Your NDIS plan review is coming up. Last time, you felt like you didn’t get what you needed—or you weren’t sure what to say. This time, you want to be prepared.
Here’s how to walk into your review with confidence.
When Does Your Review Happen?
The NDIA usually contacts you about 3 months before your plan ends to schedule a review. Plans are typically 12 months, though some can be shorter or longer.
Don’t wait for them to contact you. Start preparing early—ideally 6-8 weeks before your plan ends.
Before the Review: Gather Your Evidence
The most important thing you can do is collect documentation. The NDIS responds to evidence, not just verbal requests.
Request reports from your providers:
- Therapists (OT, speech, physio, psychology)
- Support coordinator
- Support workers (if they can provide one)
- GP or specialists
Ask them to address:
- Progress you’ve made
- Ongoing support needs
- Recommendations for future support (with specific hours/frequency if possible)
- What happens if support is reduced
Tip: Request these reports at least 6 weeks before your review. Providers are busy and reports take time.
Track Your Current Plan
Make notes throughout the year, not just at review time:
- What’s working well?
- What’s NOT working?
- Any services you couldn’t access?
- Any funding that ran out early?
- Any new needs that emerged?
- Any changes in your circumstances?
Specific examples are powerful. “My support worker hours ran out in March and I couldn’t shower independently for two months” is more compelling than “I need more hours.”
Know What You Want to Ask For
Before the meeting, write down:
- Your goals – What do you want to achieve in the next plan period?
- The supports you need – Be specific (hours, frequency, types)
- Why you need them – Link to your disability and goals
- Evidence supporting your request – Which reports back this up?
During the Review Meeting
Bring someone with you
Don’t go alone. Bring a support person—family member, friend, advocate, or your support coordinator. They can help you remember points, provide examples, and advocate for you.
Talk about your BAD days, not your good days
Many people downplay their needs at reviews. They talk about what they CAN do rather than what they struggle with.
The NDIS funds support for what you NEED HELP with. If you make it sound like everything is fine, you’ll get less funding.
Be honest about your challenges. Describe your worst days, not just your best ones. (The same advice applies to your first planning meeting.)
Use specific examples
Instead of: “I need help with personal care”
Try: “Without support, I can only shower twice a week. I need help with washing my hair because I can’t lift my arms above my head. My support worker helps me three mornings a week, and I need to increase that to five because my condition has gotten worse.”
Reference your evidence
“My OT report recommends 10 hours per week of support for daily living tasks. Here’s the report.”
If You Want More Funding
Asking for increased funding? You’ll need to justify why:
- Has your condition changed?
- Did your previous funding run out early?
- Have you lost informal supports (family member can’t help anymore)?
- Are there new things you need to work on?
- Do you have reports recommending more support?
Frame increases around your GOALS. “I want to work towards getting a job, and my employment support funding wasn’t enough to complete the program last year.”
What If You Don’t Get What You Need?
If your new plan doesn’t have enough funding, you can:
- Request an internal review – Within 3 months of receiving your plan
- Provide additional evidence – Get more reports if needed
- Escalate to the Administrative Review Tribunal – If the internal review doesn’t resolve it
Don’t just accept a plan that doesn’t meet your needs. You have the right to challenge it.
How a Support Coordinator Helps
If you have support coordination in your plan, this is a big part of what they do:
- Help you prepare for the review
- Coordinate reports from providers
- Attend the meeting with you
- Advocate for your needs
- Help with reviews if the plan isn’t right
If you don’t have support coordination, consider asking for it at your review—especially if you found this process stressful.
Need Help Preparing?
At Plan Pathfinders, we help participants prepare for reviews and advocate for the support they need. We know what evidence makes a difference and how to present your case effectively.
