An NDIS plan reassessment or review can feel like a big step, but as a participant, you have the right to understand every part of the process. Do you feel something is wrong with your plan? Are there reasons for a change?
If you’ve switched or changed your mind about what’s suitable for you, it’s important to explore your options. You have the right to request a review of a decision and speak up about what aligns with your needs.
If you’re unsure, do you know who to contact and how to prepare? Read on to explore the options available for changing your NDIS plan.
What is a Plan Review?
A Plan Review, now called a Plan Reassessment, is a process where the NDIA works with participants to assess their current NDIS plan. This can be initiated by the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) or you.
As the participant, you will be able to review whether your plan still meets your needs or if any adjustments are required.
During this process, your NDIS provider may also be involved in ensuring the supports are suitable. You can also bring any other support person to accompany you throughout the process.
Typically, this reassessment focuses on your goals, funding, and any changes in your circumstances to help improve your plan moving forward. The process can be done via phone call, video call, or face-to-face meetings.
4 Ways to Review or Reassess Your NDIS Plan
Now, let’s look at the options available to you.
Internal review
An internal review is a process conducted by the NDIA when you disagree with a decision, such as being found ineligible for the NDIS or a decision about your plan. You generally need to ask for an internal review within 3 months of receiving the decision.
This review is carried out by a staff member who wasn’t involved in making the original decision to ensure impartiality.
The internal review aims to reassess whether the initial decision was made correctly and fairly based on the available information.
An external review
Conversely, an external review is conducted by the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), which replaced the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) in October 2024 and operates independently of the NDIA.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of an internal review, you can request an external review by the Tribunal. The ART will then evaluate the decision made during the internal review to determine if it was appropriate.
Please note that an external review is only available after an internal review has been completed.
A scheduled plan reassessment
A scheduled plan reassessment happens routinely before your plan’s reassessment date. The NDIA will contact you before this date to discuss potential changes in the new plan. Your current plan keeps going until a new plan starts, so your supports won’t stop in the meantime.
During this time, you can request changes to your current plan if needed and provide supporting evidence, such as medical documentation, to justify these changes.
An unscheduled or early NDIS plan reassessment
An unscheduled plan reassessment can be requested at any time if you believe your NDIS plan no longer meets your needs. This might happen due to inadequate funding, changes in personal circumstances, or overlooked therapy recommendations.
You can ask for an unscheduled reassessment if your situation changes significantly and your current support is insufficient.
The NDIS legislation also refers to these processes by section number:
- Section 48 request: A request for a plan reassessment or variation when your circumstances change before the scheduled reassessment.
- Section 100 review: An internal review when you disagree with a reviewable NDIA decision.
- ART review: An external review conducted by the Administrative Review Tribunal if the internal review outcome is unsatisfactory.
What to Expect in Your Plan Reassessment Meeting
Here’s what your plan reassessment meeting will look like.
First, you will discuss your plan to identify what works and what doesn’t. Then, you can list any changes you want to make.
Plan duration depends on your circumstances. If your plan is working well, discuss whether it can be varied or continued rather than reassessed. Confirm the dates with the NDIA instead of assuming a fixed plan length.
A funding period is when part of your budget becomes available, and is separate from the full plan duration. Check your plan, participant portal or app for dates and available funds. Read about funding periods.
Who Attends My Plan Reassessment Meeting?
We don’t recommend you go through the assessment alone. Instead, bring a support person like a friend, a family member, or a support worker.
How Do You Prepare for Your Plan Reassessment?
Reports
Ask your therapists to write progress reports at least six weeks before your plan reassessment. These reports show how therapy has supported you during your plan and whether continued funding is needed.
Make notes
Write down questions you may be asked, along with your answers. By taking notes before the actual plan reassessment meeting, you will find it easier to answer the questions asked during the meeting.
Here are some examples of relevant questions:
- What didn’t work in my plan?
- Who can assist me in reaching my goals?
- What are my new goals for the upcoming plan?
- Should I change how my plan funding is managed?
- Did I achieve my goals or make progress?
- Will I need NDIS support going forward?
- Which goals should I adjust or continue working on?
What if I haven’t been able to use all my funds?
That’s okay. You may not have used all your NDIS funds for some reason.
The most common reasons include overestimated support needs, difficulty finding providers, health improvements, lack of understanding, changes in personal circumstances, administrative delays, or limited service provider availability in remote areas.
What’s important is that you can explain why you didn’t use all your funds.
What if I want to ask for more support?
When asking for more support, give clear, specific evidence of what has changed and why you need it.
For instance, say you have multiple sclerosis and have experienced worsening symptoms, making it harder to manage daily tasks.
You can request more funding under the relevant NDIS funding categories, such as Assistance with Daily Life (a Core support) for personal care.
If you’re still unsure how to explain your needs, ask your therapist to include clear recommendations in their report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the plan reassessment?
It is to assess if your current supports are still suitable and adjust the plan if needed.
Why should plans be reviewed?
This is to ensure your NDIS plan continues to meet your changing needs and goals.
How do I get the most out of my NDIS plan?
Understand your goals, regularly track progress, and use the funding for services that best support your needs.
Conclusion
In summary, an NDIS plan reassessment helps ensure your plan continues to suit your needs as they change over time. Both scheduled and unscheduled reassessments help you adjust support as necessary.
If your circumstances have shifted, changing your plan via an NDIS plan reassessment may provide the additional funding or services you need to maintain your independence.
For more information or personalised assistance with your NDIS plan reassessment in Melbourne or elsewhere in Australia, don’t hesitate to contact us at Unify Disability Services. We are here to help you navigate the process and make the most of your plan. Ask us, and we’ll answer!
Check the latest planning information
Some Social, Economic and Community Participation and Improved Daily Living Skills budgets change as plans are created or reassessed from 1 October 2026, or renewed from 1 February 2027. Effects vary by participant, and some supports are excluded. Use the budget in your current plan and check available funding before agreeing supports. Read the NDIA update and excluded supports. Checked 4 October 2026.
NDIA guidance on your next plan explains reassessment, variation and continuation options. Confirm your own dates, support needs and available funds with the NDIA.
