How do I change my NDIS plan?

Last checked: 1 November 2026

The short answer

There are two ways to change an NDIS plan. A variation changes part of your plan, and you can ask for one at any time. A reassessment looks at your whole plan, and you can only ask for one if your support needs have changed in a big and lasting way. If the NDIA says no, or does not answer in time, you can ask for an internal review.

Key dates and time limits

• The NDIA must decide a variation request within 21 days, or tell you it needs more time.
• If the NDIA does nothing within 21 days, it is treated as refusing the variation, and that refusal is reviewed automatically.
• The NDIA must decide a reassessment request within 90 days.
• If the NDIA does nothing within 90 days, it is treated as refusing to reassess, and that refusal is reviewed automatically.
• You have 3 months to ask for an internal review of a decision not to vary or not to reassess your plan.

Step by step

1. 1

   Work out what kind of change you need

   A variation is for a change to part of the plan. Examples are crisis or emergency funding after a big change in your needs, funding after fraud or financial exploitation, funding to stop a threat to your health or safety, funding after a quote or report the NDIA asked for (such as for equipment or home changes), or changing how your plan is managed. A reassessment looks at the whole plan and can lead to a new plan.

2. 2

   Changing your goals

   To change only your statement of goals and aspirations, give the new version to the NDIA. Your plan is treated as changed straight away, and the NDIA must send you a copy within 7 days.

3. 3

   Ask for a variation

   Ask the NDIA in writing and say exactly what you want changed and why. Attach evidence, such as a therapist's report or a quote. The NDIA can make a variation that is different from what you asked for. It must send you the varied plan within 7 days of it taking effect.

4. 4

   Check if you can ask for a reassessment

   You can ask only if your ongoing support needs from your NDIS impairment have changed in a significant way. The change must come from a significant, ongoing change in what you can do (with a big drop in your ability to do daily activities), or a significant, ongoing change in your living, education or work arrangements or your informal supports, such as a carer who can no longer help.

5. 5

   Ask for a reassessment

   Use the NDIA's form if it has one and send the evidence it asks for. Explain what changed, when, and how it affects the supports you need. The NDIA may decide to vary the plan instead, reassess it, or refuse.

6. 6

   Needs assessments and new framework plans

   Under the 2024 law changes, people are being moved in stages to 'new framework plans' with a single budget. Before a new framework plan, the NDIA arranges a needs assessment and must give you a copy of the report. If you are in a group due to move, asking for a reassessment may lead the NDIA to start your new framework plan.

7. 7

   If the answer is no

   A decision to vary your plan, not to vary it, or not to reassess it can be reviewed. Ask for an internal review within 3 months, then go to the Administrative Review Tribunal within 28 days if you still disagree.

Who can help

Forms and the law