The NDIS regularly reviews plans to make sure that they’re working, and that they’re helping participants achieve their goals.

There are 3 kinds of plan reviews:  

1. Your regular scheduled review or “check in” when your current plan is due to expire; 
2. A review of the reviewable decision, and; 
3. Change of circumstance review.  

Regardless of the type of review, as a carer, you understand the effects of your loved one’s disability on their daily lives, so it is important you ask your loved one if you can support them and be involved in their review process or check in. These may include discussions with an NDIA Planner or contracted Partner in The Community to discuss current supports, goals (new and old) and what is needed to achieve those goals.  

It is important to note that a review can be requested at any time throughout the plan’s duration. This is especially encouraged if circumstances change, resulting in a changed support need.  

Your regular scheduled plan review or “check in”

Your loved one will be contacted by their NDIA planner or local Partner in The Community 4-8 weeks prior to the expiry of their current plan. The NDIS has prepared some information to help carers prepare for this check in. 

Preparing a Carer Statement will give the planner more information about the impact the disability has on the participant, their carer and family. This will help the planner understand the level of support required. You can continue to use your current plan as usual until the new plan is approved, which usually occurs around the expiry date of the current plan.  

Review of the Reviewable Decision

This review can be requested if you or your loved one are not satisfied with a planning decision or outcome.

You are encouraged to lodge this request within the first 3 months of the plan start date.

Depending on what outcome you desire, it can be helpful to supply further documentation in support of the request for review. Your LAC or EC partner (usually the person’s name is printed on the plan) can assist in lodging this for you, or it can be done directly with the NDIS. This type of review usually does not require another meeting but rather a phone conversation.

However, in some more complex circumstances another meeting may need to occur.  

Change of Circumstance

This review can be requested if your loved one’s support needs have changed. This could be due to several reasons, including Assistive Technology requirements, change of living arrangements, hospitalisations or, sadly, the death of an informal support.

This review can be lodged at any time, and will usually require a meeting with the participant’s NDIA planner or Partner in The Community.

Depending on the situation, supporting documentation may be required. Your NDIA planner or Partner in the Community can help you and your loved one submit this review.  

Further general information and any changes to this process can be accessed here and we encourage you to approach the NDIS or your Partner in The Community about your circumstances.