February 24, 2025
NDIS News
NDIS News: New tools to better understand participants’ support needs

Understanding the unique support needs of every NDIS participant is essential to delivering fair, effective, and flexible support. Recognizing this, the NDIA is introducing new tools to streamline the way support needs are assessed and budgets are allocated. In particular, this change aims to provide a more equitable experience while reducing the burden on participants and their families.
Moreover, we are committed to ensuring our clients stay informed and receive the support they need throughout these transitions. Let’s explore what these changes mean for you.
A New View on Support Needs
The NDIS Review identified challenges in the current system that often require participants to source their own reports and evidence, leading to unnecessary costs and time delays. To create a fairer, more consistent process, the NDIA is now working on a new way to gather this information directly.
Specifically, this shift is designed to:
Ensure fairer budget allocation based on actual support needs.
Reduce the administrative burden on participants and families.
Offer more flexibility in how participants structure their support plans.
New Tools, New Opportunities
Specifically, the NDIA has launched two key initiatives:
Support Need Assessment Tools
A request for tender has been issued to develop tools that assess support needs for adults (16+ years old).
Industry Consultation
A request for information has been released to gather insights on assessing support needs for children and specific types of NDIS-funded supports.
These initiatives will ensure that participants receive budgets tailored to their individual needs, rather than relying on external reports and assessments.
Why NDIS Participants Will Love This
These new measures will have a significant positive impact, including:
Less paperwork and fewer out-of-pocket costs
No more chasing reports and assessments.
More equitable budgets
Based on real needs rather than external factors.
Greater flexibility
Participants will have more say in how their supports are structured.
Consequently, The transition to this new system will take approximately five years, ensuring a smooth and effective implementation.
The Benefits for You
In particular for most NDIS participants, the current planning process will remain in place for now. However, as the new approach is tested and rolled out, it’s essential to stay informed and prepared for upcoming changes.
Moreover, we are closely monitoring these developments and are here to support you every step of the way. Whether it’s understanding your current plan or preparing for future changes, our team is here to help.

Let Us Help You Live Life on Your Terms
Navigating the evolving NDIS landscape can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Abled Care Services, we provide:
Expert guidance on upcoming NDIS changes.
Personalized support to help you adapt to new processes.
Flexible services to match your evolving support needs.
We believe in making NDIS support simpler and more accessible so you can focus on what truly matters—living life on your terms
Conclusion
The introduction of new tools for assessing participants’ support needs marks a significant step toward a fairer and more efficient NDIS system. While these changes will take time to fully implement, they promise to bring greater ease, equity, and flexibility to participants and their families.
As always, Abled Care Services is here to support you through these transitions. If you have any questions or need assistance with your NDIS plan, reach out to us today!