NDIS November 2026 Update: Paid Research Opportunities, New Planning Tests & Free Webinars
Last updated: 6 November 2026
Have you heard about the latest NDIS opportunities available this November?
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is inviting participants to help shape the future of NDIS planning, while new research is exploring how employment support can work better for young people with disability.
There are also three free NDIS information webinars scheduled for November, covering eligibility, choosing providers and managing funding.
Some of the research opportunities are paid, and participating in the new planning tests will not affect your current NDIS plan or funding.
Whether you’re an NDIS participant, family member, carer or nominee, here’s what you should know.
Quick Answer: What’s New With the NDIS in November 2026?
November 2026 brings several participant engagement and education opportunities. These include paid testing of the new NDIS planning process, research involving young people who have received employment funding, and free online NDIA webinars on 10, 18 and 26 November. The planning tests are voluntary and do not change participants’ existing NDIS plans, funding, supports or eligibility. The new planning system is expected to begin rolling out from April 2027.
1. Paid Opportunity: Help Test the New NDIS Planning System
One of the most important opportunities announced in the November participant newsletter is the chance to help test the new way of planning.
The NDIA is developing a new planning approach that will use support needs assessments to better understand participants’ disability-related support requirements.
These assessments are expected to become part of NDIS planning from April 2027.
Before the rollout, the NDIA wants to hear directly from participants.
Who can participate?
The newsletter highlights an opportunity for NDIS participants aged 18–25 and their nominees.
Participation is voluntary and paid.
The NDIA is interested in learning how people experience the new planning process and identifying improvements before implementation.
Will participating affect your NDIS plan?
No.
According to the NDIA, participating in testing will not change your current or future NDIS plans, funding, supports or eligibility.
The testing activities are designed to collect feedback, not to reassess your actual funding.
Why should participants consider taking part?
The opportunity allows participants to share their experiences and provide feedback on a system that may affect many people in the future.
For example, participants may be able to explain whether assessment questions are clear, whether the process is accessible and whether they feel comfortable communicating their needs.
Interested in participating? Visit the official NDIS website and follow the link to NDIS Engage to check current opportunities and eligibility.
2. New Testing for Participants With Complex Support Needs
The NDIA is also seeking participants with higher or more complex support needs to help test the support needs assessment process.
This is particularly important because a standard assessment approach may not work equally well for everyone.
Some participants need additional assistance with communication, decision-making, appointments, technology or accessibility.
The NDIA wants to understand how the assessment process can better accommodate these needs.
Who is the opportunity for?
According to the November newsletter, the opportunity is open to NDIS participants aged 18 and over, along with eligible plan nominees or legal guardians.
People with autism, psychosocial disability, decision-making support needs or other accessibility requirements are particularly encouraged to express interest.
When will testing take place?
Testing activities are scheduled to run from November 2026 to April 2027.
Participants may be involved for up to 6.5 hours across multiple days.
This is a paid opportunity.
What happens during testing?
Participants may be invited to take part in practice assessment activities and provide feedback on their experience.
The newsletter explains that participants can receive assistance to take part and do not need to complete the process independently.
It also states that information provided during the testing will remain private and will not be added to participants’ NDIS records.
Participation is voluntary, and participants can stop at any time.
Does this replace a real NDIS assessment?
No.
These are practice activities designed to improve the assessment process.
Taking part does not replace a participant’s existing planning arrangements or automatically trigger a change to their plan.
For a more detailed explanation of the future system, read our existing guide: NDIS Support Needs Assessment 2027: How the New Planning System Will Work.
3. Paid Research: Improving Employment Outcomes for Young People With Disability
Another opportunity highlighted in the November newsletter focuses on improving employment outcomes for young people with disability.
Employment can play an important role in building independence, confidence, financial security and community participation.
However, young people with disability can face additional barriers when looking for work or preparing to enter the workforce.
The research aims to understand what has worked, what has been difficult and how employment-related support could be improved.
