How to Request an NDIS Plan Review (Change of Circumstances)
How to request an NDIS plan review when your circumstances change: what counts, the form to use, what evidence to send, timeframes and next steps.
Quick answer: how to request an NDIS plan review
Plan review or plan reassessment — what's the right word?
What counts as a 'change of circumstances'?
Before you ask: is a full reassessment what you actually need?
Step by step: how to lodge the request
What to write and what to include
How long does it take, and what happens next?
If the NDIA says no to reassessing
How the current reforms affect plan reassessments
Common pitfalls to avoid
Where to get help and what to do next
Frequently asked questions
Can I request a plan review at any time, or do I have to wait until my plan ends?
You can request a review at any time if your circumstances have genuinely changed — you do not have to wait for your plan to end. You lodge a change of circumstances request explaining what is different and why your support needs have changed. If your plan is simply nearing its end date, the NDIA will usually reassess it as part of the normal cycle anyway.
What's the difference between a plan review and an appeal?
A plan review (now called a reassessment) is when the NDIA looks at your whole plan again, often because your circumstances changed, and creates a new plan. An appeal — formally an internal review of a decision — is when you challenge a specific decision you think is wrong, such as a support being refused. They follow different processes and have different time limits, so it helps to be clear which one you need before you lodge.
What evidence should I include with my request?
Include documents that show what changed and how it affects your daily support needs — for example a letter from your GP or specialist, a report from an allied health professional like an occupational therapist, quotes for equipment, or a written statement describing daily impact. Link each piece of evidence to a specific support you now need. Under the current reforms the NDIA expects stronger evidence, so clear, professional documentation matters more than ever.
Will requesting a review put my current funding at risk?
Requesting a reassessment does not pause or cancel your existing plan — your current supports keep running while the NDIA considers your request. Do keep in mind that a reassessment reopens your whole plan, not just the part you raised, so it is worth making sure your overall evidence is up to date. Critical daily-living and personal-care supports are not part of the current participation budget reset.
How long will the NDIA take to respond?
The NDIA works to timeframes set in the NDIS rules, but real waiting times vary with demand, and the reforms may change some steps. Ask the NDIA what timeframe applies when you lodge your request, keep a dated copy of what you sent, and follow up on 1800 800 110 if you have not heard back. A support coordinator or advocate can help you chase it up.