NDIS Plan Reviews & Change of Circumstances — When and How to Request One
Life changes, new goals, or insufficient funding can trigger a plan review. The process is free, routine, and your supports continue during the change.
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Why Plan Reviews Exist
NDIS plans are designed to be flexible and responsive to your changing needs:
- Keep funding aligned — Reviews ensure your funding matches your current goals, health, and life situation.
- Respond to changes — Life doesn't stand still. Reviews allow the NDIA to adjust supports when circumstances shift.
- Maximise outcomes — Regular reviews help you use funding effectively and demonstrate progress toward independence.
Two Types of Reviews
Scheduled Review (Annual)
Happens automatically at the end of your plan period (usually 12 months). The NDIA contacts you 3-4 months before plan end.
Change of Circumstances (CoC)
An unscheduled review you request mid-plan when your situation changes significantly. You initiate this by contacting the NDIA.
Signs You Might Need a Plan Review
Consider requesting a Change of Circumstances review if you experience:
Major Health or Mobility Changes
New diagnosis, surgery, health decline, or significant improvement requiring different supports.
New Goals or Supports Needed
You want to start work, move house, or access therapies not currently funded in your plan.
Funds Running Out Early
You're exhausting budgets faster than expected due to increased needs or higher-cost services.
Funds Unused for Months
Your plan isn't meeting your needs, or supports aren't working, causing underspending and unmet goals.
Changed Living or Employment Status
Moving to independent living, starting a job, loss of informal carer, or children transitioning to adult services.
What Is a Change of Circumstances (CoC)?
Plain-English definition: A formal request to the NDIA to update your plan mid-term when your situation changes significantly.
Examples of Acceptable Changes
- New diagnosis — Autism, ADHD, acquired brain injury, mental health condition requiring additional therapies.
- Loss of informal carer — Family member can no longer provide support, requiring paid support workers.
- New housing needs — Moving to independent living, requiring home modifications or increased daily assistance.
- Assistive technology needs — Wheelchair breakdown, communication device upgrade, or new equipment recommended by therapist.
- Employment support — Starting work or training, requiring job coaching or workplace modifications.
Important: Change of Circumstances requests must be supported by professional evidence. The NDIA won't approve changes based on personal preference alone.
What Evidence You'll Need
Strong evidence is critical to getting your review approved:
Professional Reports
- Occupational Therapy (OT) — Functional capacity assessments, home modification recommendations, assistive technology needs.
- Physiotherapy — Mobility assessments, equipment recommendations, exercise physiology programs.
- Psychology/Psychiatry — Mental health diagnoses, treatment plans, therapy needs, behavioral support strategies.
- Speech Pathology — Communication assessments, therapy goals, AAC (Alternative and Augmentative Communication) needs.
- Medical specialists — Neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, pediatricians confirming diagnoses and support needs.
Quotes & Financial Documents
- Three quotes for assistive technology or home modifications over $1,500
- Budget statements from your plan manager showing current spending patterns
- Invoices demonstrating increased service usage or unmet needs
Progress Records
- Therapy session notes showing progress or barriers
- Support Coordinator reports documenting service gaps or changing needs
- Incident reports if health or safety concerns have arisen
How Forward Planning Plus helps: We provide NDIS-ready budget reports and spending summaries that serve as supporting documents for your review request.
Download Your Free Plan Review Checklist
Get a complete evidence list and timeline template to prepare for your next NDIS review.
Step-by-Step: How to Request a Plan Review
Gather Evidence and Reports
Collect professional reports from therapists, doctors, and specialists. Request your plan manager to generate budget statements. Organise invoices and progress notes.
Contact the NDIA
Call 1800 800 110 or ask your Support Coordinator to submit the request on your behalf. Explain briefly what has changed and why you need a review.
Submit Form and Evidence
Complete the Change of Circumstances form (available from NDIA or your Support Coordinator). Submit via email, NDIA office, or the myplace portal with all supporting documents.
Provide Additional Reports if Requested
The NDIA may request further information or clarification. Respond promptly. Your Support Coordinator or plan manager can help coordinate follow-up reports.
Await Decision
The NDIA assesses your request and contacts you for a planning meeting or phone call. Continue using your existing plan until the new one is approved (typically 4-8 weeks).
How Long It Takes & What to Expect
Review timeframes vary depending on complexity, evidence quality, and regional workload:
Reassurance: Your existing plan remains active and all supports continue without interruption while the NDIA processes your review. Providers keep delivering services and invoices are paid as normal.
Tips to Make the Process Smoother
Keep Receipts and Invoices Organised
Maintain a digital or physical folder with all NDIS invoices, receipts, and service agreements. Your plan manager provides monthly statements that organise this automatically.
Request Reports Early from Therapists
Professional reports can take 2-4 weeks to complete. Request them as soon as you know you'll need a review, not when you're ready to submit.
Maintain a Simple Progress Log
Monthly notes of improvements, challenges, and changing needs. This provides context when requesting reviews and helps therapists write stronger reports.
Plan Manager and SC Can Submit On Your Behalf
You don't have to do this alone. Your Support Coordinator and plan manager can coordinate evidence, complete forms, and submit requests on your behalf.
How Forward Planning Plus Supports Plan Reviews
NDIS-Ready Financial Statements
Generate budget reports and spending summaries in seconds — formatted exactly how the NDIA expects to see them.
Coordinate with SCs and Therapists
We liaise with your Support Coordinator and therapists to supply financial evidence and invoicing records that support your case.
Track Spending Patterns
Our reports show budget utilization trends, overspending areas, and unmet needs — all valuable evidence for justifying plan changes.
Plain-English Explanations
We explain budget figures and funding categories in language you can use when speaking to the NDIA or writing review requests.
Proactive Review Reminders
We notify you 3 months before plan end so you have time to gather evidence and prepare for scheduled reviews.
Evidence Compilation Support
We help organise invoices, statements, and financial records into a clear package for NDIA submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need help with your next plan review? Forward Planning Plus prepares your NDIS financial reports, collates evidence and communicates with the NDIA so you can focus on your goals — not paperwork.