Who can participate?
The newsletter states that the opportunity is open to people aged 15–29 who have received NDIS employment funding.
Family members may also be eligible to participate.
What does participation involve?
Participants may be invited to attend an online interview or focus group lasting approximately one to two hours.
The newsletter advertises a $100 prepaid Visa card for participants.
Interested people should check the official research invitation for current eligibility, availability and participation conditions.
Why does this research matter?
Young people with disability have different strengths, interests, goals and support needs.
Some may need assistance developing workplace communication skills.
Others may benefit from practical work experience, confidence-building or learning how to navigate employment environments.
Research involving people with lived experience can help identify barriers and inform future improvements.
Sydney Care Support provides life skills and community participation assistance, but we do not provide specialist employment placement services.
4. Free NDIS Webinars in November 2026
The NDIA is also hosting free online information sessions for participants, families, carers and community members.
The sessions are delivered through Microsoft Teams.
They provide an opportunity to learn more about the NDIS and understand important processes directly from the Agency.
Three sessions are highlighted in the November newsletter.
Webinar 1: Applying to the NDIS — Access and Eligibility
Date: Tuesday, 10 November 2026
Time: 1:00 pm–2:00 pm AEDT
Format: Online via Microsoft Teams
This session is designed for people who want to understand how to apply to the NDIS.
Topics include eligibility requirements, the evidence needed to apply, how the application process works and where to find assistance.
Who should attend?
People considering applying to the NDIS, families supporting an applicant and community members wanting to understand access requirements.
Webinar 2: Working With NDIS Providers
Date: Wednesday, 18 November 2026
Time: 1:00 pm–2:00 pm AEDT
Format: Online via Microsoft Teams
This session is particularly relevant to participants who are looking for a new support provider or want to understand their existing arrangements.
The webinar covers how to find and choose providers, the purpose of service agreements, participant rights and responsibilities, and what to do when problems arise.
Who should attend?
Participants preparing to start services, people comparing providers, and families wanting to better understand provider relationships.
If you’re looking for support in Sydney, our existing guide How to Find the Right NDIS Support Worker in Sydney provides additional practical questions to ask before choosing a worker.
Webinar 3: Ways of Managing Your NDIS Funding
Date: Thursday, 26 November 2026
Time: 1:00 pm–2:00 pm AEDT
Format: Online via Microsoft Teams
This webinar explains the different ways participants can manage NDIS funding.
It covers self-management, plan management and NDIA management, including how different funding management arrangements can sometimes be combined within one plan.
Participants can also learn about the responsibilities, flexibility and assistance associated with each option.
Who should attend?
New participants, people preparing for a planning meeting and participants who want to better understand their funding management arrangements.
November 2026 NDIS Webinar Calendar
| Date | Webinar | Time (Sydney) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 November | Applying to the NDIS: Access and Eligibility | 1–2 pm |
| 18 November | Working With NDIS Providers | 1–2 pm |
| 26 November | Ways of Managing Your NDIS Funding | 1–2 pm |
All three sessions are advertised as free online events.
How to Register for an NDIS Webinar
Visit the official NDIS events page and select the session you want to attend.
Registration generally closes one business day before each webinar or earlier if places fill.
The NDIA’s event information also provides arrangements for participants who require accessibility supports. Earlier registration may be necessary when these supports are requested.
After registering, check your email for the Microsoft Teams joining instructions.
Official registration information: https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/events
5. Why the New NDIS Planning Tests Matter
The new planning approach is one of the most significant NDIS reforms scheduled for 2027.
The NDIA plans to introduce support needs assessments that gather information about the type, amount and frequency of disability-related assistance a participant needs.
The goal, according to the Agency, is to create a more consistent planning process and reduce the burden of obtaining repeated reports.
However, the detailed rules are still being developed.
That’s why participant testing matters.
A planning process that works for one person may be difficult for another.
For example, some participants may need additional time to communicate, a trusted support person present, accessible materials or assistance using online systems.
