The NDIS changed its plan reassessment process from 27 August 2026, including new requirements around who can request a reassessment and what information and evidence needs to be provided. Pasted markdown Under the current process, a participant, their nominee or their child representative can request a plan reassessment when there has been a significant change in the participant’s circumstances or support needs. The request must use the appropriate form and include information explaining what has changed and evidence supporting the request. Pasted markdown
Evidence may include recent assessments, reports or other information from treating healthcare professionals, therapists or support workers. This information helps explain how a participant’s needs have changed and what supports may be appropriate for their next plan. Pasted markdown
What Changed With NDIS Plan Reassessments in 2026?
From 27 August 2026, several changes apply to the NDIS plan reassessment process. Pasted markdown
- Only the participant, their nominee or their child representative can request a plan reassessment.
- Requests must use the correct plan reassessment request form.
- The request must explain what has changed and why a reassessment is needed.
- Evidence must be provided to support the request.
- Evidence may need to come from a GP or other health professional.
These changes mean participants cannot simply ask a provider to request a plan reassessment on their behalf. The NDIS states that a participant cannot give consent to someone else, such as a provider, to make the reassessment request. Pasted markdown
For more information, participants can refer to the official NDIS changes to plan reassessments
When Might You Need an NDIS Plan Reassessment?
An NDIS plan reassessment may be appropriate when there has been a significant change in your circumstances or support needs and your current plan no longer meets those needs. Pasted markdown
Examples of significant ongoing changes can include:
- Ability to perform daily activities
- Living arrangements
- Education
- Work
- Support from other people
- Disability-related support needs Pasted markdown
A plan reassessment is intended for significant changes. Smaller changes to part of an existing plan may instead be handled through a plan variation. Pasted markdown
What Evidence Do You Need for an NDIS Plan Reassessment?
The main purpose of the evidence is to show that there has been a significant change to your ongoing support needs. Pasted markdown
Assessments
Relevant assessments can explain changes in functional capacity or support needs.
Reports From Healthcare Professionals
Reports from treating healthcare professionals may be relevant where they provide information about the participant’s changed needs.
Therapist Reports
Therapist reports may explain:
- Current needs
- Progress
- Functional impact
- Supports being provided
- Changes in support needs Pasted markdown
Support Worker Information
Where appropriate, information from support workers can help explain how a participant’s support needs have changed.
Other Relevant Evidence
The key is not simply how much evidence you provide. It should clearly explain:
What changed → how it affects the participant → what support is now needed.
Current NDIS guidance says evidence for a reassessment should generally be recent, usually within four months of the reassessment request and after the current plan was approved.
What Should Evidence Explain?
Good evidence should help the NDIA clearly understand the participant’s current situation and why a plan reassessment may be needed. Pasted markdown
It should explain:
- What has changed
- How the change affects the participant
- Whether the change is significant and ongoing
- How current supports are affected
- What additional, different or changed supports may be needed
- How the requested supports relate to the participant’s goals Pasted markdown
The information and evidence can help the NDIA determine what supports may be included in the participant’s next plan and whether those supports meet the relevant rules. Pasted markdown
The evidence should explain the participant’s needs and provide professional recommendations within the scope of the professional providing the report. Pasted markdown
Can a Therapist or Allied Health Professional Write an NDIS Plan Reassessment Report?
Yes. The NDIS provides specific guidance for allied health professionals who prepare plan reassessment reports. Pasted markdown
These reports should explain:
- The therapy approach
- Outcomes achieved
- Progress towards participant goals
- Additional supports recommended
- Expected outcomes of those supports
- Relevant risks or impacts
- How recommendations are within the professional’s scope of practice Pasted markdown
For further information, you can refer to the official NDIS guidance on plan reassessment reports
Can Employment or Vocational Changes Support a Plan Reassessment?
Yes but only when the employment or vocational change represents a significant and ongoing change in the participant’s circumstances or support needs. Pasted markdown
Examples of major changes can include:
- Starting work
- Leaving work
- Leaving school
- Changes in living arrangements
- Changes in social or community supports Pasted markdown
An employment change does not automatically mean a plan reassessment will be approved. What matters is how the change has affected the participant’s disability-related support needs. For participants whose disability-related needs affect employment or vocational participation, NDIS rehabilitation counselling may help assess and document relevant functional and vocational needs.
What Happens After You Submit a Plan Reassessment Request?
