NDIS no-contact rules start 1 Oct 2026

The Securing the NDIS Future Generations Bill introduced a range of changes to the NDIS, many of which we have already covered in a previous article.

Another important change comes into effect on 1 October 2026, and it’s one all NDIS participants, nominees and support networks should be aware of.

New no-contact rules

From 1 October 2026, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) will have the power to suspend a participant’s NDIS plan if they are unable to make contact after a series of attempts.

If a participant does not respond within 90 days of their plan being suspended, the NDIA may then revoke their NDIS participant status.

How the contact process works

Before a plan can be suspended, the NDIA must follow a specific contact process.
This includes:

• Making at least five attempts to contact the participant using their preferred method of communication.
• Making one additional written contact attempt if the participant’s preferred communication method is not in writing.
• Ensuring the fifth and final contact attempt occurs no earlier than three months and no later than four months after the first contact attempt.
• Excluding contact attempts made while a participant is in hospital, living in another institution, or experiencing homelessness. Participants will need to notify the NDIA if any of these circumstances apply to them.
• Providing access to a review process. Any decision to suspend a plan or revoke participant status can be reviewed, and participants have the right to challenge these decisions.

What you can do

To help avoid any disruption to your NDIS plan:

• Keep your contact details up to date with the NDIA.
• Notify the NDIA if your circumstances change, such as if you are admitted to hospital or experiencing housing instability.
• Make sure your preferred method of contact is accurate and regularly monitored.
• Respond to NDIA communications as soon as possible.

For providers, nominees and members of a participant’s support network, it’s important to help participants understand these changes and ensure they know how the new process works.

For more information about these changes, visit the NDIA website.