It’s a fact of life that things change. And changes to your personal circumstances can affect your NDIS Plan and the supports you need.
Perhaps you have moved house or the level of care your family can help you with is no longer the same.
Today, we explore the types of changes you need to let the NDIS know about and the process for requesting a change in your NDIS Plan if needed.
Types of changes that can affect your NDIS Plan.
Changes could include things like:
- A change in your contact details such as your phone number, email address or address.
- Significant changes in care or support provided by family or friends. For example, a family member who has provided informal support has a new job and you need to replace this support.
- Changes to your disability needs. For example, you have experienced an increase or decrease in your support needs.
- Changes to your living arrangements. For example, you moved into a new house, move overseas or go into aged care.
- Changes to your employment. For example, from part-time to full-time work.
- Your health and wellbeing have changed. For example, your disability is affecting your health in a different way.
- You are going overseas for a long time or are moving overseas.
What to do if your circumstances change.
It’s important you let the NDIS know as soon as you know your circumstances have changed or are likely to change.
This can be done in several ways:
- By phone: 1800 800 110
- By email, along with supporting evidence to enquiries@ndis.gov.au
- Completing a change of details or change of situation form
- Post a letter with supporting evidence to Chief Executive Officer, National Disability Insurance Agency, GPO Box 700 Canberra ACT 2601
- Visit an NDIS office.
You can also complete the change or details or change of situation form to request a plan reassessment if your plan no longer meets your needs.
Good to know: If you don’t let the NDIS know that your circumstances have changed and you continue to receive supports that aren’t right for you, you may have to pay the money back.
Next steps.
Once the NDIS receives your information, it will carry out any changes you requested and let you know once that’s done. They may also contact you to discuss your options and whether a full plan reassessment is needed.
If the changes are simple such as a change in address, no changes to the supports in your plan will be required.
If your plan is no longer right for you.
If you’ve experienced big changes in your life, then it’s likely you’ll need a plan reassessment (previously called a plan review). You can ask for a plan reassessment or the NDIS may begin the process if it receives information that indicates your plan needs updating.
Examples of changes that may trigger a plan reassessment include:
- Changes in the impact of your disability on your life
- During major transitions such as starting school or work
- Changes to your living arrangements such as moving out of home or a parent no longer being able to assist with care
- Children younger than 7 with changing goals and developmental needs whose support needs have changed.
How Leap in! can help.
Call the friendly Leap in! Crew on 1300 05 78 78 if you would like more information about the NDIS change of circumstances process.
We’re ready to answer your questions to help you live the life you want today.
Story originally published Nov 29, 2019 – updated 15 Nov 2022.