The Repercussions of NDIS Funding Cuts

Jamie-Lee talks about her recent experience with NDIS funding cuts and how it has impacted her life.

I’ve accessed funding from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) since it began in 2018, and I’ve seen a lot of changes over the years, but this latest round of funding cuts took me by surprise and has impacted me in a really personal way. 

Recently, I was unable to travel for work due to a lack of funding for two support workers to accompany me on the trip. I travelled last year for work and leisure with two support workers, so I didn’t think there would be any issues, but I was wrong. 

I require 24-hour support and concierge who assists when I need a 2-person transfer. But I’m not funded for two people when I go on respite.

I have tried travelling with one support worker previously, and things always go wrong when someone is awake and working 24 hours a day.

Jamie-Lee has experienced some negative repercussions from changes to the funding in her NDIS plan. Image: Disinfluencer

The positives and negatives

I agree with some of the ways the NDIA are reducing spending, as I’m aware a lot of specialists charge NDIS participants more for their services. 

According to data from the NDIS, people with a disability have been paying ‘NDIS premiums’ for some therapies, while the same services are offered to able-bodied people at lower rates.

There are positive and negative impacts for participants, as it means our funding is being safeguarded, but it also means we have to go through a lot of bureaucratic processes to receive the funding we need.

NDIS plans were previously allocated on a yearly basis, which caused a risk of participants overspending. From 19th May 2025, changes were introduced to better manage budgets by changing funding periods to quarterly to decrease the risk of participants running out of funds. Personally, I find it a lot easier to manage budgets having quarterly plans.

The 2025-26 Federal Budget predicts decreased spending on the NDIS for the second year in a row. 

It outlines that “$954 million less will be spent on the NDIS next year than previously forecast and $3.9 billion less will be spent over the next five years.”

What’s changed and the impacts

  • According to Empowrd, plan management funding cuts result in decreased support from plan managers.
  • Since 2019 there has been no increase to support coordination rates, which makes keeping businesses open more challenging.
  • I’ve personally experienced cuts to therapy supports and now, can only do physiotherapy and exercise physiology once a week, instead of twice. This has impacted my health and well-being; I’ve noticed a deterioration in my strength as I cannot stand up in my frame anymore for long periods of time. My core strength has decreased as I can no longer stop myself from falling forward in my chair.  
  • Less funding for providers when travelling means providers will be less likely to visit remote areas.

The NDIS is a constantly evolving scheme and I feel extremely lucky to live in a country where NDIS is available. Learning how to navigate through the NDIS is important, especially during uncertain events such as funding cuts. 

I personally try to stay up to date with the changes to avoid these impacts blindsiding me again. There are a lot of different online tools to stay up to date with these NDIS changes, including home and living supports such as the NDIS Housing Advice Line. 

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About the author

Jamie-Lee loves to challenge stereotypes surrounding disability; her lived experience of someone growing up disabled motivates her advocacy. Having studied journalism at uni, she uses her writing skills to her advantage. Shining a light on independent living options available to people with a disability is how we can create change in our society. She hopes to help other people with a disability along their journey, encouraging vulnerable people to find their voice. She believes that diversity will pave the way to equality for all.

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