Quick Answer: How to Request NDIS Plan Change
If you are wondering how to request NDIS plan change, the process is simple but evidence-based. You can submit a plan change request at any time, not only at your scheduled plan review. Start by reviewing your current plan, identifying a significant change in your support needs or living situation, gathering supporting documents like medical reports and updated reports from healthcare professionals, and submitting a change of circumstances request to the NDIA. The NDIA decides whether you receive a plan variation or a full plan reassessment, and you will receive a written decision outlining whether you will get a new plan or changes to your existing plan.
Official guide on NDIS plan changes (NDIS website):
https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/changing-your-plan
Introduction to NDIS Plan Changes
Your NDIS plan is meant to support your life as it changes.
Sometimes your existing plan fits perfectly.
Other times, it no longer matches your daily needs.
That is when NDIS plan changes become important.
A plan change can be requested at any time, not just at a scheduled review date.
This gives NDIS participants more flexibility when health, living arrangements, or support needs change.
At Re.Connect Support Services, we help you understand the process so you can request a change with confidence.
Can You Request a Plan Change Before a Scheduled Review?
Yes, you can request a plan change at any time.
You do not need to wait for your reassessment date.
You can submit a plan change request even if your scheduled review is months away.
That is because your support needs can change quickly.
For example, you may need additional supports due to changes in:
- health
- safety risks
- informal supports
- family circumstances
- the service environment
Many participants request a plan change when their current plan is no longer safe or practical.
Plan Variation vs Full Plan Reassessment (Know the Difference)
A plan variation is usually a minor change.
It might adjust small parts of a varied plan, such as funding categories or support line items.
A full plan reassessment is a bigger change.
A full plan reassessment involves a deeper review of your participant’s plan, including goals, budgets, and supports.
The NDIA decides which one applies based on evidence.
This is why providing clear evidence is critical.
Signs of a Significant Change That May Require a Plan Change
You may need a plan change request if you experience a significant change such as:
A change in your living arrangements.
A change in your living situation.
A decline in health.
A new disability-related condition.
A shift in your complex needs or risks.
A reduction in support from a family member.
A need for Supported Independent Living.
A need for Specialist Disability Accommodation.
A need for home modifications.
A need for assistive technology.
Or, the need for more funding because your current supports are not enough.
If your support needs have changed significantly, it is often the right time to request a change.
Step 1: Review Your Current Plan and Identify Gaps
Start by reviewing your current plan carefully which should fo with the NDIS Act.
Look at the start date, funded supports, and what goals were included.
Then identify:
- what is working
- what is not working
- service gaps
- what supports are missing
- what needs more funding
- what needs to change in your new plan
This helps you request the right supports, not random ones.
It also helps the NDIA understand why your existing plan no longer fits.
Step 2: Write a Clear Summary of What Has Changed
For a strong request, you need a written summary.
This should explain what changed in your life.
Try to describe the situation clearly and directly, and consider seeking support coordination services for further guidance.
For example:
“My living arrangements changed and I am moving into supported independent living.”
Or:
“My health has declined and I require more personal support and services.”
Or:
“My child’s plan is no longer meeting their development needs.”
Or:
“I require crisis supports due to a significant change in behaviour or safety risks.”
The NDIA planner needs clarity, not general statements. The NDIS decides which is to be approved or to be rejected. Also take note that the NDIS calls out inconsistent and erroneous details, so be mindful of what you put!
Step 3: Gather Supporting Documents and Supporting Evidence
The most important part of the plan change process is evidence.
Your supporting documents should prove what supports are needed and why.
Useful evidence includes:
- updated medical reports
- functional capacity assessments
- therapy progress notes
- letters from healthcare professionals
- specialist recommendations
- behaviour support plans
- assistive technology assessments
- home modification reports
Your evidence must connect the changes to your support needs.
It must show why the plan should change.
Providing clear evidence increases the chance of approval for NDIS improved life choices.
NDIS supporting evidence guidance:
https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis/how-apply/supporting-evidence
Comprehensive evidence can include recent reports, letters, or assessments from health professionals, therapists, or support workers. The more specific and up-to-date the evidence, the stronger your case will be.
You can have a family member, friend, or Support Coordinator at the meeting to support you during the reassessment process.
Step 4: Complete the Change of Circumstances Request Properly
Most participants submit a change of circumstances request to start the plan change request.
This is sometimes called the circumstances form.
It is important to include:
- what changed
- when it started
- why the supports must change
- what the participant needs now
- what outcome the new plan should support
If there is a technical error in your submission, it can delay progress. The NDIS may initiate a change to a participant’s plan at any time, referred to as a ‘CEO Initiated plan change’.
That is why checking your documentation and attachments matters. Plan Variation allows for minor changes without a full review, while Plan Reassessment may involve creating a new plan for major changes. For those considering how assistive technology can enhance your independence, exploring the available options can be beneficial.
Step 5: Get Help From a Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator
A support coordinator can guide you through the whole process. The NDIS is required to respond to requests for plan variations within 21 days of receiving the request.
Support coordination helps with:
- writing your plan change request
- preparing supporting evidence
- coordinating reports from providers
- organising a planning meeting or reassessment meeting
- following up if the NDIA calls for more information
A Local Area Coordinator can also provide guidance and assist with general navigation.
Support coordination information on the NDIS website:
https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/using-your-plan/who-can-help-start-your-plan/support-coordination
You can request an internal review within 3 months of the decision if you’re unhappy with the outcome. A change in circumstances can include health deterioration, a change in primary carer, or managing your NDIS funding or NDIS plan effectively.
