How to change your NDIS plan: variation, reassessment or review?
Variation, reassessment or review: which one you need, how to ask, and the deadlines that matter.
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Short answer: If you need a small change — fixing an error, adding a quote-approved item, or changing how your plan is managed — ask for a plan variation. If your situation has changed significantly and your plan no longer fits, ask for a reassessment. If you disagree with a decision the NDIA made, ask for an internal review within 3 months, and if you still disagree, go to the Administrative Review Tribunal within 28 days.
Key points
- Variation = tweak the current plan. Reassessment = a new plan. Review = challenge a decision.
- Internal review: ask within 3 months; the NDIA aims to finish in 60 days.
- Since August 2026, only you, your nominee or your child representative can ask for an early reassessment.
- Write down what's changed and gather evidence before you ask.
Which one do I need?
| Situation | What to ask for |
|---|---|
| There's a mistake in my plan | Plan variation |
| I want to change from NDIA-managed to plan-managed | Plan variation |
| I've had a quote approved for equipment or home modifications | Plan variation |
| I need a little more funding for a specific support | Plan variation |
| My disability or support needs have changed a lot | Reassessment |
| I'm moving out of home, or my carer can no longer help | Reassessment (or variation if minor) |
| My plan is about to end | Reassessment or renewal (the NDIA will contact you) |
| I think the NDIA's decision is wrong | Internal review |
Plan variations
A variation changes your current plan without starting over. The NDIA can make a variation if you ask, or on its own. Common reasons are fixing errors, adding approved quotes, changing management type, or making a small funding change.
How to ask: call 1800 800 110, talk to your local area coordinator or support coordinator, or use the my NDIS portal. Explain what you want changed and why, and attach any quotes or reports.
For 24-hour support: from 1 October 2026, a 90-day plan variation pathway is available for people who need 24-hour support.
Reassessments
A reassessment looks at your whole plan and results in a new plan. It's the right path if your circumstances have changed in a way your plan doesn't cover — for example, a change in your health or functioning, a new living arrangement, or a big change in informal support.
Who can ask: since the NDIS Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Act 2026 received assent on 20 August 2026, only the participant, their nominee or their child representative can request an early reassessment. Providers and support coordinators can help you prepare, but the request has to come from you.
Timeframe: the NDIA has 90 days to decide whether to reassess. If it doesn't decide in that time, the request is treated as refused — which you can then ask to have reviewed.
Strengthen your request with recent reports from your treating professionals describing what has changed and what supports you now need, plus your own description of how things are going day to day.
What's changing: from 1 October 2026, new support determinations apply at reassessment, which will reduce some social and community participation and daily-living capacity-building budgets over 12 months. From 1 February 2027, plan renewals replace plan continuations. See NDIS changes 2026–2028.
Internal reviews
If you disagree with a reviewable decision — such as being found not eligible, a decision about what's in your plan, or a refusal to reassess — you can ask for an internal review.
Deadline: within 3 months of receiving the decision.
How to ask: by phone on 1800 800 110, through the my NDIS portal, in person at an NDIS office, by form, or by post to GPO Box 700, Canberra ACT 2601.
What to include: which decision you disagree with, why, and any new evidence. The review is done by someone who wasn't involved in the original decision. The NDIA aims to complete reviews within 60 days.
Not every decision is reviewable. If you're unsure, ask the NDIA to confirm in writing whether a decision can be reviewed and how.
Administrative Review Tribunal (ART)
If you still disagree after the internal review, you can apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal within 28 days of receiving the internal review decision. Free help is available through the NDIS Appeals Program — ask your local area coordinator or search for disability advocacy in your state.
Tips that help
- Act early. Don't wait until your funding runs out.
- Put it in writing and keep copies.
- Use evidence about function — what you can and can't do, and how often you need help.
- Get support from a support coordinator, advocate or trusted person.
Once your plan is updated, you may need new providers. Search Choosable or use Get Matched.
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This article is general information, not advice about your situation. Choosable is an independent directory and is not part of the NDIA. Always check current rules on ndis.gov.au (opens in a new tab), and get advice from a disability advocate about your circumstances.
