When Does a Plan Review Happen?
NDIS plan reviews typically occur:
- When your current plan is about to end (scheduled review)
- When you request a review due to changed circumstances
- When the NDIS initiates a review
Most plans last 12-24 months, depending on your child's situation.
Types of Reviews
Scheduled Review
Happens before your plan ends. You'll receive contact about 8-12 weeks before.
Unscheduled/Change of Circumstances Review
You can request this if:
- Your child's needs have significantly changed
- Your current plan isn't meeting their needs
- Circumstances have changed (school, health, living situation)
Light Touch Review
A shorter process for minor adjustments when things are going well.
What to Gather Before Your Review
Progress Documentation
- Therapy progress reports from all providers
- Goal achievement summaries
- Session notes or data
- Photos or videos of progress
Updated Assessments
- Recent therapy assessments
- School reports or educator feedback
- Medical reports if relevant
- Any new diagnoses or recommendations
Functional Information
- Updated description of your child's daily challenges
- Changes in functioning since last plan
- New support needs
- What's working and what's not
Budget Usage
- Current plan utilisation
- Underspent categories (and why)
- Overspent categories (and why)
- Quotes for needed supports
Setting New Goals
Good NDIS goals are:
- Specific – Clear about what you want to achieve
- Measurable – You can track progress
- Achievable – Realistic with the right supports
- Relevant – Meaningful to your child and family
- Time-bound – Achievable within the plan period
Example Goals by Area
Daily Living: "Within 12 months, [child] will independently complete morning routine including dressing, teeth brushing, and breakfast preparation."
Social Participation: "[Child] will participate in two community activities per week with age-peers, with reducing support over the plan period."
Communication: "[Child] will use their AAC device to communicate wants, needs, and feelings in home and school settings."
Learning: "[Child] will develop handwriting skills to write their full name and simple sentences legibly."
Questions to Consider
Before your review meeting, think about:
- What has changed since the last plan?
- What's working well?
- What isn't working?
- What new challenges have emerged?
- What goals have been achieved?
- What do you want to prioritise?
- Do you need different or additional supports?
- Is your plan management working for you?
During the Review
Be Specific
Use concrete examples: "Every morning, [child] needs help with..."
Focus on Function
Talk about what your child can and can't do, not just their diagnosis.
Bring Evidence
Have reports and documentation ready to share.
Advocate for Your Child
You know your child best—share your insights.
Ask Questions
If you don't understand something, ask for clarification.
Take Notes
Or bring someone to help you remember what's discussed.
After the Review
- Review your new plan carefully
- Check goals and funding categories
- Discuss with your therapists
- Request a review of the reviewable decision if you disagree
How Hop & Learn Can Help
Our team can support your plan review by:
- Providing detailed progress reports
- Writing letters of support for continued therapy
- Attending planning meetings if helpful
- Helping you understand and use your plan
- Advocating for appropriate funding
Contact us before your review to ensure you have all the documentation you need.
Useful Contacts
- NDIS: 1800 800 110
- NDIS website: ndis.gov.au
- Local Area Coordinator (LAC)
- Your Support Coordinator (if applicable)
