NDIA releases NDIS Quarterly Report 2025–26

The NDIA has released its Quarter 2 NDIS Quarterly Report (Oct–Dec 2025). It includes updates on participant numbers, how quickly access decisions are being made, outcome trends like participation and employment and changes that may affect services and pricing.

Read our quick summary of some of the key highlights from the report. For more details, you can read the full report here.

With growth comes a stronger focus on consistent timeframes, decision-making and clearer processes.

This quarter, 92% of access decisions were made within 21 days.
And 78% of people who met access said their experience was good or very good.

For participants aged 15+, community and social participation increased from 34% at baseline to 41% at latest reassessment.

There were gains across adult age groups, including:

The report also shows participation tends to improve the longer someone has been in the Scheme (all ages combined):
6+ years: 37% → 46%

This kind of progress usually doesn’t come from a single service. It builds over time when supports are reliable, well-matched and connected to someone’s specific needs and goals.

Across working-age participants (15–64), the report shows a small increase in paid work: 21% → 23%.

The biggest improvement was for younger participants:

Employment supports look different depending on life stage, and early pathways (confidence, routine, skills, transport, coaching) can be especially important for young people.

For participants aged 15+ who have been in the NDIS for more than two years, 82% reported greater choice and control, up from 68% at first check-in.

This is one of the more meaningful indicators as it reflects whether supports are helping someone feel more able to make decisions, direct their plan and shape their everyday life.

This quarter:

Home and living pathways can move well when the right information is provided early, but evidence gaps can slow things down, especially for more complex supports. Of the 850 applications still awaiting a decision, 194 were waiting on more information from participants.

Critical incidents decreased this quarter, and the most common themes remained abuse/neglect, followed by risk of or attempted self-harm.

This serves as a reminder of how important safeguarding is, including clear reporting processes, strong provider oversight and support workers who know when and how to escalate concerns.

Mobile Service Centres visited 185 locations across rural/remote NSW, QLD, SA and TAS.

The report also mentions progress in Maningrida (NT) through a direct commissioning approach to improve reliable therapy access, including local jobs and training expectations.

The report notes new art and music therapy price limits (effective November 2025), and outlines a three-year pricing workplan. It also confirms consultation is underway for the 2025–26 Annual Pricing Review, covering disability support work, therapy, support coordination, plan management, and social/community/civic participation.

The NDIA’s pricing work is intended to keep price settings up to date as supports, service delivery models and participant needs evolve.

This quarter:

Given the size and complexity of SIL supports, the NDIA continues to report closely on activity and trends in this area.

If you’d like to talk through what’s changed and what it could mean for your plan, #TeamLeora is here to help

Call or chat with one of our team members today to learn more.