Navigating the NDIS can sometimes feel confusing, especially when new changes are introduced. If you or a loved one receives funding for assistance with daily living, you may wonder how the 2026 NDIS updates will affect your everyday support.

At Ethicare Supports, we help participants understand these changes in a simple and stress-free way. The Australian Government is introducing updated NDIA guidelines to create a fairer and more flexible system. Therefore, understanding these updates early can help you prepare with confidence.

What Is Assistance with Daily Living?

Assistance with Daily Living is part of your NDIS Core Supports budget. It helps participants manage everyday activities and maintain independence at home and in the community.

For many participants in Perth, this support includes:

Personal hygiene and grooming assistance
Help with showering and dressing
Medication reminders and health support
Cooking meals and household cleaning
Laundry and home organization
Skill-building for greater independence

In addition, regular support can improve confidence and daily comfort.

Understanding the 2026 NDIS Changes

The NDIA is introducing a new planning system called New Framework Planning. This updated approach aims to make the NDIS easier and fairer for participants aged 16 and over.

Instead of focusing mainly on medical reports, the new system looks at your daily life and personal goals. As a result, assessments will focus more on practical support needs and individual experiences.

Importantly, these changes will begin gradually from mid-2026. However, your current NDIS plan and funding will remain unchanged until your next scheduled review.

New Support Needs Assessments

Previously, participants often needed large amounts of medical paperwork to prove their support requirements. Under the 2026 updates, the NDIA will instead use a simpler Support Needs Assessment process.

What to Expect During the Assessment

Participants will complete a guided conversation with a trained assessor. During this meeting, the assessor will discuss important areas of daily living and support needs.

The assessment process includes:

A face-to-face or video conversation
Questions about daily routines and challenges
A strengths-based assessment approach
Discussion about goals and independence
Support from family members or carers if needed

Furthermore, participants can invite a trusted NDIS Provider Perth to attend the conversation for additional support.

Greater Flexibility with Your Core Budget

One major improvement in the 2026 updates is increased flexibility within Core Supports funding.

Previously, many budgets were divided into strict categories. However, the new framework allows participants to use funding more freely based on changing needs.

For example, you may decide to:

Reduce cleaning support temporarily
Increase personal care during recovery periods
Adjust support hours based on health changes

As a result, participants gain more control over how their support funding is used.

Longer NDIS Plans for Better Stability

Frequent NDIS plan reviews can create stress and uncertainty. Therefore, the updated framework aims to provide longer-lasting plans for many participants.

Longer plans may help participants:

Maintain stable support routines
Reduce paperwork and reassessments
Build stronger relationships with support workers
Feel more secure about future care arrangements

In addition, longer funding periods allow families to plan daily support with greater confidence.

Simple Ways to Prepare for Your Next Plan Meeting

Preparing early for your assessment can make the process much easier.

Keep Daily Notes

Write down the tasks where you regularly need support. For example:

Medication reminders
Cooking assistance
Mobility support
Household tasks
Personal care needs

Real examples help assessors understand your daily challenges more clearly.

Choose a Support Person

You may feel more comfortable having someone support you during the assessment. This could include:

A family member
A carer
A trusted support coordinator
Your local provider

Speak with Local Experts

Connecting with experienced providers can help you understand the updated system and prepare important information before your review.

Support from Ethicare Supports

Changes to the NDIS can feel overwhelming at first. However, you do not have to manage them alone. Ethicare Supports stays updated with the latest NDIA guidelines to help participants receive the support they deserve.

The team provides reliable: