The way NDIS funding is decided is officially changing. We are moving away from old medical reports and into the I-CAN v6 Support Needs Assessment.
Are you an NDIS participant or a person supporting a participant in Frankston? 2026 will mark one of the most significant changes to the NDIS scheme in years.

We are rapidly transitioning away from depending on Functional Capacity Assessments (FCAs) as a basis for general plan budgets and into a new approach, the I-CAN v6.

The I-CAN v6 Support Needs Assessment is changing how we create, fund, and review plans. For many participants, the main challenge isn’t only figuring out eligibility; it’s also about being understood clearly.

Under the new system, it’s more than someone’s disability. It’s about how clearly your support needs are documented, evidenced, and communicated.

That’s why many participants turn to a registered NDIS provider in Frankston to help them in preparing for the assessment and accessing services.

What is the I-CAN v6 Support Needs Assessment?

The I-CAN v6 stands for the Instrument for Classification and Assessment of Support Needs Version 6
This is a new holistic support needs assessment framework. It is part of the New Planning Framework under the NDIS Act. It is designed for people with disabilities aged 16 and older.

This tool will make it easier for participants and their families to navigate the NDIS. It will introduce a more structured and consistent approach to evaluating needs by focusing on:

  •         How often do you require support?
  •         What type of support do you require?
  •         How does the support you receive affect your everyday functioning?

This means that assessments will become more standardised and detailed, necessitating participants to clearly demonstrate how their needs affect their daily living.

Moving from Functional “Impairment” to “Support Needs”

Initially, two participants with similar needs or diagnoses often received wildly different funding packages grounded entirely on who wrote their medical reports.

However, the new model introduces a completely different path that emphasizes a new focus. The I-CAN looks at a participant’s support needs, not just their medical diagnoses. Although this is still relevant, I-CAN also looks at what participants need help with, not what they can’t do alone. It asks:

 ‘What support does this participant need to function daily, safely, and independently?’

This shift is significant because:

  •         It reflects substantial challenges and not only clinical limitations
  •         It encourages more personalized, realistic, and appropriate funding outcomes
  •         It aligns planning with a participant’s daily experiences and goals

For participants in Frankston, it’s now essential to clearly state your support needs. Doing this in practical and specific terms helps secure the right funding.

 

Why Frankston Participants Need a Registered Provider for the 2026 Transition

Why Frankston Participants Need a Registered Provider for the 2026 Transition<br />
As much as the I-CAN v6 will bring about more structure to the planning process, it will also become more complex.

Many participants might struggle to:

  •         Convert their daily living experiences into structured assessment language
  •         Provide the right type of supportive evidence
  •         Confidently articulate their needs during planning meetings

This is why working with a registered NDIS Provider in Frankston is essential.

As a registered NDIS provider, MyLife Accommodation and Care supports its participants beyond service delivery. We help fill the gap between a participant’s daily living experiences and how those experiences need to be presented within the NDIS framework.

This includes:

  •         Preparing documentation that is deemed assessment-ready
  •         Identifying support needs that may be overlooked
  •         Integrating reports with I-CAN v6 expectations
  •         Supporting the participant during planning discussions

With the right guidance, participants are in a better position to receive plans that accurately reflect their support needs.

 

Checklist: Preparing for your First “New Framework” Plan Meeting

Preparing for your first I-CAN v6 meeting can make a substantial difference in your outcomes.

At MyLife Accommodation and Care, we encourage our participants to use the following checklist to guide their preparation:

Document your daily routine

Create a map of your day’s routine by writing down the steps in detail, indicating the areas you require assistance.

Be clear and specific

Replace broad statements with measurable wording. For example, “I need assistance getting dressed every morning for 20 minutes.”

Identify current challenges

Identify the areas where you are facing difficulty or require informal support.

Gather supporting documents

Collect supporting documentation as evidence, including medical reports, allied health professional assessments, and notes from your support worker.

Define your goals

Clearly define your goals. Think of the items you want to improve upon, maintain, or accomplish.

Seek support from the provider early

Early engagement with a support provider will allow you to work through your documentation in a way that meets the expectations of your assessment, thus making the experience less stressful and smoother.

Local Frankston Advocacy and Assessment Support Hubs

Frankston is home to numerous local resources that can offer support for participants making the transition.

These include:

  •         Local Area Coordinators (LACs)
  •         Allied health professionals, including occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and psychologists
  •         Community-based disability organisations
  •         Independent Advocacy Services

Although these various resources are all useful in supporting participants during the transition, they must ensure they are coordinated effectively. For instance, while LACs assist with initial setup, they typically do not provide case management.

MyLife Accommodation and Care can fill this gap by offering support coordination. We ensure that your reports, supports, and goals align under the new assessment framework.

Final Thoughts: Preparation is Power in 2026

I-CAN v6 is not just a minor update to an existing platform. It represents a fundamental shift in our priorities by putting your needs at the centre of what we’re doing.

Accredited assessors will hold structured interviews for up to three hours. They will cover 12 areas, including communication, self-care, and mobility.

To boost your chances of getting a personalized plan, prepare early. Communicate clearly and work with skilled service providers.

Frankston residents, now is the time to get informed, get organized, and find the right support. Under the new framework, clarity is essential.

Need Support Navigating the New NDIS Framework?

Working with the right registered NDIS provider in Frankston will make navigating your NDIS easier and help boost your confidence
Working with the right registered NDIS provider in Frankston will make navigating your NDIS easier and help boost your confidence.

MyLifeAccommodationandCare offers:

  •         Tailored NDIS support services.
  •         Accommodation and care solutions.
  •         Guidance around assessments and planning.
  •         Ongoing support personalized to your needs.

Reach out today to explore ways on how you can prepare for your 2026 NDIS Plan with confidence.