The NDIS is designed to give you the supports you need to build your skills, maximise your independence, and help you pursue your goals. If your circumstances and needs change, your plan may also need to change.

There are two types of plan changes the NDIS can make: plan variations and plan reassessments.

Plan Variations

A plan variation is a small change to your current plan. When the NDIS does a plan variation, only the part of your plan that is varied is changed. Your current plan keeps going.

Small changes the NDIS can make include:

• your goals
• the information about you, including your contact details
• your plan reassessment date
• the way you manage your funding
• providing funding for short-term supports when your situation changes suddenly.

Plan Reassessments

In a plan reassessment, the NDIS replaces your plan with a new one. The NDIS will reassess your plan if you need bigger changes than can be done in your plan variation, or your plan no longer meets your needs.

When the NDIS does a plan reassessment, your plan as a whole is considered. You’ll meet with an NDIS planner to create your new plan. Your old plan will end, and you’ll receive a new plan with new funding.

The NDIS will do a plan reassessment when:

• your situation changes and your plan no longer meets your needs
• the plan reassessment date in your plan is coming up and your disability support needs change.

When Your Situation Changes

You should tell the NDIS about any changes in your situation so they can make sure you are getting the right support. You can talk to your support coordinator, recovery coach, or other NDIS contact about your situation and what has changed.

When the Reassessment Date in Your Plan is Coming Up

The NDIS must reassess your plan before the reassessment date in your plan. They will arrange a check-in meeting with you around 3 months before your plan reassessment date to talk about how your plan is meeting your needs. They will also write to you to let you know your reassessment is coming up.

The NDIS will usually reassess your plan at least every three years to make sure you’re getting the right supports for your needs and circumstances as your life changes. It’s a good chance to think about how your plan is working for you and if your goals or support needs have changed.

If your needs haven’t changed, the NDIS can approve a new plan that includes the same supports as your previous plan.

How to Ask for Changes to Your Plan

You can ask the NDIS to change your plan at any time. You can talk to your NDIS contact, support coordinator, or recovery coach about the changes you want and why. The NDIS will work with you to see if your plan needs to change, and let you know what information or evidence you’ll need to prepare.

You can also ask for changes by:

• completing the change of details or change of circumstances form on the NDIS website
• calling the NDIS on 1800 800 110
• visiting one of their offices.

You’ll need to give the NDIS any new information to help them decide if they can make changes to your plan. The information needed will depend on the reason you’re asking for changes. If your support needs have changed, the NDIS will need assessments, reports, or other evidence from your health professionals.

If the NDIS does a plan variation, this information usually won’t be needed.

What Happens Next?

After you ask the NDIS to change your plan, they will make a decision within 21 days, or let you know that more information is needed.

If the NDIS decides to change your plan, they will work with you to make the changes you need. Then you’ll get a copy of your new plan.

If the NDIS decides not to change your plan, they will explain their decision. They will talk to you about your review rights and other ways they can support you.

For more information about changing your plan, visit ndis.gov.au