Your National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan should change as your life does. An NDIS plan review is your chance to say what's working, what isn't, and what you need next.
A little preparation helps you explain your situation clearly, so your next plan fits your goals.
What is an NDIS plan review?
Many people still say "plan review", but the NDIS now uses two different terms:
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Check-in: a conversation about how your plan is going and whether it still meets your needs
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Plan reassessment: a new plan with different supports, when your needs have changed significantly
Having a check-in doesn't mean your plan has to change.
When does a check-in happen?
You'll usually have a check-in 2 to 3 months before your plan ends. The NDIS will send you a letter about it and what you need to do.
You might also have one if big changes are coming up, like moving house or starting a new job. The NDIS may also get in touch if you're using your funding faster or slower than expected.
You can ask for a check-in yourself if your plan isn't working for you. If this is your first plan, you can ask for more regular check-ins too.
What if your needs have changed a lot?
If your needs have changed significantly and no check-in is coming up, you can ask for a plan reassessment. This could be a lasting change to your daily activities or where you live. It could also be a change to your work, study or the help you get from others.
The request must come from you, your plan nominee or child representative, using the plan reassessment request form. You'll also need recent evidence, usually from within 4 months of your request.
You can keep using your current plan while the NDIS decides. For smaller changes, like updating your goals, a plan variation may be enough.
Need help working out your options?
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Get started Or call 1300 875 377Six ways to prepare for your plan review
Think about your goals
Look back at the goals in your current plan. Do you want to change or add any, and are your supports helping you work towards them?
Write down what's changed
Note any changes since your last plan, like where you live or how much help family and friends give. Include anything coming up, like finishing school or starting a new job.
Review your supports and providers
Think about whether your supports still meet your disability needs, and whether you're happy with your providers. Note any community or government services you'd like help to connect with.
Gather your evidence
If your support needs have changed, the NDIS will need assessments, reports or other evidence. Your treating health professional can advise on the supports you might need and provide evidence for them.
You can also bring letters, quotes or other reports you think will help.
List your questions
You can ask any questions you like at your check-in. Write them down beforehand so nothing gets missed.
Decide who you'd like with you
You can bring a family member, friend or someone who helps with your plan, such as a support coordinator.
What happens at a check-in?
Your my NDIS contact (usually your local area coordinator) will call or email you to set a time. Your check-in can be in person, over the phone or online through Microsoft Teams.
They'll ask how you're going with your goals, how you're using your supports and whether anything has changed. Check-ins are confidential, and you can change the date or time if you need to.
The NDIS has more on how to prepare for a check-in. To change your check-in, talk to your my NDIS contact or call the NDIS on 1800 800 110.
If you don't agree with a decision
If the NDIS makes a decision about your plan you don't agree with, you can ask them to explain it. You can then ask for an internal review within 3 months of getting the decision.
Talk to us about your NDIS supports
At HomeCaring, we're a registered NDIS provider, and your supports are led by people who live and work in your community.
If your plan is changing, tell us what you need now and what you'd like to be different. We'll talk you through the NDIS supports we can offer and keep you updated at every step. Reach out to our Care Specialists on 1300 875 377.
