NDIS plan reassessments explained: reviews, changes and how to prepare

An NDIS plan is not permanent. It runs for a period, then it is reassessed and a new plan is put in place. The reassessment is your main opportunity to make sure the next plan reflects what you actually need, and going in prepared makes a real difference to the outcome. This guide explains the different kinds of reassessment, an important distinction people often miss, and how to get ready. For the scheme overall, see our guide to the NDIS. The NDIS line is 1800 800 110.

First, a distinction that trips people up

Two different things get loosely called a "review", and they are not the same:

• A plan reassessment is the process of building your next plan (this used to be called a plan review). It is a normal, expected part of being on the scheme.
• A review of a decision is what you request when you disagree with a decision the NDIS has made, for example a decision not to fund a particular support. This is a dispute process with its own steps and time limits.

Getting these straight matters because the paths are different. If you are unhappy with a decision, you do not wait for your next reassessment; you request a review of that decision. This guide is mainly about reassessments, with the decision-dispute path covered briefly at the end.

Scheduled reassessments

Every plan has an end point, and before it ends the NDIS reassesses it to set the next one. You will be contacted to take part. The reassessment looks at how the current plan went, what has changed, and what you need going forward, and the outcome is a new plan.

The length of a plan varies from person to person; some people have longer plans where their situation is stable. A longer plan does not mean you are stuck with it if things change, which brings us to the next kind.

Requesting a reassessment early (a change of situation)

You do not have to wait for the scheduled reassessment if your circumstances change. If your needs increase, your situation shifts, or a support is no longer right, you can request a reassessment. This is sometimes called a change of situation request.

Good reasons to request one include a change in your health or disability, a change in your informal supports (for example a family carer can no longer help as much), a new goal, or evidence that the current supports are not meeting your needs. Contact the NDIS to make the request and explain what has changed and why.

How to prepare for a reassessment

Preparation is the difference between a plan that fits and one that does not. The reassessment is not the time to start thinking about it; the groundwork is done across the whole plan period.

• Keep records as you go. Note what worked, what did not, and where funding ran short or went unused. Contemporary notes carry more weight than trying to remember at the end.
• Gather current reports. Reports from your therapists, support coordinator, or other providers about your progress and your ongoing needs are strong evidence. See our guide to choosing an NDIS provider for who is involved.
• Revisit your goals. Be ready to talk about what you want to work towards next, because supports are justified against goals.
• Get quotes for new supports. If you will be asking for a new item or service, especially anything in the Capital budget, having a quote ready helps. See our guide to NDIS budget categories.
• Be specific about function. As with the original application, describe what you can and cannot do, and how support changes that. General statements are less persuasive than concrete detail.
• Bring support to the meeting. A family member, advocate, or support coordinator can help you put your case and make sure nothing is missed.

If you disagree with a decision

If the NDIS makes a decision you disagree with, such as not funding a support you asked for, you can request a review of that decision. There are time limits on requesting it, so act promptly rather than waiting. If you remain unhappy after that internal review, there are further external avenues to challenge a decision. An advocate can help; disability advocacy services exist specifically to support people through this. Do not simply wait for your next reassessment to fix a decision you think is wrong, because the dispute path is separate and time-limited.

Because the names, timeframes, and detailed steps for reassessments and decision reviews are set by the NDIS and can change, confirm the current process at 1800 800 110 or ndis.gov.au. You can browse verified NDIS and disability providers on Our Mate to line up the reports and supports you will need.

Frequently asked questions

What is an NDIS plan reassessment?

A plan reassessment is the process of reviewing your current NDIS plan and building your next one. It used to be called a plan review. It happens before your plan ends, looks at how the plan went and what has changed, and results in a new plan. It is a normal part of being on the scheme, not a sign anything is wrong.

Can I change my NDIS plan before it ends?

Yes. If your circumstances change, your needs increase, or a support is no longer right, you can request a reassessment early rather than waiting for the scheduled one. This is sometimes called a change of situation request. Contact the NDIS on 1800 800 110 and explain what has changed and why new or different supports are needed.

What is the difference between a plan reassessment and a review of a decision?

A plan reassessment builds your next plan and is a routine part of the scheme. A review of a decision is what you request when you disagree with a specific decision the NDIS has made, such as declining to fund a support. They are different processes: the decision review is a time-limited dispute path, so you should not wait for your next reassessment to challenge a decision you think is wrong.

How do I prepare for an NDIS reassessment?

Keep records throughout your plan of what worked and what did not, gather current reports from your therapists and providers, revisit your goals, get quotes for any new supports, and be specific about what you can and cannot do. Bringing a family member, advocate, or support coordinator to the meeting also helps you put your case fully.

What if I disagree with my NDIS plan?

If you disagree with a decision in your plan, you can request a review of that decision, and there are time limits, so act promptly. If you are still unhappy after the internal review, there are further external avenues. A disability advocate can support you through the process. This is separate from a plan reassessment.