NDIS plan review: prepare evidence, preferences and questions
Preparing for your Annual Plan Review Meeting with the NDIS
By tappON · Originally published 30 January 2019
How participants can prepare a useful account of the current plan
List what is working, what is missing and what has changed. Include everyday examples, service gaps and relevant reports. Explain the support you want and why it is useful, without feeling you must demonstrate constant progress to deserve assistance.
Ask which process is being used and how you will receive the decision and reasons. A decision review is different from changing a plan because circumstances have changed.
Original article and dated context
Daniel is the co-founder of tappON. He and his wife Maryanne built tappON together after seeing inconsistencies in his home health supports. Genevieve is an avid Growth Marketer with over 5 years experience in the healthcare industry.
As you approach the end your first year under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), it is a time to reflect and review, and see what you might need for the future. The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) offers a yearly plan review to allow its participants to measure their progress and goals and identify any changes in their life.
[Clickability update, October 2026: A yearly review is not a universal current schedule. Check your actual plan dates and the relevant reassessment or variation process. Read current plan-change information.]
As you near the end of your first year, your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) will be in contact with you a couple of months before your scheduled plan review and share documents to help prepare you for this meeting. When the time comes for your meeting you are welcome to bring a family member or support person to your plan review.
[Clickability update, October 2026: This historical contact expectation is not a guarantee. Confirm your actual contact and dates; seek help when needs change rather than waiting for an assumed annual meeting.]
So, what can you expect from your first NDIS Plan Review?
This is a time to provide feedback on what supports are working for you and what isn’t. You will have the opportunity to inform the assessor on what other goals you would like to achieve, and reflect on your previous achievements. This is an opportunity for you to also discuss your next plan review meeting according to your personal circumstances and goals.
If your situation may change in the near future, such as a planned move from school to work, you can schedule your next plan review for up to 12 months’ time to discuss the best supports for your needs and goals.
Your plan review is also the time to think about how your NDIS plan is currently being managed and if you would like to change how your NDIS plan is managed. As you gain more experience with your NDIS plan you have the choice to change how your funding is managed. The NDIS is built around empowering individuals with choice and control and you can elect how you want to manage this, whether it is self managed, managed by plan managers or NDIA managed. This is a personal decision and a conversation you should have with whomever is assisting you in your plan management.
How can I plan for my NDIS Plan Review?
Preparing for your Plan Review doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You can work with your LAC, Support Coordinator, friend or family member to help you. To prepare you should have a think about your goals in both the long and short term.
Knowing what you would like to achieve in the future will help you decide which services and supports you will need to achieve this. It will also help you decide how you will use your funding to achieve these goals.
The NDIS isn’t just for traditional care but also offers more services and supports to help individuals achieve a wide range of goals. Have a think about other goals you may want to achieve such as learning how to cook healthy meals or wanting to learn a sport and join a club. Then decide who will help you achieve these goals – a nutritionist or a sports physio.
This way of thinking will help you get the most out of your NDIS plan.
What if I don’t agree with my NDIS Plan Review?
If you disagree with the outcome of your Plan Review, you can request a review of decision made by the NDIA. This can be done via:
[Clickability update, October 2026: Only reviewable decisions follow the internal review route. Current guidance distinguishes some budget reductions and identifies a high-support-needs variation route. Check the applicable decision-review process and time limits.]
Submitting a written request to: Chief Executive Officer, National Disability Insurance Agency
Talking to someone at an NDIA office
Calling 1800 800 110
Sending an email to enquiries@ndis.gov.au.
This review will be conducted by NDIA staff who were not involved in the original decision. They review the facts, laws and policies that applied to the decision and determine of the original outcome was accurate.
Tips for your NDIS Plan Review
Be Specific! Try to be very specific about your goals and what supports you think are required. The more specific you can be about how these will help, the more likely they are to be approved.
Record Keeping – Note down barriers you may encounter in the future or and outcomes you wish to achieve. Also keep records of all service agreements and quotes, this will help in the planning of the next year.
Get your key stakeholders on side if possible – Many individuals have reported that getting clear and concise reports from their physios or alike backing up your requests has had a positive effect on the plan outcome.
It is important to be your own biggest advocate when going for a Plan Review. The more organised and prepared you are, the better the result will be. Your Plan Review meeting doesn’t have to be as stressful as your last. You can find many resources online to help you out – especially from the NDIS itself located here.
Clickability editorial update: October 2026
Help organise evidence while keeping the person in the discussion
With permission, bring relevant observations and records, and agree what you will say beforehand. Explain actual assistance and sustainability without replacing the participant’s preferences. Keep a copy of what is submitted and clarify the next contact rather than assuming an automatic annual appointment.
Questions readers ask
Is every NDIS plan reviewed annually?
No. Check the actual plan and current change process. Official guidance
Can all funding changes use the same appeal route?
No. Check whether the decision is reviewable and the applicable alternative route. Official guidance
Find coordination help for the next steps in your plan
Tell Clickability what you need help arranging or explaining. Compare profiles and reviews and ask how a coordinator works with your preferences, evidence and existing services.
