If you’re the parent of a child with an NDIS plan, there are very few phrases capable of triggering the same level of fear and dread as the words “plan reassessment.”
The only things that come close are a disaster nap at 4pm or a teenager suddenly losing Wi-Fi access.
But here’s the real question: has anyone ever actually sat you down and explained the different types of plan reassessments, reviews, and changes of circumstances — and how they’re connected?
This matters more than most families realise. One type of change can quietly trigger another, and before you know it, your child’s plan is being reassessed without the right evidence in place, leaving you well and truly up the NDIS equivalent of shit creek without a paddle.
This article breaks it all down.
Change of Situation
A change of situation (also called a change of circumstances or an s47/s48) is when you tell the NDIS that something in your child’s life has changed.
This can be something as simple as a new address or phone number (plan variation), or bigger changes that require more funding — think parent separation or a new diagnosis (plan reassessment).
There are, of course, a whole heap of grey areas in between.
Let me explain the difference between a plan reassessment and a plan variation.
Plan Reassessment
A change of situation is simply a trigger for an unscheduled plan reassessment. Once triggered, the reassessment process is exactly the same as if the plan were ending normally.
Important: Running out of funding is not enough to trigger a change of situation unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Examples of when you could submit a change of situation to request a plan reassessment include:
- Receiving a new disability diagnosis
- Major life events (e.g. starting school, moving out of home)
- Parents separating, impacting how your child’s needs are met
- Regression in skills
How does it work?
When using a change of situation request to trigger a plan reassessment, you must prepare the same type of evidence you would for a scheduled plan reassessment. The only difference is that you also need to justify why your current plan is no longer adequate.
If evidence is the part you’re most unsure about, we break it down step by step here:
What Evidence Does the NDIS Actually Need for Your Child?
The NDIS should respond within 21 days to confirm whether they agree that your child’s situation has changed enough to warrant a reassessment.
If they agree with you
- The plan will be placed in a queue for a delegate to pick up and start building, usually within 28 days.
- In exceptional cases, reassessments can be prioritised — speak with your NDIS contact if your child’s needs are urgent.
If they disagree with you
- Speak with your NDIS contact about asking for the decision to be reviewed.
- You must try to ensure your funding lasts for the duration of the plan.
Plan Variation
A plan variation is different from a full plan reassessment. Variations are used when you only need a small change made to your child’s NDIS plan.
Examples include:
- Adding funding for a piece of high-cost equipment
- Updating goals
- Updating the “About Me” section
- Emergency or crisis situations
With a variation:
- The plan dates stay the same
- You usually don’t have a phone call with a delegate
- It can be quicker than a reassessment
Speak with your NDIS contact about which type of change of situation is most suitable for your circumstances.
⚠ Warning!
Even if you ask for a plan variation, this can still trigger a full plan reassessment.
The NDIA has the power to reassess a participant’s plan at any time.
Make sure you speak with your NDIS contact about the risks before submitting anything.
Still unsure which option applies to your child?
We walk through real-life examples of plan reassessments, variations, and evidence in our Decoding the NDIS webinar. Many families find it helpful to watch this before submitting anything to the NDIA.
Find recording HERE!
Plan Reassessment (Scheduled or Triggered)
A plan reassessment happens when the NDIS reviews your child’s funded supports and builds a new plan. This can occur:
- When your child’s plan ends and a continuation isn’t offered
- If you request it through a change of situation
- If your child is leaving hospital and their functional capacity has changed
- If your child is leaving a justice institution
What happens during reassessment
- An NDIS delegate reviews all evidence and support requests
- Each request is assessed against the reasonable and necessary criteria
- Once a draft plan is prepared, you’ll usually get a text saying the delegate will call you (often from a private number)
You can reschedule this call if you’re not prepared or want a support person present. It’s better to answer and ask to reschedule than to miss it — otherwise the delegate may finalise the plan without speaking to you.
After the call, the plan is submitted for supervisor approval. Supervisors may make changes before it’s issued.
If You Disagree With the New Plan
You can request a Review of a Reviewable Decision (s100) within 90 days of receiving the plan.
Review of Reviewable Decision (s100)
- Must be lodged within 3 months
- Applies only to supports you asked for that were rejected or left out
- You can provide extra evidence, but no new supports can be requested
- Your NDIS contact can help you lodge this
This is often the best option when a plan is new but incomplete.
Learn more about s100s here.
Quick Reference Guide: Plan Reassessment Pathways
If you’re skimming or feeling overwhelmed, here’s a quick snapshot of the different NDIS pathways, when you might use them, and what they actually mean in practice.
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📄 Want this in a printable format?
We’ve turned this into a one-page PDF you can save, print, or share with your support coordinator or therapist.
Download the Plan Reassessment Pathways Guide (PDF)
You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone
If reading this has left you thinking “I still don’t know which path is safest for us,” that’s completely understandable. This system is complex, and families are often expected to make high-stakes decisions during already stressful seasons.
Our Family Support Pathways sessions are designed to help you:
- Understand what the NDIS is actually looking for
- Work out what evidence you already have (and what you don’t need)
- Talk it through with someone who understands both the system and real family life
There’s no pressure and no prep required — just a chance to talk it through with a human.
Book a free Family Support Pathway session here
