NDIS independent assessments: the abandoned 2020 proposal
Independent Assessment: What does it mean for you?
By Tristram · Originally published 16 September 2020
Original article and dated context
Tristram is a sports-obsessed powerchair-user who has worked and volunteered in the disability field for most of my adult life. He even dabbles in the occasional podcast. But most importantly, he's part of the Clicka fam!
More than two weeks have passed since the NDIA said it would soon introduce 'Independent Assessors', so we thought it was time - after a deep breath - to look at what this actually means.
Simply, the NDIS will use independent assessments to get an understanding of your 'functional capacity' (what you can and can't do). They'll use this to figure out what supports you need within your NDIS Plan.
So, without my usual intro (who needs unnecessary suspense at a time like this!), let's dive right in and explore where this reform came from, when it will be introduced, and the practical effect it will have on your Plan.
Where did this reform come from?
Good question. The NDIS Act Review (cool kids call it the Tune review) recommended the NDIA introduce independent assessments - one of 29 recommendations made to improve the NDIS 'participant experience'.
Now, the Minister for the NDIS, Stuart Robert, has confirmed this 'independent assessment' recommendation will be adopted, and will form part of the NDIA's Service Improvement plan.
[Clickability update, October 2026: The proposed 2021 rollout did not proceed. The NDIA’s July 2021 announcement confirmed the independent assessment proposal would not go ahead.]
When will it come into effect?
If you're a new participant, independent assessments will be part of the access process from early 2021. If you're an existing participant, you could be independently assessed from mid 2021 as part of your plan review process.
[Clickability update, October 2026: These statements describe the abandoned proposal, not an assessment you must arrange today. Consult current NDIA reform information and the guidance relevant to your actual application or plan change.]
What does it mean for me?
We're now getting to the nuts and bolts of independent assessments! Well, it means that whenever you're getting an NDIS Plan, you'll see an independent assessor.
These assessments will be free and take 1-4 hours. You can do it wherever suits you or by video call. Your doctor or therapist won't be able to do the assessment with you, but will be able to provide supporting evidence.
Understandably, some are concerned that the assessors won't be able to get a full picture of someone's disability in only 1-4 hours. They believe that a specialist, who's spent years working alongside that person, would be better suited.
The results to the initial pilot also haven't been released publicly, with some calling for more transparency and greater consultation before the changes begin.
These are obviously things that will need to be worked out, but the NDIA is saying the changes are needed to make access 'fairer' and 'simpler'.
What's next?
A competitive tender is happening - basically, the Government will decide who they believe the independent assessors will be. They'll let us know which org it will be.
And then, participants will begin being independently assessed from next year. More will be revealed, but definitely keep your current specialists and GPs in the loop.
This is a big change, one that's been discussed for ages, but we'll keep you updated. What questions do you have about independent assessment?
Clickability editorial update: October 2026
Check whether the information applies to your current situation
If an assessment request or reform headline is confusing, ask which process it concerns, who is requesting it and what you need to do. Keep the actual correspondence so your questions can be answered against the right process. Do not book an assessment simply because the old article says everyone will have one.
The 2021 announcement establishes what happened to this proposal. Current reform information is the starting point for later changes. For your own plan, ask the NDIA to explain the requirement and relevant guidance rather than relying on a historical date.
Name the proposal and its status when explaining reform
Distinguish the abandoned 2020 model from later legislation, proposed implementation and an individual evidence request. Explain the source date and what is actually being asked of the participant. Similar words such as assessment or reform do not make the processes identical.
Use current official reform information and the person’s correspondence. Help them prepare specific questions without predicting a rollout date from this article. Preserve the history for context, but do not repeat superseded requirements as present-day obligations.
Questions readers ask
Did the 2020 independent assessment proposal proceed?
No. The NDIA confirmed in July 2021 that it would not go ahead. Official guidance
Can this article establish what a participant must do under later reforms?
No. Use current official guidance for the relevant process. Official guidance
Find support to help you navigate your next steps
Tell Clickability what assistance you need and compare reviewed and rated providers. Ask suitable services how they can help with your current situation.
