An NDIS plan review is an opportunity for participants to assess whether the supports in their current plan are working for them and whether any changes need to be made to help them achieve their goals.
Plan reviews usually fall 12 months after the plan first commences. The meeting may take place up to three months prior to the review date of a participant’s NDIS plan.
Plan reviews can be undertaken face-to-face or over the phone. Participants can invite a family member, friend, advocate or other support person to their plan review.
The NDIA will be in touch with the participant at least six weeks prior to the review date to organize the plan review. But if that hasn’t happened, participants can contact the NDIA on 1800 800 110 to follow up.
What is covered in an NDIS plan review?
An NDIS plan review examines the effectiveness of the supports outlined in the current plan and the participant’s progress towards achieving their goals.
It is an opportunity to identify areas where new supports may be required or where old supports may no longer be needed. It is also an opportunity to revise goals if needed.
In the plan review, a new plan will be developed to reflect the current and future circumstances of the participant.
How can participants prepare for an NDIS plan review?
Participants should start thinking about their current plan before the plan review. Areas to consider include:
- Which supports are working well
- Which supports are not working well or are no longer needed
- Progress towards goals
- Whether goals need to change
- Future needs
- Who can help participants achieve their goals
- Whether changes are required to how plan funding is managed
Participants may need to provide assessments or reports from service providers which will judge whether the supports are helping the participant achieve their goals and make recommendations for supports the participant might need down the track. Gathering these well in advance of the plan review is a good idea.
What if the participant needs a plan review outside of the scheduled review date?
If the participant’s circumstances have changed, they can request a plan review at any time.
There are several things which may change for a participant which will influence the supports needed from the NDIS. This includes:
- Changes to a participant’s disability needs including a new diagnosis
- Increased or decreased care or support provided by family and friends
- New living arrangements such as living with new people, moving into a facility or homelessness
- Job changes
- If the participant receives compensation for an accident or illness related to their disability
To request a plan review, the participant can complete the change of circumstances form. The form can be submitted in writing, over the phone or in person. Find out more information here. Ideally the request should be made as soon as possible following the change in circumstances.
What if the participant doesn’t require a plan review every 12 months?
If a participant feels their circumstances are unlikely to change every 12 months they can request plan durations of up to three years.
This is intended for participants whose support needs are unlikely to change, who are confident in their supports and are focused on long-term goals such as employment or community engagement.
Participants should talk with their LAC or planner to determine whether a longer plan duration is suitable for them.
Raheel Chaudhry, Director, RMC Plan Managers