NDIS Category 04 Cuts: What’s Changing and When

Written by My Supports on 29 Oct, 2026 in Guides

Most participant budgets for 04 (Social & Community Participation) will be cut by 50%.

This article sets out which 04 supports are being cut, by how much, and the dates each reduction starts, along with a possible pathway for participants with very high support needs.

Last updated: 29 October 2026

Funding category	Example code	Cut
Social, economic and community participation supports	04_104_0125_6_1Access Community Social and Rec Activ – Standard – Weekday Daytime	50% of plan amount
Improved daily living skills		10% of plan amount
Supports in employment		Nil
High intensity or complex supports	04_450_0125_1_1Intensive and Complex Behaviour Supports – Weekday Daytime	Nil
Customisable and wearable technology		Nil
Hearing services		Nil

The reduction applies to the funding amount in the plan, not the participant’s actual expenditure.
For example, if a participant has $50,000 in funding but uses $30,000 in a year, their cut will reduce their budget to $25,000, meaning a small reduction in used hours ($5,000).

When Will Cuts Happen?

From 1 October 2026, 04 cuts apply to “New plans”.

New participants go through the usual planning process. The funding reduction applies as soon as the new plan starts. Participants will be told how much their relevant funding has been reduced.
Unscheduled reassessments (from 1 Oct): Participants can request an unscheduled reassessment if there is a significant and ongoing change in their support needs. If a reassessed plan is approved, the funding reduction applies when the new plan commences.
NDIA-initiated/scheduled reassessments (from 1 Oct): The NDIA says they will generally contact participants 2-3 months before their reassessment. The usual reassessment process applies, including phone, video or face-to-face options.

From 1 February 2027 – 04 cuts apply to plan renewals.

Anyone receiving the affected supports who has not had a plan created or reassessed since 1 October 2026 will have their plan renewed by 30 September 2027.
The NDIA will contact participants 60 days before their renewal.
If their scheduled reassessment is:
- Before 1 October 2027: that reassessment becomes the renewal date.
- On or after 1 October 2027: it will be brought forward to occur on or before 30 Sept 2027.
The funding reduction applies as soon as the renewed plan commences.

For the full official detail, read the Australian Government’s guide, Funding changes for NDIS supports.

Note: If a participant has 24/7 supports and over $215,030 in funding, there may be a pathway to increase to 01 supports to partially offset the cut in 04 funding. Refer directly to the Government’s guidance on high support needs safeguards.