How to prepare for your NDIS Plan Review: a guide from a JP Trusted Advisor Specialist Support Coordinator
If you’re a NDIS participant or a family member or carer of a NDIS participant, a NDIS Plan Review meeting can be one of the most important aspects of your NDIS journey.
A NDIS Plan Review meeting is an opportunity for you to reflect on the goals you’ve set and the progress you have made in reaching those goals, while also making sureyour plan continues to meet your needs.
We often hear from participants that a plan review meeting can feel daunting, especially if they’re unsure what to expect or how to be best prepared.
To help you feel more confident and ready for your next NDIS Plan Review meeting, we sat down with Alyce, one of our experienced Specialist Support Coordinators and Team Leaders. Alyce shares her top tips for preparing for your next plan review meeting and how you can best make the most of this opportunity.
Alyce’s knowledge, guidance and practical insights will help you feel organised and ready for your next meeting, while also empowering you to advocate for the supports you need to live the life you choose.
What can you do to feel prepared for your next NDIS Plan Review
1. Gather your evidence early
“Making sure you have gathered your evidence early, is the first and most important step in preparing for a NDIS plan review meeting, as it can take time to do so. Gathering evidence includes any reports, assessments and quotes that you have or need that support the NDIS funding that you are requesting.
“It’s best to start collecting your evidence at least two to three months before your NDIS plan review is due as it can take time to schedule appointments with your providers to undertake assessments or seek quotes from providers for equipment,” explains Alyce.
What counts as evidence?
Allied health assessments including occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech pathology.
Functional capacity or psychosocial assessments.
Letters from support workers or service providers outlining the supports you receive and what these services mean to you or how they impact your life, enabling you to live your life the way you choose.
Quotes for home modifications, assistive technology or specialised equipment.
Progress reports explaining how funded supports have helped you work towards achieving your goals.
More information?
‘Preparing for your plan reassessment’ is a resource provided by NDIS - it provides helpful information about what to expect, the type of information you will need for your meeting, how you can best prepare for your reassessment and information about longer plan durations for participants in a stable situation.
The key takeaway
Gather your evidence early - start preparing at least two to three months before your NDIS Plan Review meeting so you have all of your reports, quotes and assessments ready in time.
2. Be sure you understand the ‘reasonable’ and ‘necessary’ criteria
“It is also really important that you understand the NDIS criteria for funding supports. Late last year, the Australian Government made significant and important changes to the NDIS legislation, detailing how all NDIS participants are only able to use NDIS funds for items that are listed as NDIS supports. The NDIS will only fund supports that are considered ‘reasonable’ and ‘necessary’,” explains Alyce.
“One of the biggest misconceptions for participants can be understanding that if a service or support was funded in the past, it will automatically be funded again. However, that’s no always the case.
“Also, the same goes for new services or supports - just because you haven’t received a particular support before, doesn’t mean it might not be considered ‘reasonable’ and ‘necessary’ now because a person’s needs or situation can change, resulting in a change of supports needed,” says Alyce.
“When you’re preparing for your NDIS Plan Review and especially when you are gathering evidence, try to link your evidence to the ‘reasonable’ and ‘necessary’ criteria below. For example, if you’re requesting funding for a support worker to help you attend activities in your local community, you can explain how this will support social participation and align this with your goal and show how it offers value for money.”
What counts as ‘reasonable’ and ‘necessary’?
The criteria for a support or service, to be considered ‘reasonable’ and ‘necessary’ must:
Be related to your disability.
Help you pursue your goals and live your life the way you choose.
Represent value for money.
Be effective and beneficial.
Not include your day-to-day living costs not related to your disability support needs eg. grocery shopping.
Not be duplicated by other services such as health or education.
More information?
‘Reasonable and necessary supports’ is a resource provided by NDIS - it provides the criteria as well as helpful information about what is considered ‘reasonable’ and ‘necessary’ and how the NDIA determines what is ‘reasonable’ and ‘necessary’.
‘Does the support meet the reasonable and necessary criteria is a resource provided by NDIS - it breaks down the criteria further and provides examples.
The key takeaway
Use the NDIS support guides as a point of reference to help you understand how your requested supports or services align with the ‘reasonable’ and ‘necessary’ criteria. If you are unsure, a Support Coordinator or Specialist Support Coordinator can help ensure your evidence meets these requirements.
3. Explore new supports you may be eligible for
“If your needs and goals have changed since your last plan review, then the types of supports or services you’re eligible to receive may have also changed too,” says Alyce.
“If this is the case, I would encourage you to think about the other types of services you may need to help you live your life the way you choose while meeting your goals, as you may qualify for other funding streams.”
What could be considered other funding streams if my needs and goals have changed since my last plan review meeting?
“You might want to consider other services or supports that you haven’t received funding for in the past, but may assist you now if your needs and goals have changed. Be mindful, any funding you are seeking will need to meet the ‘reasonable’ and ‘necessary’ criteria,” says Alyce.
Other funding streams you might consider if your needs and goals have changed, might include:
Increased supports if your daily living needs have changed.
Capacity building funding if you’d like to develop new skills or transition to work or study.
Supported Independent Living (SIL) if you want to work towards achieving a goal of living more independently.
Assistive technology if you need equipment to help make undertaking daily tasks easier.
Understanding the different support budgets may help you identify new opportunities to help you live your life the way you choose, while you work towards achieving your goals.
More information?
‘Support budgets in your plan’ is a resource provided by NDIS - it provides information related to asking for a change to your plan, how you can make the most of your plan and information about budgets.
The key takeaway
Think about any challenges or changes you have faced over the past year and if there are any supports you haven’t accessed that could help you. Consider any new goals you’d like to work towards that might require different types of support than what you’re already receiving. Be sure to discuss this at your planning meeting and talk about what you need to live your life the way you choose.
4. Work collaboratively with the NDIS and your support network
“It is important you know, that when you’re preparing for your NDIS planning meeting that you don’t need to do it alone. It’s really important that you work together with the NDIS and your support network,” says Alyce.
Who can help me prepare for my next planning meeting?
Your Support Coordinator or Specialist Support Coordinator.
Allied health professionals.
Key service providers.
Family members, carers or guardians.
“Working with your support network, who understand your daily challenges, achievements and needs, can help you set realistic goals and ensure your funding requests are well justified so you can live your life the way you choose,” says Alyce.
“Be sure to schedule appointments with your support coordinator or specialist support coordinator with enough time before your plan review meeting. It’s also important that you discuss your goals and supports regularly with your support network throughout the year. Make sure you share relevant updates or changes in your daily needs with your care team and always ask questions when you’re unsure about something.”
The key takeaway
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember you’re not alone. Be sure to reach out to your support network including your support coordinator or specialist support coordinator. Our team at JP Trusted Advisor is here to help you prepare for and navigate the NDIS with confidence. We are here to help.
Your plan review meeting is your opportunity to make sure your NDIS plan reflects your current needs and future goals. Being prepared will help you feel confident - you will also have clarity and a strong case for the types of support you need to live your life the way you choose.
At JP Trusted Advisor we believe in empowering participants. If you’re preparing for your next NDIS plan review meeting and would like some support, we are here to help.
If you have any questions, please speak to your JPTA Support Coordinator or Specialist Support Coordinator or email us.