What to Expect at Your NDIS Plan Review

Preparing for Your NDIS Plan Review

Your NDIS plan is not set in stone. Typically every 12 months (though sometimes sooner or later), you will have the opportunity to review your plan with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). This is your chance to reflect on what has been working well, identify areas where you need more support, and update your goals. If this is your first plan, you may also want to read our guide to understanding your first NDIS plan. At InLife, we help participants prepare for their plan reviews so they feel confident and empowered going into the meeting.

When Does a Plan Review Happen?

The NDIA will usually contact you before your plan expires to schedule a plan review. This might come in the form of a letter, phone call, or email. If your circumstances change significantly before your review date, you can also request an unscheduled plan review (sometimes called a change of circumstances review) at any time.

Common reasons for requesting an early review include:

• A significant change in your disability or health condition
• Changes to your living situation
• Running out of funding well before your plan end date
• New goals or needs that your current plan does not cover

How to Prepare

Preparation is the key to a successful plan review. Here are the steps we recommend at InLife:

• Review your current plan: Look at your goals and budget. What has worked well? What has not? Have you used all your funding, or is there money left over?
• Gather evidence: Collect reports from your therapists, support workers, doctors, and any other professionals involved in your care. These reports should outline your current needs and any changes since your last plan.
• Update your goals: Think about what you want to achieve in the next 12 months. Your goals should be meaningful to you and reflect what matters most in your life.
• Write a summary: Many participants find it helpful to write down their key points before the meeting. This can include what is going well, what you are struggling with, and what supports you need.
• Bring a support person: You are welcome to bring a family member, friend, support coordinator, or advocate to your review meeting. Having someone there who knows you well can help ensure your voice is heard.

What Happens During the Review

Your plan review will typically be conducted by an NDIA planner or a Local Area Coordinator (LAC). The meeting can take place in person, over the phone, or via video call. During the review, the planner will:

• Ask about your progress towards your current goals
• Discuss any changes to your circumstances or support needs
• Review the evidence and reports you have provided
• Talk about your goals for the next plan period
• Discuss how you would like your plan managed

Your plan review is your meeting. You have every right to speak openly about your needs, ask questions, and advocate for the supports that will make the biggest difference in your life.

After the Review

After your review meeting, the NDIA will create your new plan. This process can take a few weeks. Once your new plan is ready, you will receive it through the participant portal or by post. Take the time to read through it carefully and make sure it reflects what was discussed. Our NDIS plan analyser can help you review your new plan and identify any areas that may need attention.

If you are unhappy with your new plan, you have the right to request an internal review. Your support coordinator or an NDIS advocate can help you with this process.

How InLife Can Help

At InLife, our support coordinators work closely with participants to prepare for plan reviews. We help you gather evidence, articulate your goals, and ensure that your voice is at the centre of the process. We believe that a well-prepared review leads to a better plan, and a better plan leads to a better quality of life.

If your review is coming up and you would like support, reach out to our team. We are here to make sure you get the plan you deserve.