How to Get Ready for Your NDIS Plan Review Meeting?

From 1 July 2022, the NDIS changed some of its language. What was once called a “review” now has clearer terms. A plan reassessment means a full review of your plan when it’s due to end or needs major updates, while a plan variation is for smaller changes. The process still serves the same purpose — to make sure your NDIS plan continues to meet your needs as life moves forward.

There are usually three main kinds of meetings:

• A full plan reassessment, when your plan period is finishing.
• A review because a new plan missed something you expected.
• A change of circumstances reassessment, when something in your life shifts mid-plan.

This guide focuses on preparing for a full reassessment, though most of the advice also helps with the others.

Types of reassessment you might come across

Since the pandemic, the NDIA has used a few flexible ways to refresh plans:

• A new plan with the same supports (sometimes called a renewal). This suits people whose current supports are working fine.
• A new plan with small updates (formerly “light touch,” now a plan variation). This covers things like small adjustments or administrative fixes.
• A full plan reassessment, where everything is reviewed from goals to budgets.

Knowing which one applies helps you plan what to bring to the meeting.

What to think about before your meeting

Start with the basics — what has changed since your last plan? Write short notes.

• Has your disability’s impact increased, eased, or stayed the same?
• Are you about to begin something new, like a job, course, or therapy?
• Have your personal or living circumstances changed — maybe moving, or a change in informal supports?
• Do you have any significant changes, like entering school, changing residence, or assuming programmes in the community?
• In the case of children below seven years, you can consult your Early Childhood Partner; with other kids, your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) can assist most of the time.

These points will allow your planner to see a complete picture of what is and is not working.

Keeping track of your plan dates

Your plan has a start and end date — don’t wait for someone else to remind you. The NDIA aims to contact you about six weeks before your plan ends, but if you haven’t heard anything by three or four weeks out, it’s time to call.

• Children under seven – contact your Early Childhood, Early Intervention (ECEI) partner.
• Over seven years old – reach out to your LAC or their office.
• In case you have a Support Coordinator, ask him or her to assist with the arrangement of the meeting.

In the event that none of the above is true call 1800 800 110 and say that you would like to begin the process of reviewing your plan.

Reports, quotes, and other paperwork

Gather any evidence that supports your case. If you have funding under Capacity Building, ask your therapists or service providers to prepare short reports covering:

• progress made during your current plan
• recommendations for new supports or therapy
• any changes to frequency, intensity, or type of therapy

If you need new equipment or home modifications, get updated quotes and clear reasoning. The reports don’t need to be long, but they should be current and specific.

Reviewing your goals

Go through your current plan’s goals. Which ones have been achieved? Which are ongoing? Are there new goals you want to include? For children, goals might change more quickly, while adults may refine rather than replace them. In case there are no longer relevant goals, ask for reason.

Among other things, such as finding a new job, acquiring a new skill, or becoming better participants of society may be your new objectives. Making the goals clear assists in identifying what should be funded the next time.

Plan management style

Each reassessment is also a chance to reconsider how your plan is managed:

• NDIA-managed – the NDIA pays providers directly, but you can only use registered ones.
• Plan-managed – a plan manager pays invoices on your behalf; you can use both registered and unregistered providers but must follow price limits.
• Self-managed – you pay and claim directly, giving more flexibility but more record-keeping.

If you want to change your management type, mention it during your meeting.

During the meeting

Be clear about what type of update you’re after:

• “I’d like a new plan with the same supports.”
• “I need a small variation for extra therapy hours.”
• “I’m requesting a full reassessment — my needs have changed significantly.”

It is more smoother to bring your notes, reports and quotes.

It is also useful to display a daily weekly outline of your support schedule. You could enumerate what you already have to help you, where the picture falls short, and what an extra would be of use in making you more independent or safe.

If your plan expires before the new one starts

Sometimes a plan ends before the new one is ready. In that case, the NDIA can automatically extend your current plan for up to 12 months at the same funding level. This avoids interruptions in your supports. When your new plan is finalised, you’ll receive confirmation through your LAC, a letter or email, or via your myGov account.

Check every detail once it arrives — dates, budgets, goals, and management type. If something looks incorrect, you can usually fix it through a plan variation without restarting the whole process.

A short checklist before your reassessment

• Note your plan’s end date and contact the NDIA at least six weeks before.
• Write down any changes to your circumstances or supports.
• Gather all reports and quotes.
• Review and adjust your goals.
• Decide on your preferred management type.
• Prepare a simple schedule of your weekly supports.

Final thoughts

The preparation process is not about completion of forms, it is about demonstrating the ways your day to day life relates to your funding requirements. Check on real-life examples - what has been better, what system would you still require assistance, and the new areas of challenges that you have to be.

In case the paperwork or process is overwhelming then contact your Support Coordinator or Support Network to assist you. Your NDIS plan review can become more accurate to your life and make the support you get the correct one as long as you are prepared.