibility reassessment for participants with psychosocial disabilities have tightened. 

We know that the NDIS can be challenging to navigate and are hopeful that this information has been helpful.

To learn more about how we might be able to help you or your participant with therapy services, we’d love you to contact our friendly team on either (02) 8678 7874, via email to [email protected] or via our contact form.