If your circumstances or disability support needs have changed significantly, you may be considering an NDIS plan reassessment request. Changes introduced on 27 August 2026 affect who can make this request, which form must be used and what information needs to be included.

The process can feel like a lot to manage, particularly when you are already dealing with changing needs. This guide explains the main steps in plain language. It also outlines how a support coordinator or psychosocial recovery coach can help you prepare, while keeping you in control of the request.

What is an NDIS plan reassessment request?

A plan reassessment is used when your situation has changed significantly and your current NDIS plan no longer meets your ongoing disability support needs. If the NDIA agrees to reassess your plan, it will consider whether you need a new plan with more, fewer or different supports.

Examples of relevant changes may include ongoing changes to your ability to complete daily activities, living arrangements, education, work or the assistance available from family and other informal supports. A change does not automatically result in a new plan or additional funding. The NDIA considers each request using the information and evidence provided.

You do not necessarily need a reassessment every time something changes. Your existing funding and supports may have enough flexibility to respond. Speaking with your my NDIS contact, support coordinator or recovery coach can help you work out whether your current plan can still be used effectively.

What changed for NDIS plan reassessment requests?

Since 27 August 2026, only the following people can request a plan reassessment:

• the NDIS participant
• the participant’s nominee
• a child representative for a participant who is a child.

A participant cannot give consent to a provider, including a support coordinator, to make the reassessment request on their behalf. The request must also be made using the NDIA’s correct plan reassessment request form.

This does not mean you have to prepare everything alone. A support coordinator or recovery coach can help you understand the process, organise relevant information and discuss what has changed. The participant, nominee or child representative must still make and submit the request.

Plan reassessment or plan variation?

Before completing a form, it is useful to understand the difference between a reassessment and a variation.

Plan reassessment

A reassessment is generally for significant and ongoing changes. It involves considering your plan as a whole and may result in a new plan.

Plan variation

A variation changes only part of your current plan. It may be appropriate for an urgent, minor or short-term change, a change to your goals or funding management, or the correction of a technical error. Crisis or emergency funding may also be considered through a plan variation.

Unlike a reassessment request, you can give consent for another person, such as a support coordinator, to request a plan variation. The NDIA may also decide that a variation is more appropriate after reviewing a reassessment request.

The NDIA provides more information in its guide to changing your plan. If you are unsure which process fits your circumstances, contact your my NDIS contact before submitting a request.

How to prepare an NDIS plan reassessment request

A clear request connects the change in your circumstances with its practical effect on your ongoing support needs. The following steps can help you prepare.

1. Write down what has changed. Note when the change began, whether it is expected to continue and which parts of daily life are affected.
2. Review your current plan. Identify which supports are no longer meeting your needs and whether you have tried using the existing budget flexibly.
3. Collect current evidence. Ask relevant treating professionals, therapists or support workers for information that explains the change and its functional impact.
4. Check the correct form. Download the current plan reassessment request form directly from the NDIS plan reassessment page.
5. Keep copies. Save the completed form, evidence and confirmation of submission somewhere you can access easily.

Try to use specific everyday examples. Saying that daily activities have become harder gives some information, but explaining which activities are affected, how often support is needed and what happens without that support provides a clearer picture.

What evidence may be needed?

The NDIA says evidence for a reassessment request must show a significant change to your ongoing support needs. Depending on the situation, this may include assessments, reports or other information from treating health professionals, therapists or support workers.

Current NDIA guidance says evidence will usually need to be dated within four months of the request and after the approval date of your current plan. Before paying for a new report, check what information the NDIA needs and whether suitable recent evidence is already available.

Useful evidence should focus on your individual circumstances and functional support needs. It may explain:

• what has changed since your current plan was approved
• how the change affects everyday activities
• why the change is expected to continue
• which current supports are no longer sufficient
• how the requested supports relate to your disability needs and goals.

Evidence does not guarantee that the NDIA will approve a reassessment or particular supports. Its purpose is to give the decision-maker accurate information about your circumstances.

How a support coordinator or recovery coach can help

A support coordinator can help you review your plan, identify gaps, communicate with providers and organise supporting information. They may also help you prepare questions for your my NDIS contact and keep track of reports that have been requested.

A psychosocial recovery coach can help explain how changes are affecting routines, engagement with services and day-to-day functioning. They can also support you to organise tasks into manageable steps when paperwork or communication feels overwhelming.

Neither service can guarantee a plan decision or submit a reassessment request in place of the participant, nominee or child representative. Their role is to help you understand your options and prepare relevant information.

What happens after the request is submitted?

You can continue using your current plan while the NDIA considers the request. Once the NDIA has the information it needs, current guidance says it will make a decision within 90 days.

The NDIA may decide to reassess your plan, not reassess it, or make a smaller change through a plan variation. It should tell you its decision and explain the reasons. If you disagree with a reviewable decision, the NDIS website explains how to request an internal review. Time limits apply, so read the decision letter promptly.

While waiting, continue monitoring your funding and keep records of important changes. Contact your my NDIS contact if your situation becomes urgent or changes again.

Support with preparing for an NDIS plan change

You do not need to have every detail worked out before asking for help. Triple A Recovery Services provides Support Coordination and Psychosocial Recovery Coaching across Melbourne and surrounding suburbs.

If you would like calm, practical help reviewing your situation and preparing the next steps, you can complete the TARS intake form. We can discuss what support may be appropriate without promising a particular funding or plan outcome.