The NDIS plan reassessment process changed on 27 August 2026 following new NDIS legislation. Under the updated process, only a participant, their nominee or their child representative can request a plan reassessment. Participants also need to use the correct reassessment request form and explain what has changed, why a reassessment is needed and how their support needs have changed. Supporting evidence may also be required, depending on the circumstances.
What Is an NDIS Plan Reassessment?
An NDIS plan reassessment may be needed when there has been a significant and ongoing change in a participant’s circumstances or support needs, and their current plan no longer meets those needs.
A reassessment can result in a new NDIS plan with different supports or funding arrangements. Changes that may be relevant can include:
- Ability to complete daily activities
- Living arrangements
- Education
- Employment
- Support received from other people
Participants can continue using their current NDIS plan while the NDIS considers whether a reassessment is appropriate.
What Changed With NDIS Plan Reassessments in 2026?
The NDIS plan reassessment process changed on 27 August 2026. The updated process introduces specific requirements around who can request a reassessment and how the request needs to be submitted.
Only Certain People Can Request a Reassessment
Under the new process, an NDIS plan reassessment can be requested by:
- The participant
- Their nominee
- Their child representative
An NDIS provider cannot request a plan reassessment on behalf of a participant.
A Specific Form Is Required
Participants who want to request a reassessment need to complete the NDIS plan reassessment request form. The request should clearly explain:
- What has changed
- Why a reassessment is needed
- How the participant’s support needs have changed
Supporting evidence may also be required with the request, depending on the participant’s circumstances.
When Can You Request an NDIS Plan Reassessment?
An NDIS plan reassessment may be appropriate when there has been a significant and ongoing change in your circumstances or support needs. The change should affect the supports you need under your current plan.
Some examples of changes that may be relevant include:
- Changes in your ability to complete daily activities
- Changes to your living arrangements
- Changes in education
- Changes in employment
- Changes to informal supports
- Changes in disability-related support needs
The NDIS considers the information and evidence provided when deciding whether a reassessment is appropriate. You do not need to request a reassessment simply because you would prefer different supports. The request should relate to a significant and ongoing change in your circumstances or support needs.
Who Can Request an NDIS Plan Reassessment?
Under the updated NDIS process, only certain people can make a request for a plan reassessment. This is an important change for participants and families to understand, particularly if their support needs have changed.
1. The Participant
The participant can request a reassessment when there has been a significant change in their circumstances or ongoing support needs. The request should explain what has changed and why their current plan may no longer meet their needs.
2. A Nominee
An authorised nominee can request a reassessment on behalf of the participant. This can be relevant where a nominee is formally involved in making decisions or managing matters for the participant.
3. A Child Representative
A child representative can request a reassessment where applicable for a participant who is a child.
4. What About NDIS Providers?
An NDIS provider cannot request a plan reassessment on behalf of a participant. The request must come from the participant, their nominee or their child representative.
What Evidence Is Needed for an NDIS Reassessment?
When requesting an NDIS plan reassessment, participants may need to provide evidence showing that there has been a significant and ongoing change in their circumstances or support needs. This evidence helps explain why the participant’s current plan may no longer meet their needs.
Depending on the circumstances, supporting evidence may include:
- Medical reports
- Health professional reports
- Therapist reports
- Assessments
- Information from support workers
- Other relevant documentation
The NDIS says evidence should generally be recent, usually within four months of the reassessment request and after the current plan was approved. The type of evidence required can vary depending on the reason for requesting the reassessment. Participants can learn more about evidence for an NDIS plan reassessment when preparing their request.
When preparing your request, make sure the evidence clearly supports what has changed and how those changes are affecting your disability-related support needs.
How Long Does an NDIS Plan Reassessment Take?
Once the NDIS has received all the information and evidence it needs, it says it will make a decision within 90 days. The decision may be to reassess the participant’s plan, not reassess the plan, or vary the plan instead. Because of this timeframe, it is important to provide complete and relevant information when submitting an NDIS plan reassessment request. Clear supporting evidence can help explain the changes in your circumstances and why your current plan may no longer meet your needs. If you are unsure about the type of plan change that may apply to your situation, you can also discuss your circumstances with your my NDIS contact.
What Is the Difference Between a Plan Reassessment and a Plan Variation?
It is important to understand the difference between an NDIS plan reassessment and a plan variation, as they are used for different types of changes.
1. NDIS Plan Reassessment
A plan reassessment is generally used when there has been a significant change in a participant’s circumstances or ongoing support needs. In these situations, a new plan may be required to reflect the participant’s changed needs.
2. NDIS Plan Variation
A plan variation can be used when a participant needs a smaller, urgent or short-term change and their overall plan can continue to meet their needs without a full reassessment. The NDIS says plan variations may be used for changes such as updating goals, changing the statement of supports, adjusting funding component amounts or correcting information in a plan.
For more information, participants can read about what a plan variation is on the official NDIS website.
Can a Participant Request a Plan Variation Instead?
