A plan review can feel like a lot — but it doesn't need to be. At its core, it's simply a chance to check whether your current supports are working, and to adjust funding if your needs have changed.
What actually happens
You'll usually meet with your Local Area Coordinator or NDIA planner, either in person or by phone. They'll ask how your current supports are going, and whether your goals have shifted since your last plan.
How to prepare
Bring examples of how your current supports are helping — specific, concrete moments work better than general statements. If a provider has written progress notes, bring those too.
If funding doesn't match your needs
You can request an internal review of the decision. Your support coordinator can help you put this together with the right evidence.
Scheduled reviews vs early reviews
Most plans include a scheduled review date, usually 12 months from your last plan, though some plans run for shorter or longer periods depending on your circumstances. You don't have to wait for that date, though. If your needs change significantly — a new diagnosis, a change in living situation, a support that's no longer working — you can request an early or "change of circumstances" review at any time. These are assessed on their own merits rather than tied to your regular review cycle.
What the NDIA actually looks at
Reviewers are mainly checking three things: whether your current funding has been used as intended, whether your goals from the last plan have been met or need adjusting, and whether there's evidence supporting any requested changes. This is why documentation matters so much — a plan reviewer working through dozens of cases responds far better to a specific example ("required two staff for safe transfers three times a week") than a general statement ("needs more support").
Common mistakes participants make
The most common issue we see is participants going into a review without any documentation, relying purely on memory under pressure. A close second is not mentioning changes that seem "obvious" to the participant but aren't visible to a reviewer who's never met them — like a recent hospital stay, a fall, or a new medication regime. It's also easy to focus only on what's not working and forget to mention what is, which matters too: reviewers want to see that funding already allocated has actually been used effectively.
Frequently asked questions
Can I request a review before my scheduled date?
Yes, if your circumstances have genuinely changed. Contact the NDIA or your support coordinator to start a change of circumstances request.
What happens if I disagree with the outcome?
You can request an internal review within the NDIA, and if that doesn't resolve it, an external review through the Administrative Review Tribunal is available as a further step.
How long does a plan review take?
Timeframes vary, but it's common to wait several weeks for a written plan after the review meeting itself. If it's taking longer than usual, it's reasonable to follow up.
If you'd like help preparing for an upcoming review, our support coordination team is glad to talk it through.
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