NDIS Plan meetings and Plan reassessments can take a lot of preparation!
To make it a little easier, we’ve answered some of the most common questions we get asked at Leap in! HQ regarding NDIS Plan meetings and reassessments. First up, it’s important to know that the language has changed – plan reviews are now called plan reassessments.
My NDIS Plan is due to expire. Do I need to ring the NDIS or will they contact me?
The NDIS will generally contact you before your plan expires to discuss your next plan. It’s a good idea to note when your plan is due to expire. Look for the plan reassessment date in your current plan. It’s important to start thinking about what you have achieved during the current plan, the supports you have been using and the goals you’d like to include in your next plan.
What happens next?
Before your NDIS Plan ends, you will likely have a plan reassessment meeting with your NDIS Planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to organise a new plan. It’s an opportunity to discuss how your last plan worked, to make sure your supports are working for you and whether you’re on track with achieving your goals.
What is a Plan reassessment meeting like?
Just like at your first NDIS Plan meeting, in your plan reassessment meeting you can decide whether to have a face-to-face or over-the-phone meeting and you can also take along a family member, friend or advocate.
I’m worried I will run out of funds before my plan ends. What should I do?
Our Leap in! plan managers understand the budget categories inside out and can assist you with a budget health check to see if there might be flexibility in your support categories.
Or if the shortfall will cause you hardship, you can request an early plan reassessment based on your circumstances.
I’ve underspent and am worried about losing the funds I haven’t used. I’m also not sure how my different NDIS funds can be used. What should I do?
We can help you with relevant suggestions that contribute to your goals. We can also connect you with the right local supports, services and providers.
If you have had trouble accessing service providers, we can identify options for providers who can deliver what you need.
If there were times when you were unable to access services for health or other reasons, Leap in! can provide advice on how to document situations that can be discussed with your NDIS Planner or LAC so the funding can be included in your next plan.
What’s the difference between a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) and an NDIA Planner?
LAC organisations are contracted by the NDIA to hold NDIS Plan meetings on their behalf and to work with participants on developing their plan.
The role of a LAC is to :
- Help you develop, implement and monitor your NDIS Plan
- Provide assistance once you receive your plan
- Link you to relevant support and information in the community
- Find the rights supports to enable you to achieve your goals
- Undertake Plan Reviews on behalf of the NDIS.
LACs do not have the authority to approve NDIS Plans.
NDIA Planners are employed directly by the NDIA. They can make decisions about all plans and what they include (including those that result from Plan meetings with LACs). NDIA Planners also conduct NDIS Plan meetings with participants in some areas). They have the delegation to approve participant NDIS Plans.
What happens if my needs change after my NDIS Plan meeting?
If you need a change in your plan funding to meet your new circumstances, you will need to notify the NDIS by completing a Change in circumstances form. This may trigger a plan reassessment or a plan variation which is used for minor changes such as changes in address.
For more information, read our article My circumstances have changed: What next?
We are here to help.
If you have more questions about preparing for an NDIS Plan Review, you can contact the Leap in! Crew on 1300 05 78 78 or email [email protected].
