You probably have a lot of different feelings right now if you’re reading this. You might be feeling a little overwhelmed because you just started looking into the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for yourself or a loved one. Or maybe you already have a plan and have heard the term “Plan Review” thrown around. It sounds a little scary.

Take a deep breath. You are not alone.

For many people in Australia, the NDIS is a fantastic source of support, but the paperwork and processes can feel like learning a new language. The NDIS Plan Review is one of those processes that causes the most confusion and anxiety for beginners.

The good news? It doesn’t have to be complicated. In this guide, we are going to walk you through the NDIS plan review process step by step. We’ll use simple English and real-life examples and explain exactly how things work. By the end, you’ll understand what a plan review is, why it happens, and how to prepare for it with confidence.

Let’s get started.

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What is an NDIS plan? A Quick Recap

Before we dive into the review process, let’s quickly recap what an NDIS plan actually is.

Think of your NDIS plan as a personalised roadmap. It’s a document that is created just for you. It outlines:

• Your goals: What do you want to achieve? (e.g., “I want to cook my own meals,” or “I want to join a local sports club.”)
• Your supports: The funding the NDIS gives you to help you reach those goals.

This plan is not designed to last forever. It usually lasts for 12 months, though sometimes it can be for 24 months or even 36 months for people whose situations are very stable.

When that 12-month period is coming to an end, you don’t just get the same plan automatically. You and the NDIS will have a conversation to check if the plan still works for you. That conversation is called a ‘plan review’.

NDIS Plan Review Process Explained (Step-by-Step)

The NDIS Plan Review is simply a chance to check in. It’s your opportunity to say, “This worked well,” or “I need more support in this area.” It’s not a test, and it’s not something to fear.

There are two main types of reviews, and it’s important to know which one applies to you.

1. The Two Types of NDIS Plan Reviews

For beginners, you will most likely experience a plan reassessment. The NDIS will contact you a few months before your current plan ends to start the process.

2. The Timeline with Steps 2. The Step-by-Step Timeline

Let’s say your name is Sarah. Sarah’s NDIS plan began on July 1, 2024. This is what her plan review schedule looks like.

Step 1: The Check-In (2–3 Months Before the End of the Plan)

The NDIS will let Sarah know about something in April or May 2025. Most of the time, this is a text message, a letter in the mail, or an email. It will say something like, “It’s time to start making plans for your next NDIS plan.”

What you need to do: Don’t ignore this! This is your sign to get ready. The NDIS will tell you how to set up your plan review meeting. Sometimes they will book it for you; other times, you can choose a time that suits you.

Step 2: Preparation – Gather Your Evidence

This is the most important step. Sarah doesn’t just show up to the meeting hoping for the best. She prepares.

To prepare for your review, gather information about your life over the past 12 months. Ask yourself these questions:

• What went well? Did you achieve any goals? Did you start seeing a support worker you love?
• What didn’t go well? Did you run out of funding? Did a service provider not show up?
• What changed? Did your disability support needs increase? Did you move house? Did your informal supports (like family) change?

Practical Tip: Keep a folder (physical or digital) with reports from your therapists (e.g., occupational therapists, physiotherapists), support workers, or doctors. These reports are powerful evidence. For example, if Sarah needs more support for community access, a report from her occupational therapist stating that she needs two support workers to go out safely is much stronger than just her saying, “I need more money.”

Step 3: The Plan Review Meeting

This is the conversation. It can happen in a few ways:

• Phone Call: A planner or local area coordinator (LAC) calls you.
• In-Person Meeting: You meet at an NDIS office, a local community centre, or even at your home.
• Self-Assessment: For some people, they fill out a form online.

A normal conversation might go something like this: During this meeting, the planner will ask you questions about your current plan. They want to understand your life. A typical conversation might sound like this:

Planner: “Hi Sarah, thanks for talking to me today.” Your last plan said that you wanted to be more independent at home. What happened?
“It went really well!” said Sarah. My support worker taught me how to make simple meals. It’s great that I can now make my own breakfast and lunch.
Planner: “That’s great progress.” And what about your goal to join a group?
“That was a little harder,” Sarah said. I wanted to join a group, but my money for “Core Supports” ran out about three months before the plan ended, so I couldn’t go as much as I wanted.
“Okay, thanks for telling me that,” said the planner. That’s great information for your new plan. “Do you have any new goals you want to work on this year?”

This conversation is your chance to speak honestly. If something didn’t work, say so. If you need more help, ask for it.

Step 4: The NDIS Makes a Decision

After your meeting, the NDIS planner will go away and write your new plan. They will consider:

• Your conversation.
• The reports and evidence you provided.
• The NDIS rules and pricing arrangements.

You will not leave the meeting with a new plan in your hand. It usually takes a few days to a few weeks for them to finalise it.

