What is the NDIS I-CAN v6 Assessment?

A plain-language guide for participants and carers

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and reflects publicly available information about the NDIS I-CAN assessment framework. Information is subject to change as the NDIA finalises its rollout. This guide does not constitute professional disability support advice.

If you or someone you care for is an NDIS participant, you have likely been hearing more about the I-CAN v6 assessment throughout 2025 and 2026. The NDIA is introducing a new way to measure support needs — and understanding what it involves before your assessment date can make a significant difference to your outcome.

This guide breaks down exactly what the I-CAN v6 assessment is, why it is being introduced, who it affects, and what happens on the day.

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What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia's system of support for people with a permanent and significant disability. Managed by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), the scheme funds reasonable and necessary supports to help participants live more independently and participate in their community.

As of 2026, the NDIS supports more than 600,000 Australians with disability. Alongside that growth, the scheme has undergone significant reform — including a complete overhaul of how participant support needs are assessed.

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What is the I-CAN Assessment?

The I-CAN assessment is the NDIS's new standardised framework for measuring a participant's functional capacity and support needs. It replaces earlier, more subjective approaches to determining what supports a person requires.

Rather than relying solely on diagnostic reports or professional opinions, the I-CAN tool uses a structured, evidence-based assessment conducted by an accredited professional. It looks at how a person's disability actually affects their day-to-day functioning across 12 specific life domains.

The tool draws on the internationally recognised International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This means the assessment is grounded in a globally accepted framework for understanding disability and functional capacity.

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What Does "v6" Mean?

"v6" refers to version 6 of the I-CAN framework. The assessment tool has been developed and refined over several iterations. Version 6 represents the most current implementation, incorporating feedback from participants, carers, allied health professionals, and disability organisations across Australia.

Key improvements in v6 include:

• More refined domain descriptors that better capture the full range of support needs
• Stronger alignment with the ICF framework
• Improved consistency across different assessors and geographic regions
• Better support for complex and multiple disability presentations

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Why Is a New Assessment Approach Being Introduced?

The NDIS Review, published in 2023, identified significant inconsistency in how support needs were being assessed across the scheme. Participants with similar needs often received very different funding levels — depending on where they lived, which assessor conducted the evaluation, or how their supporting evidence was framed.

The 2023 NDIS Review ("Working Together to Deliver the NDIS") made a clear recommendation: establish a consistent, functional assessment framework to improve fairness and predictability for participants.

The I-CAN v6 assessment is the NDIA's response to this recommendation. It is designed to ensure that two participants with comparable support needs — regardless of their location, diagnosis, or who assesses them — arrive at comparable funding outcomes.

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Who Needs an I-CAN v6 Assessment?

From mid-2026, the I-CAN v6 assessment will apply to:

• New NDIS participants applying to access the scheme for the first time
• Existing participants undergoing a plan review or scheduled reassessment
• Participants whose circumstances have significantly changed and require a funding revision

If you are an existing participant currently in a stable plan, you may not need an assessment immediately. However, when your next plan review is due, the I-CAN v6 framework is expected to be the standard approach.

Note for carers and family members: If you support an NDIS participant, this assessment also affects you. Understanding the domains and how to document support needs is important preparation for the process.

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Who Conducts the I-CAN Assessment?

I-CAN v6 assessments are conducted by accredited assessors — typically allied health professionals such as:

• Occupational Therapists (OTs)
• Psychologists
• Physiotherapists
• Speech Pathologists
• Social Workers

Assessors are registered with the NDIA and must meet specific accreditation requirements. The NDIA assigns an assessor, or you may be able to request one through your Support Coordinator. The assessment is funded by the NDIA and does not cost you anything directly.

Assessors are trained to conduct the evaluation consistently and objectively. They are not your treating therapist — their role is specifically to measure your functional capacity using the I-CAN tool.

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What Happens During an I-CAN v6 Assessment?

The assessment typically involves:

1. An initial interview or conversation — usually 60–90 minutes — where the assessor asks about your daily life, challenges, and how your disability affects each of the 12 domains.

2. Standardised tasks or observations — depending on your disability and presentation, the assessor may observe you performing certain activities, use standardised instruments, or review existing clinical documentation.

3. A review of supporting evidence — your treating specialists' reports, therapy records, hospital letters, and other documentation are considered as part of the assessment.

4. A functional capacity rating — based on the assessment, your support needs across each domain are rated on a standardised scale.

The assessment may be conducted in your home, at a community setting, or via telehealth, depending on your situation.

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What Happens After the Assessment?

After the assessment:

1. The assessor submits their report to the NDIA.
2. The NDIA uses the results to determine your funding level and the types of supports that are reasonable and necessary.
3. You receive a new or revised NDIS plan reflecting those support needs.
4. You can review the assessment and, if you disagree, request a review through the NDIA's internal review process or the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).

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When Does I-CAN v6 Start?

The NDIA has announced that the I-CAN v6 assessment framework will begin rolling out from mid-2026. The initial rollout is expected to be staged, meaning not all participants will transition simultaneously.

The NDIA has committed to:

• Providing advance notice to participants before assessments are scheduled
• Supporting participants through the transition with information and resources
• Ensuring existing plans are not immediately disrupted by the rollout

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the I-CAN v6 assessment replacing my current NDIS plan?

No. The I-CAN v6 assessment is about how your support needs are measured when your plan is reviewed. It does not immediately cancel or replace your current plan. Your existing plan remains in place until your next scheduled review.

Will I have to pay for the assessment?

No. I-CAN v6 assessments are funded by the NDIA. There is no direct cost to participants or carers.

Can I bring a support person to the assessment?

Yes. You are entitled to have a support person — such as a carer, family member, or Support Coordinator — present during the assessment. Their input and observations can be valuable.

What if I disagree with the assessment outcome?

If you believe the assessment does not accurately reflect your support needs, you can request an internal review through the NDIA, and further appeal to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) if needed.

Do I need to prepare anything before my assessment?

Yes — preparation is important. Read our companion guide: How to prepare for your I-CAN v6 assessment — a step-by-step guide.

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Sources: NDIS Review Final Report 2023, NDIA website — Support needs assessment, WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health