Managing and reviewing a plan
What to Do if Your Needs Change
Tell the NDIA when something in your life may affect your plan, support needs or eligibility.
Record what changed
Write down what happened, when, and how it affects everyday life.
Contact the right people
Your my NDIS contact, and anyone helping you manage your supports.
Gather relevant evidence
The NDIA may require reports before changing your plan.
Plain language guide
The detail, broken into useful sections.
Read the sections that matter to you. The content has not been shortened or changed, only organised so it is easier to scan.
What counts as a change
Your disability or functional capacity improving or worsening, a new support need, a carer no longer being available, a change in living arrangements, starting or leaving work or study, leaving hospital or rehabilitation, moving into or out of supported accommodation, changes to mobility or communication, changes to equipment needs, a significant change in risk or safety, or extended overseas travel.
Step 1: Respond to immediate safety needs
Call 000 if someone is in immediate danger, seriously injured, very unwell, or facing a life threatening emergency. Deal with crisis, health or emergency services before NDIS paperwork.
Step 2: Write down what changed
What happened, the date, whether it is temporary or ongoing, how it affects your activities, which supports are affected, whether anyone is at risk, and what support is needed now and longer term. Keep copies of relevant correspondence.
Step 3: Check your current plan first
Your plan may already contain flexible funding that can meet the changed need. Review your budgets, flexible and stated supports, funding remaining, funding periods, current agreements, provider availability and contingency arrangements.
Step 4: Contact the NDIA
As early as you can. Explain what changed, why the current plan may no longer work, what arrangements are in place now, whether the change is likely to continue, what evidence is available, and what you are asking them to consider.
A change does not automatically mean more funding
The NDIA will consider whether the existing plan can be used flexibly, or whether a variation or reassessment is required.
Before paying for a new assessment
Ask the NDIA what evidence it actually needs before paying for an assessment solely for a plan change.
SCL Support Services
What SCL can help with
SCL may:
- Review how the change affects your current services
- Update relevant SCL support and risk information
- Provide records about services delivered and changes observed
- Prepare a revised quote or support schedule
- Work with your authorised support network
- Help prepare temporary service arrangements
- Raise concerns about immediate safety
SCL cannot approve additional NDIS funding or provide medical evidence outside our professional scope.
Official information
This page explains things in plain language. The NDIS is the authority on the rules, and they change. Check the official pages for the current position.
Last checked: August 2026
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