Once you submit an NDIS plan reassessment request, the NDIA reviews the information and evidence provided before deciding whether the plan should be reassessed. Pasted markdown
Step 1 — Submit the Request
Use the correct plan reassessment request form.
Step 2 — Provide Information and Evidence
Explain what has changed and provide supporting evidence.
Step 3 — NDIA Reviews the Information
The NDIA considers:
- Current plan and supports
- How supports have been used
- Information and evidence provided
- Community and mainstream supports
- Requested changes
- Whether the requested support is an NDIS support
- How supports relate to goals Pasted markdown
Step 4 — Decision
There are three possible outcomes:
- The plan is not reassessed
- The plan is reassessed
- The plan is varied Pasted markdown
What Is the Difference Between a Plan Variation and a Plan Reassessment?
A plan variation and a plan reassessment are used for different types of changes to an NDIS plan. Pasted markdown
1. Plan Variation
Used for a smaller change to part of the current plan.
2. Plan Reassessment
Used when there has been a significant change and a new plan with different supports may be needed. Pasted markdown
The NDIS says a plan variation request can be made at any time using the relevant form, and the NDIA may request evidence to support it. Pasted markdown
For more information, you can link to the official NDIS guide to changing your plan
How Long Does an NDIS Plan Reassessment Take?
The current NDIS preparation guidance says the NDIS will let participants know its decision within 90 days. Pasted markdown
During this time, the NDIA may review the information and evidence provided as part of the reassessment request. Participants can continue using their current plan while the NDIA decides whether to reassess it. Pasted markdown
The 90-day timeframe is for the NDIS to provide its decision, so participants should avoid assuming that a reassessment will be completed sooner.
Need Professional Support With Your NDIS Plan Evidence?
If your disability-related needs have changed and you are preparing for an NDIS plan reassessment, appropriate professional assessment and reporting can help explain your current needs, progress and goals. Janalli Services provides rehabilitation counselling and vocational support for participants whose disability-related needs affect employment, workplace participation or vocational goals.
Matthew Kyte is a Rehabilitation Counsellor and Vocational Specialist supporting participants in Logan and Southeast Queensland, with Telehealth available where appropriate. Pasted markdown
Learn more about NDIS Rehabilitation Counselling
The report provides supporting evidence, but the NDIA makes the funding decision. Janalli cannot guarantee NDIS funding approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What changed to NDIS plan reassessments in 2026?
From 27 August 2026, new NDIS plan reassessment rules apply. Only a participant, their nominee or their child representative can request a plan reassessment. Requests must use the correct form, explain what has changed and include supporting evidence.
2. What evidence do I need for an NDIS plan reassessment?
You need information and evidence showing a significant change to your ongoing support needs. This may include assessments, reports or other evidence from treating healthcare professionals, therapists or support workers. Current NDIS guidance says evidence should usually be within four months of the reassessment request and after the current plan was approved.
3. Who can request an NDIS plan reassessment?
A participant, their nominee or their child representative can request a plan reassessment. From 27 August 2026, a participant cannot give consent to a provider to request a plan reassessment on their behalf.
4. How recent does evidence need to be for an NDIS plan reassessment?
The NDIS says evidence should usually be within four months of the date you request a plan reassessment and after the date your current plan was approved. The evidence should also relate to the significant change in your ongoing support needs.
5. Can a therapist write an NDIS plan reassessment report?
Yes. The NDIS provides guidance for allied health professionals who write plan reassessment reports. These reports can explain therapy outcomes, progress towards participant goals and recommendations for additional or different supports within the professional’s scope of practice.
6. Can starting or leaving work lead to an NDIS plan reassessment?
A change in employment can be relevant when it represents a significant change in the participant’s circumstances or disability-related support needs. The NDIS specifically asks participants to consider major life changes such as starting or leaving work when preparing for a plan reassessment. Pasted markdown
7. What is the difference between an NDIS plan variation and a plan reassessment?
A plan variation is generally used for a smaller change to part of an existing plan. A plan reassessment is used when there has been a significant change and a participant may need a new plan with different supports.
8. How long does an NDIS plan reassessment take?
The NDIS says it will let participants know its decision within 90 days after considering the information and evidence provided. Participants can continue using their current plan while the NDIA decides whether to reassess it.
Preparing for an NDIS Plan Reassessment?
If your disability-related needs have changed and you need professional support to understand your vocational or workplace needs, Janalli Services can help you explore appropriate assessment and rehabilitation counselling options. Pasted markdown
Call us today on 0403-258-258
Email us at: info@janalliservices.com.au
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