Your NDIS plan review is one of the most important moments in your NDIS journey. It's your opportunity to tell the NDIA how your plan has been working, what's changed in your life, and what funding you need going forward.
Many participants find plan reviews stressful — and often come away with less than they need, simply because they weren't sure how to prepare. This guide is designed to change that.
What Is an NDIS Plan Review?
A plan review (also called a scheduled review or plan reassessment) is when the NDIA reassesses your NDIS plan to determine your funding for the next period. It usually happens when your current plan is coming to an end — typically every 12 months, though some plans run for longer.
Reviews can also be triggered at other times — for example, if your situation changes significantly, if your supports break down, or if you request a review because your plan isn't meeting your needs.
Why Preparation Matters
The NDIA makes funding decisions based on what's in front of them. If you don't clearly demonstrate your needs, the evidence to support them, and how funding will help you work toward your goals — you may not receive the funding you need.
Preparation doesn't mean gaming the system. It means making sure your real needs are clearly communicated and properly evidenced.
Step 1: Review Your Current Plan
Before anything else, sit down with your current plan and ask yourself:
- What worked well this year?
- What didn't get used, and why?
- What supports did you need that weren't funded?
- Have your needs or circumstances changed?
- What goals are you working toward in the next plan period?
Being clear on these questions will help you — and your Support Coordinator — build a strong case for your next plan.
Step 2: Gather Your Evidence
The NDIA relies on functional evidence to understand your disability-related needs. This might include:
- Reports from treating practitioners — psychologists, psychiatrists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, GPs
- Progress notes from current providers — showing how your supports are being used and what outcomes they're achieving
- A Support Coordinator's report — outlining your current supports, what's working, what gaps exist, and what funding is recommended
- Your own statement — describing how your disability affects your daily life and what you need to live as independently as possible
The more specific and functional this evidence is — describing what you can and can't do, not just your diagnosis — the more useful it will be in your review.
Step 3: Know What You're Asking For
Go into your review with a clear sense of what supports you need funded and why. This includes:
- Which existing supports you want to continue
- Any new supports you need that weren't in your previous plan
- The hours or frequency of support you need
- Any changes to your living situation, health, or goals that affect your needs
Your Support Coordinator can help you put together a clear, evidence-based "case" for your funding before the review meeting.
Step 4: Don't Go Alone
You're entitled to bring a support person to your plan review meeting. This might be a family member, carer, advocate, or your Support Coordinator.
Having someone with you can help you stay calm, make sure important points aren't missed, and ask questions you might not think of in the moment.
Note: your Support Coordinator is not an independent advocate — if you need formal advocacy, that's a separate service. But your coordinator can attend as a support person and provide important context about your supports.
Step 5: After the Review
Once your new plan is issued, review it carefully. Check that:
- All the supports you requested are included
- The funding amounts seem reasonable for your needs
- Nothing important has been left out
If something looks wrong, you can request an internal review of the decision. Do this promptly — there are time limits on requesting reviews.
How Lumen Collective Can Help
Preparing for a plan review is one of the most important things a Support Coordinator does. At Lumen Collective, we work with participants across Sydney and remotely throughout NSW, QLD and VIC to build strong plan review submissions — pulling together evidence, coordinating practitioner reports, and making sure your funding case is as clear and well-supported as possible.
If your plan review is coming up and you'd like support preparing, get in touch. The earlier we start, the better.