The NDIS operates on the principle of "reasonable and necessary", evidence based supports, but what's reasonable for your life circumstances might not be obvious to a planner who meets you for 90 minutes. This is where preparation and advocacy become crucial.
Too often, we see participants whose plans are reduced because they couldn't articulate how their supports connect to their goals, or because they accepted a planner's assumptions about what they "should" need rather than explaining what actually works for them.
The 90-Day Rule
Start preparing for your next plan review at least 90 days before it's due. This gives you time to gather evidence, track outcomes, and identify gaps in your current plan without the pressure of an approaching deadline.
Consider Dave, whose plan was cut by 40% because he couldn't explain why he needed flexible support hours. His autism meant he functioned better with longer support sessions less frequently, but his planner saw "inefficient" hourly allocations. We helped him document how this approach reduced his anxiety and improved his participation in community activities.
At his next review, armed with evidence and clear explanations, Dave not only regained his previous funding but received additional capacity building supports. The difference wasn't his needs but how those needs were presented.
Effective plan review preparation starts with understanding what planners are looking for: evidence that your supports are working, clear connections between supports and goals, and demonstration of progress or changing needs.
Essential Review Documents
- Support session notes showing progress toward goals
- Allied health reports with specific recommendations
- Evidence of community participation and independence gains
- Documentation of any incidents or emergency interventions
- Photos or videos showing skill development
Don't just list what supports you want, explain the "why" behind each request. If you need psychology sessions, connect them to specific goals like managing anxiety to access community activities. If you need increased personal care, document how your health condition has changed.
Many participants undersell their achievements. Planners need to see that your supports are generating outcomes, not just maintaining the status quo. Document every small win - learning to catch public transport, cooking a new meal, managing a social situation that previously caused distress.
If your circumstances have changed since your last plan, be explicit about this. New diagnoses, changes in living arrangements, family circumstances, or health conditions all impact your support needs and should be clearly articulated with supporting evidence.
Remember that you can request a review outside the scheduled annual review if your circumstances change significantly. Don't wait 12 months if your needs have increased due to health changes, life transitions, or other factors.
Finally, consider bringing an advocate or support person to your review. This might be a family member, support coordinator, or professional advocate. They can help ensure all points are covered and provide additional perspective on your support needs and outcomes.