NDIS 2026: What Melbourne Families Need to Know About the "New Framework" Planning
How the shift from functional assessments to "Support Needs Assessments" impacts your Behaviour Support funding.
The NDIS is changing. If you are a participant or carer in Melbourne—from Mickleham to Glen Waverley—you’ve likely heard about the "New Framework" planning rolling out in mid-2026.
At Gibelli Positive Pathways, we know that change can be stressful, especially when it involves your support budget. Here is a clear breakdown of what is changing and how you can prepare.
1. What is the "New Framework" Planning?
Starting mid-2026, the NDIA is moving away from purely "Functional Assessments" and moving toward a Support Needs Assessment.
The Old Way: You provided multiple expensive reports from OTs, Psychologists, and PBS practitioners to "prove" your need.
The New Way: A trained government assessor will have a "structured conversation" with you about your daily life. They will use a tool called the I-CAN v6 (developed at the University of Melbourne) to help determine your budget.
2. Why Behaviour Support is More Important Than Ever
With the new framework, the NDIA is looking for measurable outcomes. The algorithms that set budgets in 2026 favor participants who can show their supports are actually working.
Concise Reporting: Long, "fluffy" reports are out. Sharp progress reports that show a reduction in restrictive practices or an increase in social skills are in.
Flexible Budgets: Most plans will now have a "Flexible Budget" component. A clear Positive Behaviour Support Plan (PBSP) ensures that money is being spent effectively to improve quality of life.
3. How to Prepare Your Family
If your plan is due for review in late 2025 or 2026, don’t wait for the NDIA to call you.
Review your current PBSP: Is it up to date? Does it clearly show your goals?
Collect Evidence: Keep a simple log of how transitions or social interactions are improving.
Talk to an Expert: Our team at Gibelli is already training on the 2026 framework to ensure our Melbourne clients don't see a "funding dip" during the transition.
Ready to Secure Your 2026 Support?
We currently have immediate capacity for Functional Behaviour Assessments (FBAs) and ongoing Behaviour Support across Melbourne, including Rowville, Fawkner, Heathmont, and Mernda.
Don't wait for your plan review to find out you're behind. Let us help you build the evidence you need for a successful transition to the new NDIS framework.
Click Here to Complete Our Online Referral Form (It takes less than 2 minutes to get started)
