A significant shift is on the way for the NDIS, and it’s one that may reshape how support needs are assessed and funded. From 2026, the I-CAN Support Needs Assessment is expected to replace the mix of functional assessments currently used across the sector.

If you support a person with disability, coordinate services or help someone find the right provider, this change may affect how plans are built, justified and reviewed. Here’s what you need to know.

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What’s Changing?

Right now, participants and their teams rely on functional capacity assessments that vary widely depending on who completes them. This can lead to inconsistent evidence, confusing language and plans that don’t always reflect a person’s real needs.

The I-CAN assessment aims to address this. It’s a single, standardised national tool that looks at 12 areas of daily life, including communication, learning, mobility, self-care, mental health, social connection and behaviours of concern.

It is structured and streamlined, and it focuses on what a person can do with the right supports, not just what they cannot do.

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Why This Matters

For participants, the goal is a more consistent way of understanding day-to-day needs.

For families and referrers, it means the assessment process will be the same for everyone.

For Support Coordinators, it means your evidence will play a bigger role than ever.

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What Support Coordinators Need to Know

The I-CAN assessment relies heavily on clear, specific, real-world examples of a person’s abilities and support needs. Reports full of general statements or vague language won’t get the job done.

You’ll need to document:

• What the person can do
• What they struggle with
• What changes when the right support is in place
• How support needs show up across daily activities

The better the evidence, the stronger and more accurate the plan.

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How to Get Ready Now

While the official rollout is planned for 2026, preparation can start early.

Helpful steps include:

• Keeping detailed notes and examples of functional support needs
• Asking providers for clear, evidence-based documentation
• Reviewing current reports for language that’s too vague
• Talking with your provider about how they’ll support the transition

At United for Care, our clinical team is preparing for these changes now so we can guide our community through the shift with confidence and clarity.

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Want a Simple Breakdown? Join Our Webinar

We’ll be running an online session to step through what the I-CAN means, who it affects and how to prepare without the overwhelm.

Clear. Practical. No jargon.

Register your interest here.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the I-CAN definitely replacing Functional Capacity Assessments?
Not yet. The NDIA is currently trialling the I-CAN Support Needs Assessment, and final decisions about replacing existing functional assessments have not been announced.

When are NDIS assessment processes expected to change?
The NDIA has indicated potential updates from 2026, depending on the results of the current trial and further review.

What does the I-CAN assessment look at?
The I-CAN covers 12 life domains, including communication, learning, mobility, self-care, social connection and behaviours of concern. It uses structured questions to help capture a clearer picture of daily life and support needs.

What should Support Coordinators do now?
Continue documenting support needs clearly and specifically. Real-world examples and evidence-based reporting will remain important as assessment processes evolve.

How can families and participants prepare?
Keeping notes about daily support needs, reviewing reports for clarity and speaking with providers about the trial can all help people stay informed.

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