The impact of NDIS eligibility reassessments
⚠️ Content Note
This page discusses the impact of NDIS eligibility reassessments, including distressing experiences shared by families and young people with disability. It contains references to systemic neglect, discrimination, ableism, abuse and suicide.
NDIS eligibility reassessments are failing families
Right now, families across Australia are being left in the dark by NDIS eligibility reassessments. Children with permanent disability, especially those who are Autistic, aged under 9, or from diverse backgrounds, are being cut from the Scheme without clear explanation or alternative supports.
CYDA’s new national survey reveals the devastating impact this process is having. Families are scared, confused, and overwhelmed. Some have reported suicidal thoughts. The system is not working, and it’s hurting the very people it was designed to support.
Read the full report
We’re calling for:
No child removed until Foundational Supports are in place
A fair, timely, and transparent reassessment process
Accessible, consistent communication
Clear guidance on ‘additional evidence’
Trauma-informed, person-centred staff training
1. Children are losing support with no safety net
Families told us their children were removed from the NDIS, or had funding reduced, often with not warning and no Foundational Supports to fall back on.
- Of all respondents 22% has been removed from the NDIS following reassessment
- 26% had their funding drastically cut or services removed
- For children under 9 this increased to 32% who received a letter were removed from the NDIS.
These children and young people were removed or faced severe cuts to support despite meeting the requirements for evidence.
"we were told that because my son was under 18 that everything was deemed parental responsibility. I was told that if I couldn’t fulfill my parental responsibility that I would be reported to Department of Children Services"
2. The reassessment process is inconsistent and unfair
Families told us the reassessment process felt arbitrary, rushed, and dismissive of the evidence they worked hard to provide. Even when expert reports were submitted, families were often told they hadn’t been read.
- 99% said the reassessment process was not fair or reasonable, or that they weren’t sure.
- 48% highlighted inconsistent or ad-hoc decision making
- Many said the timeframes were impossible, and there was no chance for appeal
"90 days is not long enough for reassessment to be complete including wait for appointments and then the wait for reports. Put the families under a lot of pressure. Plus if you don’t get the documents in time, you lose your current services and once NDIS has approved the paperwork, you will have to go back on the wait lists to access these services"
3. Communication is confusing, delayed, or missing entirely
Families told us they were given confusing letters, unclear timeframes, or no information at all. Some only discovered they were being reassessed by accident. Others were unsure what “additional evidence” meant or how long they had to provide it.
- 93% said the reassessment process was not clear or easy to understand, or they weren’t sure
- 70% of those who received a letter said it was not clear what evidence was required
Without accessible, up-to-date information, families are left confused, fearful, and unable to navigate the process.
“They are deliberately vague and unclear. They do not explain the legislation. It’s a fishing expedition and if you don’t know your rights and how to get help then they just kick you off because they know you can’t stick up for yourself ”
4. Families are living in fear and distress
Families and young people told us the reassessment process is not only confusing and unfair, it’s traumatic. The emotional toll is profound, with some respondents describing feelings of hopelessness, anger, and even suicidality.
When asked how they felt about eligibility reassessments:
- 70% said they were worried
- 51% said they were scared
- 47% said they were confused
- 0% selected a “positive” feeling
Among those who had received a reassessment letter:
- 57% said they were scared
- 66% of those who shared additional feelings reported anger and stress
- 17% directly mentioned suicidal thoughts
“Suicidal - like I am having my disability used against me and my boys are going to suffer as I am not prepared ”
“The NDIS is killing me and my kids through neglect and apathy”
5. Discrimination and harm are built into the system
Families reported negative, ableist interactions with NDIA staff, including dismissive attitudes, deficit-based language, and decisions made by assessors who lacked disability knowledge or trauma-informed training.
Discriminatory treatment was especially harmful for children and young people with intersecting identities. Survey results showed that Autistic kids from diverse backgrounds, including First Nations, LGBTIQA+, and culturally diverse communities, are more likely to be reassessed, and more likely to be removed from the NDIS.
Among First Nations families, 42% had received a reassessment letter (compared to 23% overall).
“They are frightening, they make you feel you have to speak about your child's deficits in such a negative way and then continually fight for the support they need. They make you feel you don't deserve the help”
Key messages
Based on the voices of over 200 young people and families, CYDA is calling on the NDIA to:
Guarantee that no child or young person has their funding reduced or removed from the NDIS until accessible, effective Foundational Supports are in place.
Redesign the eligibility reassessment process to be fair, transparent, and co-designed with disabled people and families.
Improve communication by providing clear, timely, and accessible information to all participants.
Define what counts as ‘additional evidence’ and ensure requests are consistent, user-tested, and fair.
Train NDIA staff to deliver person-centred, intersectional support, with enough time and flexibility to meet real needs.
Provide trauma-informed, disability-focused training to all NDIA staff, with outcomes tied to staff performance.
These changes are essential to rebuild trust, prevent harm, and ensure children and young people with disability can access the support they deserve.
Support is available
Reading about eligibility reassessments may bring up strong feelings. You’re not alone, and help is available.
If you or someone you know is in distress or needs support, please contact:
Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 (mental health support)
Carer Gateway – 1800 422 737 (support for carers)
Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800 (for children and young people aged 5–25)
13YARN – 13 92 76 (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, 24/7)
