What Happens at an NDIS Plan Review?

If you’re an NDIS participant, an NDIS plan review is a structured check-in to make sure your supports, funding and goals still reflect your current needs.

For many people, the review process can feel uncertain — especially if you’re considering requesting more funding or changes to your supports. This guide explains what actually happens at a plan review, the typical timeline, the kinds of questions asked, and how to prepare if you need adjustments to your funding.

This article is designed for participants, families and carers who want to approach their review confidently and make informed decisions.

What Is an NDIS Plan Review?

An NDIS plan review is a formal process where your current NDIS plan is assessed to determine whether it still meets your needs.

There are generally two main types of reviews:

Scheduled (regular) plan review – Happens at the end of your plan period (often 12 months).
Unscheduled review (change of circumstances review) – Requested if your situation changes significantly before your scheduled review date.

The purpose is not to reduce supports — it’s to ensure your plan remains aligned with:

Your current goals
Your daily living needs
Your therapy and support requirements
Any changes in your health or circumstances

When Does an NDIS Plan Review Happen?

Most NDIS plans run for 12 months, although some may be shorter or longer depending on individual circumstances.

Typical timeline:

6–8 weeks before plan end date

You may receive communication about your upcoming review.
It’s time to start gathering reports and evidence.

2–4 weeks before the review meeting

Finalise documentation.
Speak with your Support Coordinator or Plan Manager (if you have one).
Review your goals and outcomes.

Review meeting date

You’ll meet with an NDIS Planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC).
The discussion usually takes 30–90 minutes.

After the meeting

The NDIA considers the information provided.
A new plan is issued, typically within a few weeks.

If you are supported by a provider such as Connect Support Group, preparation before the meeting is often the most important step.

What Questions Are Asked at an NDIS Plan Review?

The review meeting is structured but conversational. The planner’s goal is to understand how your current plan has worked in practice.

Here are common questions you may be asked:

How have your supports been working?

You may be asked:

Are you using all your funding?
Have services been helpful?
Are there gaps in your supports?

It’s important to be honest. If something hasn’t worked well, explain why.

Have you achieved your goals?

Your goals drive your funding. Expect questions such as:

Have you made progress?
Are your goals still relevant?
Do you want to change or add goals?

If your circumstances have changed, your goals should reflect that.

Has anything changed in your life?

Changes might include:

New diagnosis or medical updates
Increased support needs
Reduced informal support (for example, a family member can no longer assist)
Housing changes
Employment or education changes

Any significant change can justify adjustments to your funding.

Are you satisfied with your current supports?

This includes:

Support workers
Therapy providers
Capacity-building supports
Assistive technology

If services are insufficient or inconsistent, this is the time to raise it.

How to Prepare for Your NDIS Plan Review

Preparation can significantly influence the outcome of your review.

Gather Evidence

Evidence is critical if you are requesting more funding.

Helpful documents include:

Allied health reports (OT, speech therapy, psychology, physiotherapy)
Functional capacity assessments
Progress reports
Incident reports (if relevant)
Support worker summaries

Reports should clearly explain:

Your functional limitations
Risks if supports are reduced
Why increased supports are “reasonable and necessary”

Track Your Support Usage

Before your review, check:

Have you fully used your Core Supports budget?
Have you run out of funding early?
Are you under-utilising funding?

Under-spending can sometimes lead to reduced funding, so it’s important to explain why funds were unused (for example, provider shortages or health setbacks).

Update Your Goals

Goals should be specific and practical.

Instead of:

“Improve independence”

Consider:

“Develop skills to independently prepare simple meals three times per week.”

Clear goals support stronger funding justification.

How to Request More Funding at a Plan Review

If your needs have increased, you can request additional funding. However, requests should be supported by evidence.

Step 1: Clearly Explain the Change

Describe:

What has changed
When it changed
How it impacts daily functioning

Be specific about increased support hours or therapy frequency.

Step 2: Provide Professional Evidence

NDIA decisions are evidence-based.

For example:

An Occupational Therapist recommending increased support hours
A psychologist outlining increased behavioural needs
A doctor confirming a deteriorating condition

The stronger and more detailed the reports, the better.

Step 3: Link Requests to Goals

Funding must connect directly to your NDIS goals.

For example:

If your goal is community participation, explain how additional support hours enable that.
If your goal is building daily living skills, explain why increased therapy is needed.

What If You Disagree With the Review Outcome?

If your new plan does not reflect your needs, you have options.

You can:

Request an internal review of the decision
Provide additional evidence
Seek advocacy support

Act promptly — there are time limits to request reviews.

The Role of Support Coordination in Plan Reviews

Support Coordination can be extremely helpful during the review process.

A Support Coordinator can assist with:

Gathering reports
Identifying service gaps
Preparing documentation
Clarifying funding categories
Supporting you during the review meeting

If you are seeking guidance, Connect Support Group provides assistance to help participants understand and navigate their NDIS plans.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Attending without evidence
Not updating goals
Under-explaining changes
Waiting until the last minute to prepare
Assuming the planner already understands your situation

Preparation makes a significant difference.

An NDIS plan review is not something to fear — it is an opportunity to ensure your supports reflect your current needs.

The key to a successful review is:

Preparation
Clear communication
Strong supporting evidence
Goals aligned to your real-life circumstances

If your needs have changed, you are entitled to request adjustments. With the right documentation and guidance, you can approach your review with clarity and confidence.