By including people with different support needs in testing, the NDIA can identify practical problems before the system is introduced more widely.
6. What Should NDIS Participants Do This November?
Not every opportunity will be relevant to every participant.
If you’re interested in research, check whether you meet the eligibility requirements and whether applications remain open.
If you’re preparing to apply for the NDIS, consider attending the 10 November webinar.
If you’re comparing providers or reviewing your service agreement, the 18 November webinar may be useful.
If you’re unsure about how your funding is managed, the 26 November session could help clarify your options.
Most importantly, remember that participation in these research activities is optional.
You do not need to take part in testing to keep your existing NDIS plan.
7. How Sydney Care Support Helps Participants Across Sydney
At Sydney Care Support, we believe participants should have access to clear information and meaningful choices about their support.
We understand that NDIS announcements can sometimes be difficult to follow, especially when several reforms are being introduced over different timeframes.
That’s why we share practical NDIS information alongside our disability support services.
Sydney Care Support provides assistance with daily living, personal care, domestic assistance, meal preparation, social and community participation, transport assistance and life skills development.
We work with self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants across Sydney, subject to individual needs, service suitability and worker availability.
Sydney Care Support does not provide Support Coordination, Supported Independent Living (SIL), or housing services.
Looking for an NDIS Support Worker in Sydney?
If you already have approved NDIS funding and are looking for practical disability support, our team would be happy to discuss your requirements.
When enquiring, please tell us your suburb, the type of assistance you need, your preferred days and times, and how often you require support.
We can then discuss whether suitable workers are currently available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there paid NDIS research opportunities in November 2026?
Yes. The November participant newsletter highlights paid opportunities involving the new planning system and research into employment outcomes for young people with disability. Eligibility and availability depend on the particular opportunity.
Can NDIS participants aged 18–25 help test the new planning system?
Yes. The newsletter identifies an opportunity for participants aged 18–25 and their nominees to help test the new way of planning.
Will participating in NDIS planning tests affect my funding?
No. The NDIA states that voluntary planning tests will not change participants’ existing plans, funding, supports or eligibility.
Can participants with complex support needs take part?
Yes. The NDIA is seeking feedback from participants with higher or more complex support needs, including people who require assistance with communication, accessibility or decision-making.
How much are participants paid for the youth employment research?
The November newsletter advertises a $100 prepaid Visa card for eligible participants who complete the relevant interview or focus group.
When do the free NDIS webinars take place?
The newsletter highlights sessions on 10, 18 and 26 November 2026, covering access and eligibility, working with providers and managing NDIS funding.
Are the webinars available to people in Sydney?
Yes. The webinars are online, so Sydney participants and families can attend subject to registration availability and accessibility arrangements.
When will the new NDIS planning system start?
The NDIA currently expects the new planning system to begin rolling out from April 2027.
Does Sydney Care Support provide assistance with everyday activities?
Yes. Sydney Care Support provides eligible daily living, personal care, domestic assistance, meal preparation, community participation, transport assistance and life skills services, subject to individual arrangements and availability.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss These November NDIS Opportunities
November 2026 offers several opportunities for participants and families to learn, contribute and stay informed.
From paid research activities to free educational webinars, the NDIA is providing different ways for people with disability to share their experiences and better understand the Scheme.
If you’re interested in the future planning system, consider whether the testing opportunities are suitable for you.
If you want to understand eligibility, provider relationships or funding management, the free webinars may be a helpful place to start.
And if you’re looking for disability support services in Sydney, Sydney Care Support is available to discuss your individual support needs.
Stay informed. Know your options. Make your voice heard.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information based on the November 2026 participant newsletter and official NDIA information available on 6 November 2026. Research availability, eligibility, payments and webinar registrations may change. Sydney Care Support is not the organiser of the NDIA research activities or webinars.
Contact Us
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Phone: 1300 798 162 | 0450 242 645
Email: enquirie@sydneycaresupport.com.au
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