Step 5: You Receive Your New Plan

One day, you’ll get a notification that your new plan is ready. You can view it on the NDIS myplace portal, or you will receive a copy in the mail.

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This is your new plan. Check it carefully:

• Does it have the supports you asked for?
• Is the funding enough?
• Are your new goals listed?

If something is wrong or missing, you don’t have to just accept it. You can contact the NDIS and ask for a review of the decision.

Common Beginner Questions Answered

Let’s address some of the questions that might be swirling around in your head.

How often does an NDIS plan get reviewed?

Most NDIS plans are reviewed every 12 months. However, if your situation is stable and you don’t need many changes, the NDIS might offer you a 24-month or 36-month plan. This is called a “stated plan” and means you won’t have to go through a review as often.

What if I don’t agree with the new plan?

You have rights. If you disagree with the funding or the supports in your new plan, you can ask for an internal review. This means a different, senior NDIS planner will look at your plan again. You can also ask for support from a family member, friend, or advocate to help you do this.

Can I change my plan if I don’t want to wait 12 months?

Yes, through a plan variation. If your life changes dramatically—for example, you have a fall and need more physiotherapy, or you move out of home and need more support—you can contact the NDIS and ask to have your plan changed earlier.

What is a Local Area Coordinator (LAC)?

An LAC is your local guide to the NDIS. They work in your community and are often the person who helps you with your plan review. They are there to help you understand the process and connect with disability support and services. If you have an LAC, they will likely be the one calling you for your review meeting.

Real-Life Example: Sam’s Plan Review

Let’s look at another example to bring this to life.

Sam is a 24-year-old man with autism. His first NDIS plan included funding for a support worker to help him with household tasks and to go to the gym twice a week. His goal was “to build my confidence in social settings”.

At his plan review, Sam told his LAC:

• Success: The support worker was great. He helped Sam feel confident enough to say “hello” to people at the gym.
• Challenge: Sam realised he wanted to go to a local gaming group to make friends, but his plan didn’t have funding for “community participation” in group settings. He also felt anxious using public transport to get there.

Because Sam prepared and explained his challenges clearly, his LAC was able to adjust his new plan. The new plan included:

1. Funding for a support worker to accompany Sam to the gaming group (community participation).
2. A short-term goal with an occupational therapist to build his skills and confidence in using public transport.

Sam’s story shows that the plan review isn’t just about money—it’s about adapting to your changing life and goals.

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Tips to Prepare for Your NDIS Plan Review

Feeling ready is the best way to feel less anxious. Here are some simple, actionable tips.

• Start Early: Don’t wait for the meeting date. Start taking notes 2-3 months before your plan ends.
• Keep a Diary: If you have a problem with a service provider, write it down. If you achieve something amazing, write it down. This “diary of evidence” is gold for your review.
• Bring Someone You Trust: You can bring a family member, friend, or advocate to your meeting. They can help take notes and make sure you don’t forget to mention important things. You don’t have to do this alone.
• Use the “Gather” Function: The myplace portal has a feature called “Gather”, where you can upload evidence and reports directly to your file so your planner can see them before the meeting.
• Focus on Goals, Not Just Money: The NDIS is a “goal-based” scheme. Instead of saying “I need more money”, try saying “I need more funding for support workers so I can achieve my goal of finding a job.”

What Happens After the Review? Managing Your New Plan

Once you have your shiny new plan, the work isn’t over—it’s the beginning of a new cycle.

1. Choose Your Providers: You can choose how you manage your funds. You can have the NDIA manage it (agency-managed), have a plan manager do it (plan-managed), or do it yourself (self-managed).
2. Connect with Support: If you have new funding, start looking for disability support and services that fit your new goals. Your LAC can help you find providers in your local area.
3. Start Your Diary Again: Don’t throw away your notes! Start tracking how your new plan is going from day one. This will make your next plan review even easier.

Conclusion

Being an NDIS participant means going through the NDIS plan review process on a regular basis. It might seem scary at first, but it’s just a talk about your life, how you’re doing, and what you want to do in the future. It’s a chance, not an interrogation. The NDIS Plan Review Process is a regular part of being an NDIS participant. While it can seem daunting at first, it is simply a conversation about your life, your progress, and your dreams for the future. It’s an opportunity, not an interrogation.

Keep in mind the most important steps:

1. Get ready by gathering your reports and thinking about what worked and what didn’t.
2. Be honest with your planner or LAC about both your successes and your problems.
3. Ask for Help: If it makes you feel better, bring someone with you to the meeting.
4. Look over your new plan to make sure it includes what you asked for.

The NDIS is a learning experience for you. No one thinks you should know everything on the first day. You are making a big step towards getting the most out of your plan and the help you need by learning about the review process.

Are you ready to move on?

Begin by getting together all of your notes and reports from the last year. Get in touch with your LAC today to find out when your first plan review is due if you haven’t had one yet. The first step to feeling in control and confident is to know what your options are.