If a participant’s plan reaches its reassessment date, the NDIA will automatically extend it by 12 months.
Step 6: Submit Your Plan Change Request (Online or via Local NDIS Office)
You can submit your request through the NDIS portal, online pathways, or via your local NDIS office.
Make sure all evidence is included.
Make sure your written summary is clear.
Keep a record of submission details, especially when applying for assistive technology through the NDIS.
If you are sending documents via post, official NDIS contacts may include formats like GPO Box addresses depending on your area. Using the NDIS online portal is often faster.
Step 7: What Happens After You Submit the Request?
After you submit your plan change request, the NDIA will review your evidence in line with the Canberra Act and relevant guidelines.
The NDIA may request additional information or updated reports from healthcare professionals.
They may schedule a plan reassessment meeting to discuss your changed support needs and other supports you may require.
They may also confirm your scheduled plan review date if your request is close to it.
Then, the NDIA decides the outcome.
They may approve:
- a plan variation
- a full plan reassessment
- a new NDIS plan with more funding
- or no change, if evidence is insufficient
You will receive a written decision. It’s important to be specific about how changes in your life impact your daily functioning when requesting a plan change.
You can bring relevant documents and notes to a reassessment meeting to support your case for a plan change.
Plan Reassessment Process: What It Usually Involves
The plan reassessment process can involve:
- reviewing your current plan
- checking whether supports remain reasonable and necessary
- reviewing new medical reports and evidence
- confirming updated goals
- confirming new support needs and services required
A plan reassessment meeting or planning meeting may occur to discuss changes.
A full plan review can be helpful when needs have shifted significantly.
Emergency Funding: When It May Apply
In some situations, emergency funding may be considered.
This is often in cases where a participant requires crisis response or urgent safety support.
Examples include:
- urgent changes in living arrangements
- immediate need for increased personal care
- a risk that requires crisis supports
- a situation that impacts safety at home
Emergency funding does not apply to every request, but it may help during urgent circumstances while the NDIA processes the plan change.
Highlighting the risks to your health or safety if your plan isn’t adjusted can help prioritize your request. Involving a support coordinator can help you prepare a strong case for your NDIS plan change request.
Plan Changes for Children: What Families Should Know
A child’s plan can change quickly due to development and health changes.
Families may need supporting documents like:
- provider progress reports
- therapy assessments
- letters from healthcare professionals
- updated recommendations for supports
The NDIA often works with families to develop flexible funding supports for children, especially when needs shift quickly.
Parents and carers should keep evidence updated to reduce delays.
What If Your Plan Change Is Declined?
If your request a change outcome is declined, you can request an internal review.
An internal review gives the NDIA another chance to reassess the decision.
Internal review guidance:
https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/changing-your-plan/reviewable-decisions-and-reviews
If you remain unhappy with the internal review result, you may be able to contact the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, depending on the decision type and timeframes.
If a participant’s plan reaches its reassessment date, the NDIA will automatically extend it by 12 months to ensure continuity of services.
Participants can keep spending their budget while waiting for the results of a plan review or reassessment request.
Common Mistakes That Delay NDIS Plan Changes
Plan change requests often slow down due to a lack of effective support coordination.
- unclear evidence
- missing attachments
- weak written summary
- outdated documents
- incomplete circumstances form
- not following up after NDIA calls
- not responding to requests for additional information
Even a small technical error can delay your request.
The key is preparation and clarity, particularly when working with support coordinators to maximise your NDIS funding.
Practical Tips to Strengthen Your Plan Change Request
Here is a right approach checklist:
Be specific in your request.
Describe how your support needs changed.
Include evidence for every claim.
Ask healthcare professionals to write clear summaries.
Match requested supports to goals.
Explain safety issues and risks if relevant.
Keep copies of everything you submit.
Follow up if you do not receive updates.
These steps make it easier for the NDIA to understand your needs and decide faster.
How Re.Connect Support Services Can Help
At Re.Connect Support Services, we support participants through the full plan change process.
We can help with:
- reviewing your participant’s plan
- identifying service gaps
- supporting change of circumstances requests
- working with support coordination
- preparing evidence and written summaries
- supporting families and participants with complex needs
- guiding next steps if internal review is needed
If your current plan no longer meets your needs, you deserve a plan that fits your life today.
Final Thoughts: Plan Changes Are Part of the NDIS Journey
Requesting a plan change can feel stressful.
But you are allowed to request support that matches your reality.
The NDIS exists to be flexible as your life shifts.
With the right evidence and guidance, you can request a change smoothly.
And you do not have to do it alone.
FAQs: How to Request NDIS Plan Change
Can I request an NDIS plan change anytime?
Yes. You can request a plan change request at any time, not only at the scheduled plan review.
What documents do I need to include?
Supporting evidence like medical reports, provider assessments, and updated reports from healthcare professionals.
What if the NDIA requests more information?
That is normal. Provide the additional information quickly to prevent delays.
What if I need more funding urgently?
Emergency funding may apply in crisis circumstances, depending on NDIA assessment.
What if my request is declined?
You can request internal review, and if needed, explore other options such as review pathways.
Starting in mid-2026, the NDIS will introduce structured support needs assessments as part of the new framework planning approach.
Helpful Links
NDIS plan changes:
https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/changing-your-plan
NDIS supporting evidence:
https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis/how-apply/supporting-evidence
NDIS support coordination:
https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/using-your-plan/who-can-help-start-your-plan/support-coordination
NDIS internal review guidance:
https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/changing-your-plan/reviewable-decisions-and-reviews
NDIS and children:
https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/ndis-and-children
