The NDIS is introducing computer-generated plans. Here's what that means
Moderated by Tomas Kauer 
Reports of computer-generated NDIS plans have been circling for weeks, leaving some participants and their families worried.
The new plans appear to be part of cost-cutting efforts at the NDIS, which is projected to cost Australia $52.3 billion in the 2025-26 financial year.
But what is the new I-CAN assessment tool, how will these computer-generated NDIS plans work, and when will they come into effect?
Here's what we know so far.
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What are NDIS computer-generated plans?
Talk of "computer-generated NDIS plans" refers to the new digital tool the NDIS will soon be implementing to help determine participant funding.
In October, the government announced changes to how budgets are determined for NDIS participants.
Under the new method, budgets will be decided based on a Support Needs Assessment.
The base of the assessment will be formed by the Instrument for the Classification and Assessment of Support Needs (I-CAN) tool.
Developed by the University of Melbourne and the Centre for Disability Studies, the I-CAN tool has been used in the Australian disability sector for 20 years.
The I-CAN tool is a computer program, but it's not AI.
"The Support Needs Assessment is not automated and does not use artificial intelligence," a National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) spokesperson told 9news.com.au.
"Decisions about a participant's needs will be made by a real person.
"Assessments will be conducted by trained assessors and plans will always be approved by real people who are trained NDIA staff."
When will the new NDIS computer-generated plans start?
"From mid-2026, the NDIS planning process will begin changing to make it fairer, more consistent and easier for participants," an NDIA spokesperson said.
The I-CAN planning model will be rolled out in stages, according to The Guardian.
The NDIA is reportedly conducting participant and staff information sessions now.
How does the I-CAN tool calculate my budget?
The I-CAN tool will be used in conjunction with in-person assessments to produce a Support Needs Assessment and develop participant budgets.
An NDIS participant will first meet with a trained assessor who will work to understand their life and disability support needs.
The participant can bring family, support people or carers to the meeting.
A new personal and environmental circumstances questionnaire will also be used to collect additional information about the participant's support needs.
In some cases, where the participant's needs are more complex, reports from their treating health professionals may also be submitted.
Information gathered by the assessor will be checked with the participant and their carers and put into the I-CAN tool.
It will then cost the participant's support needs and provide a budget or funding package.
All budgets produced using the I-CAN tool must be approved by an NDIS staff member.
However, NDIS staff cannot make any changes to a budget generated by I-CAN, according to reports.
Staff can only request a new assessment from the I-CAN tool using different inputs.
A spokesperson for the NDIA, which administers the NDIS, said the new method would ensure more consistent collection of information and inform fairer plan budgets.
"This planning process uses a person-based and strengths-based approach that will result in simpler plans with more flexibility," they said.
"It will also reduce the need for participants to collect and pay for expensive reports."
The spokesperson also said NDIA staff will spend more time with participants under the new framework.
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What if I disagree with my NDIS computer-generated plan?
Participants still have the right to request a review of their plan, either internally or through the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).
An internal review may involve conducting another assessment using the I-CAN tool.
If a participant is still unsatisfied, they can request a review through the ART.
However, tribunal members will reportedly no longer have the power to directly amend an NDIS participant's plan if they believe it's incorrect.
More than 7000 new cases of participants appealing NDIA decisions were brought before the ART in the 2024-25 financial year alone.
That figure represented a 76 per cent increase year on year.
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