What if my goals change before I can review my NDIS plan?

If your goals or support needs change before your NDIS plan is due to be reassessed, it's important to communicate these changes as soon as possible. Your NDIS plan is designed to be flexible and responsive to your evolving needs, however, with some changes in situation, your NDIS plan funding will no longer be adequate for your support needs. In these situations, your plan can be adjusted accordingly.

Check out the steps you can take if your goals or needs change.

1. Contact your support coordinator

Reach out to your support coordinator to discuss the changes in your situation or goals. They can provide guidance on whether your NDIS plan is adequate to support your changing needs or if your plan will need to be reassessed.

2. Request a plan reassessment

If you believe that your current plan no longer aligns with your needs and goals, you can request a plan reassessment. You can do this by contacting the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) or your local NDIS office. Your MS Plus support coordinator can guide and assist you with each step in this process.

3. Provide updated information

Clearly communicate the reasons for the change in your needs or goals and provide any relevant documentation or evidence supporting these changes. This could include reports from healthcare professionals, therapists, or any other supporting documents. Your MS Plus support coordinator can provide an overview perspective in gathering and reviewing evidence to ensure that your changing and ongoing support needs are clearly demonstrated.

4. Attend a planning meeting

The NDIA may schedule a planning meeting to discuss your updated goals and needs. Be prepared to articulate the changes you want to make and how these changes will better support your overall wellbeing. Your MS Plus support coordinator can help you to prepare for these meetings so you can more confidently communicate your situation and support needs.

5. Review and revise your plan

Based on the discussions and information provided during the review process, the NDIA will make a decision about whether to approve changes to your plan. If approved, your plan will be updated to reflect your current goals and needs. If you do not agree with a decision about supports included or not included in your plan, you have the right to request this decision be reviewed within 90 days. Often when a support is declined this is because there was not enough evidence that the support is reasonable and necessary for your needs. When requesting to review a decision, it can help to present new or more detailed evidence (usually a report from a health professional or therapist) explaining why this support is necessary for you and any risk to your wellbeing if this support is not funded.

Remember that the NDIS is designed to be participant-centric, and they aim to ensure that your plan is tailored to meet your individual requirements. Regular communication with your support coordinator is crucial to maintaining a plan that aligns with your evolving circumstances and aspirations.

Feel free to reach out to Plus Connect at 1800 042 138 or email connect@msplus.org.au to connect with a support coordinator. They can provide personalised assistance, helping you communicate changes effectively, gather necessary documentation, and facilitate the process of requesting and undergoing a plan review.