The NDIA can change an NDIS Plan on request of the NDIS participant or on the NDIA's own initiative [National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (Cth) ss 47A and 48]. The change may be a:

From 27 August 2026, an NDIS Plan may only be reassessed on the request of the participant if there has been a significant change to their ongoing support needs due to an alteration in their functional capacity or personal or environmental circumstances [s 48A].

Following a request for variation, the NDIA has 21 days to vary or refuse to vary the Plan or advise that further time will be needed [ss 47A(4)].

The NDIA has 90 days to make a decision in respect of a participant's request for a Plan reassessment [s 48(3)].

The NDIA is not obliged to respond to a request and any inaction will be taken to be a decision not to change the Plan [ss 47A(5) and 48(4)].

A decision to change or refuse to change a Plan is a reviewable decision [s 99]. If a participant is unhappy with the provisions or terms of a new, varied or reassessed Plan, they can also request an internal review of the Plan [s 99]. A person unhappy with the decision made at internal review can seek further review of that decision by applying to the Administrative Review Tribunal [s 103]. See Review of NDIA decisions.

A participant may provide the NDIA with a changed version of their statement of goals and aspirations at any time. If provided, their Plan is taken to have been varied to include that changed version [s 47].

Variation of Plan

A old framework plan may be varied to [s 47A(1A)]:

A new framework plan may be varied pursuant to sections 47A(1AA) and (1AB) of the NDIS Act.

The NDIA can vary a Plan in a manner different to that requested by the participant [s 47A(9)].

Any variation of a Plan must be prepared with the participant and comply with any conditions in the National Disability Insurance Scheme Rules [s 47A(1)]. A copy of the varied Plan must be provided to the participant within 7 days of the variation taking effect [s 47A(11)].

Reassessment of Plan

The NDIA must complete a reassessment of a participant’s Plan and either vary or replace the Plan prior to the reassessment date [s 49]. This process must commence before the period provided in the NDIS Rules (if any).

A plan must also be reassessed in the circumstances (if any) specified in a Plan [s 49A]. An old framework plan will not be reassessed if a participant has been given notice under s 32B(2) that they are to get a new framework plan [s 49B]. See New framework plans.

The reassessment of a Plan must result in either a variation to the Plan [s 47A] or the preparation of a new Plan with the participant [s 48(7)].

For more information, see the NDIS website – Guide to changing your plan.