Yes. A plan variation may be appropriate when a participant needs an urgent, short-term or minor change rather than a completely new NDIS plan. This can provide a pathway for certain changes without going through a full plan reassessment. The NDIS says it will generally make a decision on a plan variation within 21 days once it has received the information and evidence needed to make the decision. This is different from a plan reassessment, which is intended for more significant changes to a participant’s circumstances or ongoing support needs.
If you are unsure whether your situation may require a plan variation or an NDIS plan reassessment, speaking with your my NDIS contact can help you understand which process may apply.
What Happens After You Request an NDIS Reassessment?
After you submit an NDIS plan reassessment request, the NDIS reviews the information and supporting evidence you have provided. The outcome will depend on whether the information shows that a significant and ongoing change has occurred in your circumstances or support needs.
There are three possible outcomes:
1. The NDIS Decides Not to Reassess Your Plan
The NDIS may decide not to reassess your plan if the information provided does not show a significant and ongoing change in your support needs.
2. The NDIS Agrees to Reassess Your Plan
If the NDIS agrees that a reassessment is appropriate, it will work with the participant to reassess their support needs and create a new plan.
3. The NDIS Varies Your Plan
The NDIS may decide that a smaller change is more appropriate and vary the participant’s existing plan instead of completing a full reassessment.
If a participant disagrees with a decision, they may have the right to request an internal review.
What Should You Do Before Requesting a Reassessment?
Before submitting an NDIS plan reassessment request, it can help to review your current plan and clearly document what has changed. Having relevant information ready can make it easier to explain why your current supports may no longer meet your needs.
1. Review Your Current NDIS Plan
Look at your existing supports and identify which areas may no longer meet your current needs.
2. Document What Has Changed
Be specific about how your circumstances or support needs have changed and when those changes occurred.
3. Gather Supporting Evidence
Collect recent reports, assessments and other relevant evidence that can help support your request.
4. Explain the Impact on Everyday Life
Describe how the changes are affecting areas such as daily activities, living arrangements, work, education or informal support.
5. Consider Your NDIS Goals
Explain how the requested changes relate to your disability-related needs and your current NDIS goals.
6. Speak With Your NDIS Contact
Your my NDIS contact can help you understand the reassessment process and what information may be relevant to your situation.
How Can Your Support Provider Help?
Although an NDIS provider cannot request a plan reassessment on your behalf, they may be able to provide relevant information about the supports they deliver. This information can help document changes in your support needs and the level of assistance you require.
Depending on the services you receive, your provider may be able to help document:
- Changes in daily support needs
- Changes in the level of assistance required
- Progress with independence
- Changes in community participation
- Changes in daily routines
- Support requirements in shared living arrangements
The participant, nominee or child representative remains responsible for requesting the reassessment. Your provider’s role is to provide relevant information about the support they deliver rather than submit the reassessment request for you.
How Elmur Community Services Supports NDIS Participants
Elmur Community Services provides personalised disability support based on each participant’s individual needs, preferences and NDIS goals. Our team works with participants to provide practical support that can help them manage everyday activities, participate in their community and build greater independence.
Our support services include Daily Living Support, Community Participation, Personal Care, Supported Independent Living, Short and Medium Term Accommodation, and Community Nursing. If your circumstances or support needs have changed, our team can discuss the services you currently receive and help you understand how our supports may fit within your NDIS plan.
FAQs About NDIS Plan Reassessments
1. What Is an NDIS Plan Reassessment?
An NDIS plan reassessment is used when a participant’s circumstances or support needs have significantly changed and their current plan may no longer meet their needs.
2. Who Can Request an NDIS Plan Reassessment?
A participant, their nominee or their child representative can request a plan reassessment.
3. Can My NDIS Provider Request a Reassessment for Me?
No. Under the current process, an NDIS provider cannot request a plan reassessment on behalf of a participant. The request must come from the participant, their nominee or their child representative.
4. What Evidence Do I Need for an NDIS Reassessment?
You need evidence showing that your support needs have significantly and ongoingly changed. Depending on your circumstances, this may include recent reports, assessments or information from healthcare professionals, therapists or support workers.
5. How Long Does an NDIS Plan Reassessment Take?
Once the NDIS has all the information it needs, it says it will make a decision within 90 days.
6. What Is the Difference Between a Plan Reassessment and a Plan Variation?
A reassessment is generally for significant changes to a participant’s ongoing support needs. A plan variation can be used for smaller, urgent or short-term changes where a full reassessment may not be needed.
7. Can I Keep Using My Current NDIS Plan While Waiting?
Yes. The NDIS says participants can continue using their current plan while a decision is being made about whether to undertake a reassessment.
Need Help Understanding Your NDIS Supports?
Changes in your circumstances or support needs can sometimes mean that your current NDIS plan may no longer reflect the support you require. Understanding whether you need a plan reassessment or another type of plan change can help you take the next step.
Elmur Community Services provides personalised disability support across Perth and surrounding areas. Our team can discuss your current support needs and explain how our services may fit within your NDIS plan.
Email: info@elmur.com.au
Phone : (08) 6558 8814
Website : Elmur Community Services
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