Easy Read: Tips for your next NDIS plan reassessment

How an NDIS plan review can help you make the most of your funding

Over time, things change in your life. Which is why your NDIS plan will need to change with you. To do this, it will be reviewed from time to time.

A review is when you look over something and decide if it needs to be changed. The plan review is called an NDIS Plan Reassessment or an NDIS Plan Variation. We will explain the difference and how you can prepare.

What’s an NDIS Plan Reassessment?

An NDIS Plan Reassessment used to be called an NDIS Plan Review. But NDIS participants said they found the wording confusing. So, in 2022, some of the wording was changed.

A plan reassessment is a full review of your plan. It can be:

• scheduled – your NDIS plan should have a ‘reassessment date’ on it. This date is usually 12 – 36 months after you get your plan, or,
• unscheduled - you can ask for a reassessment when you want.

If you don’t need a full plan review, you might get a plan variation.

What’s an NDIS Plan Variation?

A plan variation is also called a ‘light touch’ plan review. It means a few minor changes.

Things like:

• Changing the reassessment date
• Changing how the funding works
• Changing provider
• Changing how you get your support

You can read more examples about plan variations on the NDIS website.

How can you prepare for a plan reassessment?

If you have an NDIS Plan Reassessment coming up, there are many things you can do to prepare.

Step 1: Think about how your plan is working for you

How is your plan working for you? Some questions you could ask yourself include:

• What worked well in your plan?
• What goals did you achieve?
• What didn’t work as well?

Step 2: Talk to your support coordinator and your current support providers

If you have a support coordinator, tell them about your plan reassessment. Ask them if they have notes about how your providers helped you achieve your goals.

Talk to your service providers. You need to ask them for a ‘end-of-plan progress report’. This plan may include:

• A summary of the supports you got
• How they helped you achieve your goals
• Any problems you had and how they were fixed
• Any advice for additional supports

Step 3: Think about your future goals

The NDIS Plan Reassessment is a good time to think about your future and your goals. You don’t have to pick new goals if you don’t want to.

Some questions to ask yourself:

• Which goals do you want to keep working on?
• Are there any new goals you’d like to add?
• Are there any changes you’re expecting, such as leaving school, moving out of home or starting a new job?
• Who can help you achieve your goals?
• Will you need NDIS support in the future?

Your support coordinator might help you with suggestions of what supports you might need.

Step 4: Think about how your plan is being managed

How do you feel your plan is being managed? Do you want to think about plan management, self-managing or NDIA managing your plan? If you have questions about plan management, talk about this at your plan reassessment. You can decide if your funding needs to change.

Step 5: When do you want your next reassessment?

You can request a plan duration of up to three years.

This may suit you if:

• You don’t believe your situation will change
• You’re sure about using your funding to pursue your goals

If this sounds like you, talk to your NDIA planner about a longer plan length.

Would you like to talk to us about NDIS? Get in touch with our friendly team at Five Good Friends to talk about your NDIS goals and how we can help.

Learn more: What can NDIS funds be used for?