NDIS changes and Acquired brain injury (ABI)

Monitor Updated 2026-05-07

Acquired brain injury spans a wide range of functional presentations — from severe and permanent disability to significant recovery with residual needs. How the 2026 reforms affect ABI participants depends heavily on individual support type and intensity. High-support participants are stable; those on lower-intensity plans focused on community participation should monitor developments.

What this means for your situation

The functional capacity assessment framework should recognise the cognitive, physical, and behavioural impacts of ABI clearly for participants with significant ongoing needs. The uncertainty is for people with ABI who have recovered substantially and whose current plans focus on community participation or capacity building. The episodic and fluctuating nature of some ABI presentations — fatigue, cognitive fluctuation — may complicate assessment.

What determines your risk

— Severity of ABI and resulting functional impairment is the key variable
— Cognitive and behavioural supports have clear functional justification
— Fatigue and fluctuation may complicate standardised functional assessments
— Community participation-focused plans on lower-intensity budgets warrant monitoring

Support lines under scrutiny

→ Community participation supports (lower-intensity)
→ Capacity building — where recovery has been significant

What to do now

1. Ensure your functional report captures bad days and fluctuation, not just peak performance

2. Ask your neuropsychologist or rehabilitation specialist for a current functional assessment

3. Document the impact of fatigue and cognitive load on your daily functioning specifically

4. Use the check tool to understand your individual risk level

Get a personalised read in 5 minutes.

The check tool asks 8 questions about your specific plan, support types, and situation — not just your diagnosis. You'll get a clear risk assessment plus a printable roadmap.

Start the check →

Frequently asked

Does ABI protect me from losing NDIS funding?

An ABI diagnosis doesn't automatically guarantee NDIS access under the new framework — functional impairment evidence matters. For most ABI participants with significant ongoing needs, that evidence will be clear. If your ABI has resulted in substantial recovery and your plan is primarily focused on lower-intensity social supports, you're in a monitor category.

How do I document fluctuating symptoms for a functional capacity assessment?

Keep a functional diary covering both good and bad days — document what tasks you cannot complete, what help you need, and the impact of fatigue. A neuropsychologist or OT can translate this into a formal functional assessment that accounts for variability. Standardised assessments done on a good day may significantly understate your actual support needs.

What's happening in your state

New South Wales → Victoria → Queensland → Western Australia → South Australia → Tasmania → Australian Capital Territory → Northern Territory →

Other conditions

Autism (ASD) Psychosocial disability Intellectual disability Cerebral palsy Multiple sclerosis (MS) Down syndrome ADHD Spinal cord injury (SCI) Physical disability Vision impairment Hearing impairment / Deafness

Information current as of 2026-05-07. Rules are subject to change as legislation is finalised. This page is general information, not legal or clinical advice. For advice on your specific situation, talk to your plan manager, support coordinator, or a free disability advocate. Full disclaimer