Preparing for an NDIS plan review can feel confusing when you are unsure what documents to bring or how to explain your support needs. You may need different services, more assistance with daily activities or changes to your living arrangements. Preparing early can help you explain your situation clearly.
The NDIS generally refers to this process as a plan reassessment. It allows the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to consider your current circumstances and whether your plan continues to meet your disability-related support needs.
I wanted to cover this topic after looking into the questions participants and families may have before a reassessment. I checked official NDIS guidance to put together practical steps for preparing your information and evidence.
This guide is for NDIS participants, parents, carers, nominees and families who want to prepare for an upcoming plan reassessment.
Table of Contents
When Should You Start Preparing for an NDIS Plan Review?
It is best to start preparing a few months before your plan’s reassessment date. The NDIA generally contacts participants around two to three months before that date to arrange a check-in.
Use this time to review your current supports, identify any gaps and gather relevant documents. Do not wait until the last week to request reports from therapists or healthcare professionals, as these may take time to prepare.
If your circumstances change significantly before your scheduled reassessment, contact your my NDIS contact to discuss your options. You may be able to request a reassessment or another type of plan change, depending on your situation.
Step 1: Review Your Current NDIS Plan
Start by reading your current plan and checking the supports and funding available to you.
Ask yourself:
- Are your current supports meeting your disability-related needs?
- Are you able to access the services included in your plan?
- Have your daily support needs changed?
- Are there supports you need that your current plan does not cover?
- Have your personal goals or living arrangements changed?
Write down your answers. Include specific examples rather than general statements.
For example, instead of saying you need more help at home, explain which daily activities you struggle with, how often you need assistance and what happens when that support is unavailable.
This gives the NDIA clearer information about your circumstances.
Step 2: Gather Reports and Supporting Evidence
Evidence helps explain your support needs and why particular supports may be necessary.
Depending on your circumstances, useful documents may include:
- Reports from treating healthcare professionals.
- Occupational therapy or functional assessments.
- Reports from physiotherapists, psychologists or other relevant therapists.
- Support worker progress reports.
- Information showing how your disability affects daily activities.
- Records explaining why current supports are insufficient.
- Recommendations for future disability-related supports.
Ask your treating professionals to describe your functional needs, the assistance you require and how recommended supports relate to your goals.
For example, if you need help with personal care, a relevant report could explain which activities you cannot complete independently, how frequently you need assistance and what level of support is appropriate.
Make sure your evidence is current and relevant. If you are requesting a reassessment because of a significant change in your ongoing support needs, the NDIA’s current guidance generally calls for recent evidence, usually from within four months of your request and after your current plan was approved.
Step 3: Review Your NDIS Goals
Your goals help explain what you want to achieve and how disability-related supports may help.
Before your review, consider whether your existing goals still reflect your priorities.
Your goals might relate to:
- Developing daily living skills.
- Accessing community activities.
- Improving independence at home.
- Building communication skills.
- Participating in education or employment.
- Exploring suitable housing and living arrangements.
You can update your goals if your circumstances or priorities have changed.
Try to explain what you want to achieve and what support could help you work towards it. For example, if your goal is to travel to community activities more independently, explain the difficulties you experience and the assistance you may need.
Step 4: Explain What Is Working and What Is Not
Your reassessment is an opportunity to explain how your current supports are working in practice.
Be honest about the services you use, the progress you have made and the difficulties you still face.
If you have unused funding, explain why. Perhaps you could not find a suitable provider, faced long waiting lists or experienced a change in your circumstances.
If your needs have increased, provide examples of what has changed and how this affects your daily life.
Avoid assuming that unused funding automatically means your plan will be reduced, or that requesting more funding guarantees approval. The NDIA considers your evidence, circumstances and the applicable funding rules when making decisions.
Step 5: Prepare Questions for Your Plan Check-In
Write down any questions you want to ask your my NDIS contact.
You may want to ask:
- What information should I provide for my reassessment?
- How can I explain a change in my support needs?
- Are my current supports meeting my disability-related needs?
- What should I do if I cannot access a funded service?
- How can I provide reports and supporting documents?
If someone helps you manage your supports, you may also want to discuss your preparation with your support coordinator or plan manager. They can help with relevant information within the scope of their role, but the participant or authorised representative remains responsible for providing the required information.
What Happens After an NDIS Plan Review?
After receiving your information, the NDIA considers your current plan, support needs, evidence and the supports you are requesting.
Depending on your circumstances, the outcome may be a varied plan, a new plan or a decision that your plan does not need to change.
The NDIA will explain its decision. If you disagree with a reviewable decision, you can ask about the available review process and applicable time limits.
Keep copies of your reports, forms and correspondence so you can refer to them if you need to follow up.
Prepare With Confidence for Your NDIS Plan Review
Preparing for a plan reassessment takes time, but reviewing your goals, gathering relevant evidence and explaining your support needs can help you present a clearer picture of your circumstances.
At Connect Life, we understand that navigating NDIS processes can raise questions for participants and families. If you need help understanding your supports or preparing for the next steps, contact our team to discuss your situation and the assistance available.
FAQs
Can I ask for changes to my NDIS plan before the review date?
Yes. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to request a plan reassessment or a plan variation. Contact your my NDIS contact to discuss the appropriate process.
What happens if I do not have updated reports for my NDIS plan review?
You should still contact your my NDIS contact and ask what evidence is needed. They can explain the requirements and help you understand how to provide relevant information.
Can a support coordinator attend my NDIS plan review?
You can discuss involving your support coordinator in the preparation or meeting. Their involvement depends on your circumstances and arrangements, and they can help you organise relevant information within their role.
