Your NDIS plan is not a static document. It’s a dynamic tool designed to adapt to your evolving needs and circumstances. This guide provides you with a roadmap for navigating the process of making changes to your plan, ensuring that it continues to align with your goals and aspirations.
Embracing a New Language
As a participant or authorised representative, you have the right to request a ‘variation’ or ‘reassessment’ of your plan. These terms replace the somewhat confusing concept of ‘reviews.’ If you’re dissatisfied with your plan, you can still request a review of the decision.
If you’re unsure which term applies to your situation, the NDIS will engage in a broader conversation about your plan and the ‘changes’ you seek to make. Sometimes, it’s not about altering the plan but rather receiving more support in implementing it. On other occasions, the NDIS may be able to make variations without necessitating a full reassessment or an entirely new plan. In any case, they will collaborate with you to implement these changes, and you will receive a letter outlining their decision.
New Terminology: What’s Changed
| What It’s Now Called | What It Used To Be Called | What It Means For You |
|---|---|---|
| Reassessment date of a participant’s plan | Review date of a participant’s plan, End date of a participant’s plan | Every NDIS plan includes a ‘reassessment date.’ The NDIS need to evaluate the plan by this date and determine if any changes are required. If a plan reaches its reassessment date before the reassessment is complete, the current plan will be varied to extend it by 12 months so you can continue accessing supports. |
| Plan reassessment (Participant or Agency initiated) | (Full) plan review, Scheduled or unscheduled review, Change of Circumstances (CoC) review, S48 review | You can request a reassessment at any time. During a reassessment, the NDIS may decide to create a new plan or vary the current plan, depending on your situation. |
| Plan variation | ‘Light touch’ plan review, Plan extension, rollover, or continuation, New plans with similar supports and new plans with minor changes | In certain situations, the NDIS can ‘vary’ a plan without a full reassessment under the NDIS Act. You can request a variation at any time, and if they proceed, you’ll receive a copy of the varied plan within 7 days. |
| Internal review of decision | S100 review, Review of reviewable decision (RORD) | Participants can request a review of our decisions. If dissatisfied with the outcome, they can also seek a review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. |
Participant Check-Ins: A Supportive Journey
Participant check-ins have proven to be an effective way to ensure that your NDIS plan is tailored to your changing needs. Initially introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, these check-ins continue to be valuable based on your feedback. They focus on understanding your current situation, checking your well-being, and ensuring that your NDIS supports align with your needs.
Your first NDIS plan reassessment typically occurs 12 months after your plan starts. The NDIS will reach out to you before this date. If you haven’t heard from them six weeks before, contact them at 1800 800 110 or locate your nearest office and get in touch.
Navigating Plan Reassessments
The NDIS strive to keep you well-informed about your plan reassessment. Typically, they will reach out to participants or authorised representatives three months before the reassessment date to confirm details. During this check-in, they will discuss scheduling a plan reassessment meeting and any information you might need to provide at the meeting. This could include assessments or reports from service providers showcasing how they are helping you work toward your plan goals.
The plan reassessment meeting can be conducted in person, over the phone, or via video call. You also have the option to invite support, such as a family member, friend, or Support Coordinator, to join the meeting. To make the most of this meeting, consider what you’d like to discuss, including your plan’s successes, areas for improvement, questions about plan management, changes to funding management, new goals, changes in your situation, or any anticipated changes.
If you’re not expecting immediate changes, you can explore the possibility of extending your plan’s duration.
Requesting a Plan Reassessment
Should you require changes to your plan before the reassessment date, you can reach out to the NDIS at any time to discuss these modifications. Upon your request for a plan reassessment, the NDIS will respond within 21 days, either by varying your plan, replacing it with a new one, or making a decision not to reassess. Our decision and the rationale behind it will be communicated to you. If you’re dissatisfied with this decision, you have the option to request a review.
Plan Variations: Streamlining the Process
In certain situations, the NDIS can implement changes to your plan without a full reassessment. Under the NDIS Act, plan variations are permissible for specific reasons:
- Correcting minor or technical errors.
- Changing the plan’s reassessment date.
- Modifying the statement of participant supports related to funding or other plan aspects.
- Changing an existing support to a different provider or mode of support provision.
- Addressing crisis or emergency funding needs arising from significant changes in support requirements.
- Receiving new information in response to an NDIA request for information (e.g., assistive technology or home modifications).
- Implementing minor variations to increase support funding in the plan.
Upon your request for a plan variation, the NDIS will respond within 21 days by either approving the variation, rejecting it, or requesting additional time. If approved, you will receive a copy of the varied plan within 7 days.
Temporary Measures for Plan Variations
The NDIS are actively upgrading computer systems to expedite plan variations. During this transition, participants with varied plans will receive a ‘new’ plan. This new plan will have a fresh start date, adjusted funded supports in line with the reassessment date, and a new reassessment date. While they strive to keep the new reassessment date close to the original, they may collaborate with you to extend the plan if your situation requires it.
Early Childhood Provider Reports for Children under 7
The NDIA mandates that providers working with children under 7 who are NDIS participants must report on the services and supports they provide. These provider reports offer a written summary of the progress made toward goals and outcomes achieved as a result of the services and supports. They are invaluable during plan reassessments.
We encourage you to discuss the possibility of having your provider(s) prepare a report for your child, which can be submitted to the NDIS at least annually.
If you have any questions or require Support Coordination contact us. Enroll in our support coordinator course to gain valuable insights and skills.
