Getting the Most from Your NDIS Plan Review

A plan reassessment – most people still call it a review – is your chance to line the funding up with real life. The people who do best at review are rarely the ones with the strongest argument on the day. They are the ones who prepared over the preceding months.

When reviews happen

Most plans run for 12 to 24 months, and some longer plans have a scheduled check-in partway through. The NDIA will contact you before the end date. If your plan reaches its end date without a new plan, it usually rolls over so your supports continue.

You can also request a review earlier if your circumstances change significantly. Valid reasons include a change in health, a hospital admission, a carer no longer being available, a move, or funding that has run out because your needs increased.

Keep a support diary

This is the single most useful thing you can do. It does not have to be elaborate – a note in your phone or a notebook by the kettle is fine. Record:

• how long tasks actually take, and how much help was needed
• days that went badly and why
• supports you needed but could not fund
• equipment that is failing or no longer fits
• progress towards your goals, including the small wins

Three months of dated, specific notes beats a general statement every time.

Gather your evidence

• Therapy reports – ask your OT, physio, speech pathologist or psychologist for a current report. Give them plenty of notice and tell them what the report is for.
• Provider reports – your support provider can document what is working, hours used, and what has changed.
• Medical letters – from your GP or specialist about any changes to your condition.
• Quotes – for equipment or modifications you plan to request.

Make sure reports describe function, not just diagnosis: what you can do, what you cannot do without support, and how much support is needed.

Revisit your goals

Your goals shape the funding, so update them. Write them in your own words and keep them concrete. "Build my cooking skills so I can prepare four evening meals independently" gives a planner something to work with. "Be more independent" does not.

What to bring on the day

• Your current plan and a note of what you spent in each category
• Your support diary
• All reports and quotes
• Your updated goals
• A support person – a family member, support coordinator or advocate

You can ask for the meeting to be recorded, ask for a break, or ask for questions in writing beforehand.

During the conversation

Describe your hardest days, not your best ones. Many people instinctively play down how much help they need, and the plan that follows reflects that. Be specific about frequency and duration: "four times a week, about 90 minutes each time" tells a much clearer story than "sometimes".

If the outcome is not right

You can request an internal review of a decision within three months. If you are still unhappy, you can go to the Administrative Review Tribunal. An advocate can help – Victoria has free disability advocacy services.

How we help

We keep detailed records of the supports we deliver and can provide a report describing what is working, what has changed, and what we recommend. Participants often bring our notes straight into their planning meeting.

Browse our NDIS resources or ask us for a review report before your next meeting.