When it comes to the NDIS, there’s one simple truth:
It’s all about evidence.
But what exactly is this mythical evidence you hear us all talk about?
You’re probably thinking, “I gave those people 57,249,345,762 attachments and my last thread of sanity and it still wasn’t enough.”
Today, I’m going to show you exactly what evidence you need and how to present it to the Agency.
This article explains:
the types of evidence that actually matter
how to prepare for a plan reassessment or review
how to get organised without completely burning yourself out
Why Evidence Is Everything in the NDIS
The NDIS won’t fund a support just because it would be “helpful”.
To be funded, evidence must show that the support will:
- help your child work towards their NDIS goals
- be effective and beneficial
- relate directly to their disability (not everyday parenting needs)
- represent value for money
- be considered an NDIS-funded support
Without strong evidence, even very reasonable requests will be knocked back.
Important reassurance:
Most families already have more evidence than they realise.
The hard part isn’t collecting everything — it’s knowing what matters and how to frame it.
Types of Evidence That Strengthen Your NDIS Request
You don’t need everything listed below — but the more relevant evidence you have, the stronger your position.
Functional Capacity Assessments (FCA)
A Functional Capacity Assessment is one of the strongest pieces of evidence you can provide.
It’s usually completed by an Occupational Therapist and clearly outlines:
- what your child can do independently
- what they cannot do without support
- how their disability impacts daily life
- what supports are recommended — and why
If your current therapy team doesn’t complete FCAs, you can use a different provider just for the assessment.
Your NDIS contact can also help you find an assessor who’s the right fit for your family.
Reports From Existing Providers
Therapists and providers already working with your child can (and should) contribute evidence.
Strong provider reports:
- use clear, measurable language
- link recommendations directly to NDIS goals
- explain why the support is needed now
- clearly state exact funding recommendations, such as:
* number of face-to-face hours
* number of non-face-to-face hours (planning, notes, liaison, reports)
* frequency (weekly, fortnightly, etc.)
* how long this level of support is required (e.g. 12 months)
The key point many families miss:
NDIS recommendations should be consistent across providers.
If one therapist says 20 hours and another says 4, it weakens your case.
Simple Email Template You Can Use
Subject: Report Request
Hi [Provider Name],
I’m preparing for my child’s upcoming NDIS plan review and am collecting updated reports to help demonstrate the supports they require.
Could you please provide a report that includes:
- what my child can do independently
- what they need help with
- how their disability impacts daily life at home, school, and in the community
- progress made and areas where significant support is still required
Please also include your specific funding recommendations, including:
- number of face-to-face hours
- number of non-face-to-face hours
- recommended frequency
- how long this level of support is required
- how your recommendations link to my child’s current NDIS goals
Thank you — your support means a great deal to our family.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Lived Experience (Carer Impact) Statements
This is your chance to tell the NDIS what life actually looks like.
A strong lived experience statement explains:
- how your child’s disability affects daily life
- what happens without supports
- real examples (not just general statements)
- how exhausted, stretched, or overwhelmed you are
- what supports your child needs from wake-up to bedtime
- how long each task takes
This evidence matters because the NDIS does not live in your house — you do.
Carer statements matter more than most families realise
Many parents downplay this part, assuming professional reports “carry more weight”.
In reality, your statement is often what brings everything else together.
We’ve created a Carer Statement Booklet to help parents write this in a way the NDIA understands — without needing to use policy language or legal jargon.
Download the Kindship Carer Statement Booklet
A daily task breakdown can be one of the clearest ways to show caring load across a full day.
Download Kindship’s Daily Task Breakdown
You may also find this helpful:
Carers Australia Carers Checklist
Quotes and Budget Planning Matter More Than You Think
Even though the NDIA website sometimes suggests quotes aren’t required, in my experience — just give the quotes.
They help:
- show value for money
- demonstrate realistic budgeting
- avoid funding gaps
Just as importantly, always protect funding for existing supports.
If a change of situation request is rejected, you don’t want essential services stopping while you regroup.
Tips for Preparing Strong Evidence
Be specific, not vague
“Needs help with self-care” isn’t enough — explain how and why.
Link everything to disability
The NDIS doesn’t fund typical parenting responsibilities.
Show urgency where relevant
If delaying support will cause harm or regression, say so clearly.
Evidence Checklist for Plan Reassessments
To make this easier, we’ve created a one-page Evidence Checklist you can use to see what you already have and what might still be missing.
Want a simple way to get organised?
Download the NDIS Evidence Checklist (PDF)
This checklist walks you through:
- Functional Capacity Assessments
- Provider reports
- Carer impact statements
- 24-hour daily task breakdowns
- Evidence of carer exhaustion
- Rosters of care
- Quotes for requested supports
- School and medical documentation
Use it as a guide — not a pressure list.
Remember
Preparing evidence for the NDIS is exhausting — especially when you’re already stretched thin.
But strong evidence gives you:
- leverage
- clarity
- protection when plans are reviewed or reassessed
You don’t have to do it all at once.
You don’t have to do it perfectly.
You just need enough evidence to clearly show your child’s reality.
And that reality matters.
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