Among the NDIS changes that started on 1 October 2026 is one that could quietly hurt the people least able to keep up with paperwork. The NDIA now has the power to suspend a participant’s plan if they don’t respond to requests for information, and ultimately end their participant status. For support coordinators, nominees, families and providers, this is worth understanding, because you may be the safety net. Here’s the plain-language guide.
How the Process Works
Before suspending a plan, the NDIA must make reasonable attempts to contact the participant, their nominee or authorised representative. That means at least five attempts over a period of three to four months, using the participant’s preferred contact method, plus a written attempt if their preferred method isn’t writing.
Attempts made while someone is in hospital, living in another institution, or experiencing homelessness don’t count toward those five.
If there’s still no response, the plan can be suspended. If the participant doesn’t respond within 90 days of the suspension, the NDIA may revoke their participant status. Decisions to suspend a plan or revoke status can be reviewed.
Who’s Most at Risk
The safeguards are real, but some participants are much more likely to miss contact than others. People with intellectual disability or cognitive impairment who struggle with letters and emails. People with psychosocial disability whose engagement fluctuates. People without a stable phone number or address. People who rely on family members who have moved, become unwell or stopped helping. And people whose preferred contact details are simply out of date.
For many of these participants, the issue isn’t unwillingness. It’s that a letter or email goes unread, or a call goes to an old number.
What Support Networks Can Do
Check that the NDIA has current details. Help participants confirm their phone number, email, postal address and preferred contact method are up to date, along with any nominee or authorised representative details.
Talk about it. Make sure participants know that NDIA requests for information now carry real consequences if ignored, and agree how they’ll let you know if one arrives.
Watch for gaps. If a participant goes quiet, moves, or ends up in hospital, that’s the time to check in about NDIA correspondence.
Help respond. If a request arrives, help the participant understand it and reply, or contact the NDIA on their behalf where you’re authorised to.
If a Plan Is Suspended
Act quickly. Contact the NDIA, provide what’s been asked for, and ask how to restore the plan. Remember the 90-day window before participant status may be revoked. If you believe the process wasn’t followed properly, for example contact attempts were made while the participant was in hospital, ask for a review. Free disability advocacy services can help.
It Sits Alongside Other Changes
This power arrived with several other tightening measures: extra checks on late claims from 15 October, a 90-day claiming limit from 1 December, and new record-keeping periods. Our guide to NDIS record keeping covers the paperwork side. The official detail is on the NDIS website.
The Bottom Line
Since 1 October, the NDIA can suspend a plan after at least five contact attempts over three to four months, and revoke participant status if there’s no response within 90 days of suspension. The participants most at risk are those who struggle with paperwork, have unstable contact details or have lost their support network. Keep their details current, explain the stakes, and step in quickly if a request arrives. This is general information, not legal advice.
Epik Wire covers the NDIS in plain language for participants, families and providers. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed.
