How to Request an Early Plan Review
Do you have an NDIS plan that’s not quite right for your support needs? No need to worry, there’s a simple solution. If you’re unhappy with your NDIS Plan and feel that it isn’t providing the support you need, you don’t need to wait for your next review. Instead, you can request an early plan review.
Requesting an early review
Two of the most common reasons that a participant might want to request an early plan review are if:
- You don’t believe your plan will adequately fund the supports you need
- Your circumstances have changed and you need significantly more (or less) support than you were funded for
Whatever your reason for wanting an early plan review, make sure to do your research prior to contacting your Local Area Coordinator (LAC). An early review could just as easily result in a positive outcome for you, as it could result in a negative outcome with either the rejection of your request or the reduction of your current funding. Doing the research and gathering the necessary documents before requesting an early review, can help you to feel more confident throughout the process.
In some cases, your LAC might be able to make on the spot adjustments to your plan. However, in most cases the review will be submitted to the NDIA.
Types of reviews
There are four types of reviews under the NDIS:
1. An internal review is when you think the NDIA’s decision about your NDIS plan is incorrect, either because you need more funding or because you’ve been unsuccessful in applying for the NDIS previously.
You will need to provide further evidence to support your claim in the meeting so the NDIA can review the new information and make an informed decision on the outcome of your request. It’s important to note that this process can take a few months to complete. While the review is being conducted, if you already have a NDIS plan, you can use the current funding that you have until your review is complete.
2. An external review is only possible when you disagree with the outcome of the internal review, and you want to challenge the decision made by the NDIA. To do this, you’ll need to apply to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) within 28 days of receiving your internal review result. The evidence you supplied will then be reviewed by the AAT, before they give a result outcome.
3. An unscheduled plan review is when your funding needs to be reviewed due to a change in your circumstances. If you have any changes in your circumstances, you are legally obligated to tell the NDIA. Some of those changes might be that:
- Your disability needs change
- Your informal care arrangements change significantly
- You have applied for, received, or are entitled to compensation for injury
When you submit a request for an unscheduled plan review, the NDIA will review your request and, if your request is approved, they will review your plan. If they don’t accept your request, you can request an internal review, followed by an external review if needed.
4. Scheduled plan review is typically held every 12 months or 24 months depending the circumstances. This is a pre-scheduled review that’s completed at the end of your plan period. In this review, you can discuss how your plan has helped you work towards your goals and what you hope to achieve in your next plan.
Writing a request for a review
The ‘NDIS Reviewable Decision Form’, is the best way to request a review of your NDIS plan. It’s important to take your time when filling out the form. Focus on clearly and concisely stating what concerns or changes you would like to be made to your NDIS plan, and detail why you disagree with the NDIS’s current decision.
There are several ways that you can submit your request:
Talk to someone directly by visiting an NDIS office
- Call: 1800 800 110
- Email: enquiries@ndis.gov.au
- Post: Chief Executive Officer National Disability Insurance Agency, GPO Box 700, Canberra ACT 2601.