The NDIA has announced changes to NDIS plan reassessment requests following the introduction of new NDIS legislation. These changes began on 27 August 2026.
For many participants, a plan reassessment may become relevant when there has been a meaningful change in disability-related support needs, functional capacity, living arrangements, informal supports, goals or the supports required to live well and safely.
The changes do not mean that participants should stop using their current plans. The NDIA has advised participants to continue using their plan and supports as usual, unless they are told that a change affects them.
Who can request a reassessment?
Under the updated process, a request for a plan reassessment can only be made by:
- The NDIS participant
- The participant’s nominee
- A child representative, where relevant
Support Coordinators, Recovery Coaches, providers, family members and other supporters can still play an important role in helping a participant understand their options, gather evidence and prepare information. However, they cannot make the reassessment request on the participant’s behalf unless they are formally appointed as the participant’s nominee or child representative.
What is required?
A plan reassessment request must now be submitted using the NDIA’s required form.
The request should clearly describe:
- What has changed in the participant’s situation or disability-related support needs
- When the change occurred
- How the change affects daily life, safety, independence, relationships, participation, health or capacity to work towards goals
- Why the current plan no longer adequately meets the participant’s disability-related support needs
- What supports or adjustments may be required
The request must include supporting evidence. The NDIA notes that this evidence may need to come from a GP or relevant health professional. Depending on the person’s circumstances, useful evidence may also include reports, assessments, functional capacity information, letters from treating professionals, risk information and service reports that describe the practical impact of changed support needs.
Good evidence is specific, current and connected to the participant’s everyday functioning. A diagnosis alone may not explain the full impact of a person’s disability. It can be helpful for evidence to describe what the person can do independently, what becomes difficult or unsafe without support, and how recommended supports relate to their NDIS goals.
What happens after a request?
Once the NDIA has the information it needs, it advises that it will make a decision within 90 days.
The NDIA may decide to:
- Reassess the participant’s plan
- Not reassess the plan
- Vary the plan instead
The NDIA should let the participant know its decision and the reasons for it. If a participant receives a decision they do not understand or disagree with, it is important to seek advice promptly about their options, including requesting clarification or considering review pathways.
When may a plan variation be suitable?
A plan variation may be an option where changes to support needs are urgent, minor or short-term.
The NDIA has a form for plan variation requests, although participants can also contact their my NDIS contact to discuss their circumstances. This may be especially important when an urgent situation is affecting a person’s immediate safety, wellbeing or ability to access essential disability-related supports.
There is no single option that suits every situation. The most appropriate pathway depends on the nature of the change, how long it is likely to last, the effect on daily functioning and whether the current plan can reasonably meet the person’s needs.
How MHRC can help
At Mindful Hearts Recovery Coaching, we understand that a change in circumstances can feel overwhelming, particularly when someone is already navigating mental health challenges, disability-related barriers or significant life stress.
We can support participants to:
- Talk through what has changed and consider whether a reassessment or variation may be appropriate
- Identify the practical impact of changed support needs
- Prepare clear, participant-centred information for the NDIA
- Coordinate relevant reports or evidence from treating professionals, with consent
- Prepare for conversations with the NDIA or my NDIS contact
- Understand correspondence and next steps after an NDIA decision
Every person’s situation is individual. If you are concerned that your current NDIS plan no longer reflects your needs, please reach out for support early. Taking time to clearly document changes and gather relevant evidence can help ensure your circumstances are communicated in a meaningful and respectful way.
Important reminder
The NDIA has advised that further changes related to new NDIS legislation will occur gradually. Participants should continue using their current plan and supports as usual unless the NDIA directly advises that a change affects them.
This article provides general information only and is not legal advice. NDIS processes and guidance may change. For information specific to your circumstances, contact the NDIA, your my NDIS contact, or an appropriate independent advocate or professional.