There are many reasons why you might need to change your NDIS plan. It could be something as simple as updating your address or fixing an error. Or it could be something more complex, like a change in your support needs.
You need to let NDIS know if your situation has changed and have the required change process in place by your plan’s reassessment date. The exact process depends on the type of change you need.
When can you request a change to your NDIS plan?
The short answer is – anytime. You don’t have to wait until your current plan ends; NDIS can change your plan at any time. This is often referred to as a “CEO-initiated plan change”.
Depending on the type of change needed, the NDIS may determine that you need to change your plan or re-evaluate your plan, either at your request or at the request of the NDIS.
NDIS Change of Plan
A plan change is a simple change that can be made to an existing plan without having to re-evaluate the complete plan.
The following changes all fall under the Change Plan category:
-Changing addresses
-Fixing minor or technical errors
-Changing the reassessment date
-Updating how funds are managed in your plan. For example, if you decide to change from Agency managed to plan managed
-You need crisis or emergency funding because of a significant change in support needs
-If NDIS receives a report or information about the need for additional supports after your plan is approved
-Minor changes that require additional funding. For example, auxiliary equipment repairs.
NDIS must make a decision about your request for a program change within 21 days of receiving the request. If they need more time, they will decide whether to change your plan within 28 days, or if it is a complex need, NDIS will change your plan within 50 days.
A plan change request can be denied if
-Your plan has been suspended or stopped
-You have flexible remaining funds available
-NDIS cannot consider the change without looking at the rest of your plan
-If your circumstances have changed significantly and need to be assessed
-You need more funds to help achieve the changed goals and are asking for a lot
NDIS plans to re-evaluate
A Program Reassessment is usually done when you are due to participate in a new NDIS program. You can find the official re-evaluation date in your current NDIS plan. But it can also happen at other times, for example:
Asking the NDIS to review your plan because something has changed, such as your living arrangements. A plan is more likely to be reassessed if there is a significant change in your circumstances, such as starting a job or moving for the first time, and your disability-related support needs change
When NDIS decides to review your plan sooner than expected, it can happen for a number of reasons, including whether there are problems with the way your money is being spent.
Program reevaluations are more detailed and complex than program changes.The NDIS may evaluate all the information they have about you, your goals, situation, and support needs.
They may also consider how you have used your funds to date and how well your previous program worked for you. Depending on your support needs, funding for the new program may increase or decrease.
You may also need to provide other information, such as assessments or reports.
NDIS may deny a request to reevaluate a program if:
-You do not have any new information or evidence
-You simply want more funding
-Other supports are available to meet your needs
-Your program has been suspended
-You are using funds faster than specified in your pla