Can I Update My NDIS Plan If My Needs Change?

If your circumstances change while you’re on the NDIS, you do not have to wait until your next scheduled review. In many situations, you can request a reassessment of your NDIS plan.

An NDIS plan is designed to be flexible. If your support needs increase, decrease, or significantly change, you can ask the NDIA to review your plan to ensure it remains appropriate and “reasonable and necessary”.

This guide explains when you can request a reassessment, how the process works, and what evidence you may need.

When Can You Request a Plan Reassessment?

You may request a reassessment (sometimes called a change of circumstances review) if there has been a significant change in your situation.

Examples of changes that may justify a review include:

• A new diagnosis or medical condition
• Deterioration in your health or mobility
• Increased behavioural or mental health needs
• Loss of informal supports (for example, a family member can no longer assist)
• Changes in housing or living arrangements
• Increased risks to safety
• A major life transition (starting school, employment, moving to supported accommodation)

A minor inconvenience is unlikely to trigger a reassessment. The change generally needs to impact your functional capacity or daily support requirements.

What Is a Change of Circumstances Review?

A change of circumstances review is a formal request for the NDIA to reassess your current plan before it ends.

In practical terms, it means:

• Your current supports are no longer sufficient
• Your goals may need updating
• Your funding may need to increase (or change categories)

The NDIA will assess whether your situation has changed enough to justify reviewing your plan.

How Do You Request a Plan Reassessment?

The process typically involves the following steps:

1. Notify the NDIA

You can contact the NDIA directly or speak with your Local Area Coordinator (LAC).

If you are working with a Support Coordinator, such as those at Connect Support Group, they can help you prepare and submit the request correctly.

2. Complete the Required Form

In most cases, you’ll need to complete a “Change of Circumstances” form.

You’ll be asked to describe:

• What has changed
• When the change occurred
• How it impacts your daily life
• Why your current plan is no longer suitable

Be clear and specific. Vague statements are less likely to lead to approval.

3. Provide Supporting Evidence

Evidence is critical.

The NDIA makes decisions based on documentation, not just personal statements.

What Evidence May Be Required?

The type of evidence depends on your circumstances, but strong applications usually include professional reports.

Common examples include:

Allied Health Reports

Reports from:

• Occupational Therapists
• Psychologists
• Speech Pathologists
• Physiotherapists
• Behaviour Support Practitioners

These reports should explain:

• Your functional limitations
• Risks if supports are not increased
• Recommendations for additional hours or therapies
• Why the requested supports are reasonable and necessary

Functional Capacity Assessments

A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is often highly persuasive.

It provides:

• Objective assessment of your abilities
• Clear justification for support hours
• Professional recommendations aligned with NDIS criteria

Medical Evidence

If your health has deteriorated or a new diagnosis has occurred, you may need:

• GP letters
• Specialist reports
• Hospital discharge summaries

These should clearly describe how your condition affects your daily functioning.

Incident Reports or Risk Assessments

If safety has become an issue, documentation of incidents can support the need for increased supports.

How Long Does a Reassessment Take?

Timeframes vary, but generally:

• You submit your request and supporting documents
• The NDIA reviews the information
• They may contact you for further details
• A decision is issued

If the NDIA agrees that your circumstances have significantly changed, they may:

• Amend your current plan
• Issue a new plan
• Schedule a formal review meeting

What If Your Request Is Declined?

If the NDIA decides not to reassess your plan, you can request an internal review of the decision.

It’s important to act quickly, as there are time limits to challenge decisions.

Often, if a request is declined, it may be because:

• The evidence was not detailed enough
• The change was not clearly linked to functional impact
• The request did not align with NDIS funding criteria

In these cases, stronger documentation may be required.

Practical Tips for a Strong Reassessment Request

To improve your chances of success:

• Be specific about how your daily life has changed
• Quantify increases in support needs (e.g. from 10 hours to 18 hours per week)
• Link every request to your NDIS goals
• Ensure professional reports clearly state recommendations
• Submit all evidence at once rather than gradually

Preparation makes a significant difference.

The Role of Support Coordination

Navigating a reassessment can feel overwhelming.

Support Coordination can assist with:

• Identifying service gaps
• Coordinating professional reports
• Drafting clear change statements
• Ensuring evidence aligns with NDIS criteria
• Communicating with the NDIA

If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies for a reassessment, speaking with an experienced NDIS provider can provide clarity.

Yes — you can update your NDIS plan if your needs change.

The NDIS recognises that life circumstances are not static. If your functional capacity, support needs or risks increase, you have the right to request a reassessment.

The key to success is:

• Clear explanation
• Strong professional evidence
• A direct link between your needs and your NDIS goals

With the right preparation and guidance, you can ensure your plan reflects your current reality — not just your past circumstances.