An NDIS plan review can feel like a big step, but as a participant, you have the right to understand every part of the process. Do you feel something is wrong with your plan? Are there reasons for a change?
If you’ve switched or changed your mind about what’s suitable for you, it’s important to explore your options. You have the right to request a review of a decision and speak up about what aligns with your needs.
If you’re unsure, do you know who to contact and how to prepare? Read on to explore the options available for your NDIS plan review.
What is a Plan Review?
A Plan Review, now called a Plan Reassessment, is a process where the NDIA works with participants to assess their current NDIS plan. This can be initiated by the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) or you.
As the participant, you will be able to review whether your plan still meets your needs or if any adjustments are required.
During this process, your NDIS provider may also be involved in ensuring the supports are suitable. You can also bring any other support person to accompany you throughout the process.
Typically, this reassessment focuses on your goals, funding, and any changes in your circumstances to help improve your plan moving forward. The process can be done via phone call, video call, or face-to-face meetings.
4 Types of NDIS Plan Review
Now, let’s take a look into the options of NDIS plan review types that are available to you.
Internal Review
An internal review is a process conducted by the NDIS when you disagree with a decision, such as being deemed ineligible for the NDIS or having their plan approved.
This review is carried out by a staff member who wasn’t involved in making the original decision to ensure impartiality.
The internal review aims to reassess whether the initial decision was made correctly and fairly based on the available information.
An External Review
Conversely, an external review is conducted by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), which operates independently of the NDIS.
If you are not satisfied enough with the outcome of an internal review, you can request an external review by the Tribunal under the Commonwealth Laws. The AAT will then evaluate the decision made during the internal review to determine if it was appropriate.
Please note that an external review is only available after an internal review has been completed.
A Scheduled Plan Review
A scheduled review happens routinely near the expiry date of your NDIS plan. NDIA contacts you about a month before the plan expires to discuss potential changes in the new plan.
During this time, you can request changes to your current plan if needed and provide supporting evidence, such as medical documentation, to justify these changes.
An Unscheduled or Early NDIS Plan Review
An unscheduled review can be requested anytime if you believe your NDIS plan no longer meets your needs. This might happen due to inadequate funding, changes in personal circumstances, or overlooked therapy recommendations.
You can apply for an unscheduled review if your situation changes significantly and your current support is insufficient.
There are three types of unscheduled reviews:
- S48 Review: Requested when your circumstances change before the scheduled review.
- S100 Review: An internal review when you disagree with a previous NDIA decision.
- AAT Review: An external review conducted by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal if the internal review outcome is unsatisfactory.
What to Expect in Your Plan Review Meeting
Here’s what your plan review meeting will look like.
First, you will discuss your plan to identify what works and what doesn’t. Then, you can list any changes you want to make.
If there is no anticipated need for adjustments to your current support plan, you can propose a long plan duration (usually up to 3 years) instead.
The long plan duration typically involves your goals during the plan duration, you and your community connection, and any expected life changes during the plan duration.
Who Attends My Plan Review Meeting?
We don’t recommend you go through the assessment alone. Instead, bring a support person like a friend, a family member, or a support worker.
How Do You Prepare for Your Plan Review?
Reports
Ask your therapist to write prior plan reassessment reports at least six weeks before the plan review. The report will be handed in during the review to show how your therapist has supported you during your plan and whether the funding deserves to be continued.
Make Notes
Write down some relevant questions that are potentially being asked by the reviewer with the appropriate answer. By taking notes before the actual plan reassessment meeting, you will find it easier to answer the questions asked during the review.
Here are some examples of relevant questions:
- What didn’t work in my plan?
- Who can assist me in reaching my goals?
- What are my new goals for the upcoming plan?
- Should I change how my plan funding is managed?
- Did I achieve my goals or make progress?
- Will I need NDIS support going forward?
- Which goals should I adjust or continue working on?
What if I Haven’t Been Able to Use All My Funds?
It’s totally okay. You may not have used all your NDIS funds for some reason.
The most common reasons include overestimated support needs, difficulty finding providers, health improvements, lack of understanding, changes in personal circumstances, administrative delays, or limited service provider availability in remote areas.
What’s important is that you can provide reasonable and necessary reasons for not using all your funds.
What if I Want to Ask for More Support?
We recommend you not get too specific when asking for more support.
For instance, say you have multiple sclerosis and have experienced worsening symptoms, making it harder to manage daily tasks.
You can request more funding under the relevant NDIS funding categories, such as personal care.
If you’re still unsure how to convey the correct way, ask your therapist to craft the recommendation for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the plan review?
It is to assess if your current supports are still suitable and adjust the plan if needed.
Why should plans be reviewed?
This is to ensure your NDIS plan continues to meet your changing needs and goals.
How do I get the most out of my NDIS plan?
Understand your goals, regularly track progress, and use the funding for services that best support your needs.
Conclusion
In summary, an NDIS plan review is crucial to ensure your plan continues to suit your needs as they change over time. Both scheduled and unscheduled reviews help you adjust support as necessary.
If your circumstances have shifted, changing your plan via an NDIS plan reassessment can provide the additional funding or services you need to maintain your independence.
For more information or personalised assistance with your NDIS plan review in Melbourne or elsewhere in Australia, don’t hesitate to contact us at Unify Disability Services. We are here to help you navigate the process and make the most of your plan. Ask us, and we’ll answer!
