If your needs have changed and your NDIS plan no longer fits, you may be able to ask for a plan reassessment. The process for asking changed on 27 August 2026. This article explains what changed, who can make a request, and what the NDIA says it needs.
The NDIA says participants should keep using their plan and supports as usual, and it will let them know if a change affects them. These changes affect how a reassessment is requested, not the supports you already have.
What Changed on 27 August 2026
According to the NDIA:
- Only certain people can make the request: the participant, their nominee or their child representative.
- There’s a new form. Requests are made on the NDIA’s Plan Reassessment Request Form.
- Evidence is required. The request needs to explain what has changed and why the current plan no longer meets the participant’s needs, with supporting evidence.
- The NDIA generally has 90 days to decide. Once it has the information it needs, the NDIA decides whether to reassess the plan, not reassess it, or vary the plan instead.
The NDIA will let you know its decision and the reasons for it.
Keeping your contact details up to date with the NDIA can help while a request is being considered.
Who Can and Can’t Lodge the Request
Can request a reassessment:
- The participant
- Their plan nominee
- Their child representative (for participants under 18)
Can’t request it on a participant’s behalf:
- Support coordinators
- Therapists and allied health professionals
- Support providers
- Advocates
The NDIA says this applies even if a participant gives permission, unless the person also formally holds one of the roles above. These professionals may still help participants prepare.
Reassessment or Plan Variation: Which Applies?
A plan reassessment is generally for a significant and ongoing change, where a participant may need a new plan with different supports. Examples may include:
- a lasting change in health or functional capacity
- moving out of home or into a new living arrangement
- a change in informal supports, such as a family carer who can no longer help
- starting work or study
A plan variation is generally for smaller, urgent or short-term changes, such as correcting an error, crisis funding, adding recommended assistive technology or changing how a plan is managed.
The NDIA has a form for requesting a plan variation. Participants can also contact the NDIA to discuss their needs, especially if their situation is urgent.
The NDIA may handle a request differently depending on which applies, so it helps to check with your Care Navigator, my NDIS contact or the NDIA.
Not sure whether a reassessment or plan variation applies to you? Speak with a Care Navigator →
Supporting a participant as a health professional or referrer? Information for referrers →
What About Your Scheduled Reassessment?
If your plan is reaching its scheduled reassessment date, you don’t need to lodge a request. The NDIA will contact you. According to the government’s reform timeline, from February 2027 a renewed plan will be created at that point, and unspent funds from the previous plan won’t carry over.
What Evidence May Help
The NDIA generally looks for evidence showing what has changed, how it affects everyday life, and that it’s ongoing, not only a diagnosis. Evidence may include:
- recent reports from a GP, specialist or allied health professional
- functional capacity assessments describing day-to-day abilities and support needs
- letters from support workers or family describing changes they’ve noticed
- dated notes about changes to living, work, study or informal supports
Support Available to Help You Prepare
Several options are available:
- Your my NDIS contact can help you work out what type of plan change you may need and what evidence to include.
- Independent disability advocacy services may be able to provide support.
- A nominee: participants can ask the NDIA about appointing a nominee, if that suits their situation.
- The NDIS contact centre is on 1800 800 110.
- Your support coordinator: where support coordination is funded in your plan, your Care Navigator may be able to help you understand your options and organise information.
You can also ask the NDIA for information in other languages or Easy Read, or request an interpreter.
For Support Coordinators, Therapists and Referrers
Evidence from support coordinators and allied health professionals can help participants show what has changed. Reports that describe significant, ongoing changes in functional capacity and daily support needs may be most useful. To discuss a referral, contact our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my support coordinator request a plan reassessment for me?
According to the NDIA, from 27 August 2026 only the participant, their nominee or child representative can make the request, even if permission is given. A support coordinator may still help with preparation.
Where can I find the plan reassessment request form?
The form is available on the NDIS website. Your my NDIS contact, the NDIA or your Care Navigator can help you find it.
How long does the NDIA take to decide?
Once it has the information it needs, the NDIA generally decides within 90 days.
What if my change is only short term?
A plan variation may be more suitable for urgent, minor or short-term changes. The NDIA can advise which applies.
What can I do if I disagree with a decision?
The NDIA will explain its decision and the reasons for it. Participants can ask the NDIA about their review options. An independent disability advocate, your my NDIS contact or your Care Navigator can help explain the process.
Questions About Your Plan?
Our Care Navigators support participants and families across Sydney and NSW to understand their NDIS plan.
Reviewed by the Aus Care Community Services Care Navigator team. Last reviewed: 17 September 2026.
Sources
- NDIA: Changes to plan reassessments
- NDIA: What is a plan reassessment
- NDIA: Securing the NDIS for future generations
- Department of Health, Disability and Ageing: Reform timeline
This information is general in nature and reflects NDIS information available at the time of writing on 17 September 2026. The NDIS is changing, and rules, dates and processes may be updated after this article is published. It is not legal, financial or individual NDIS advice and should not be relied on for decisions about your plan. What the NDIS funds, and decisions about access, plans and reassessments, are made by the NDIA. For the latest information, visit ndis.gov.au or call the NDIS on 1800 800 110. For help understanding your own situation, Speak with a Care Navigator.
