Your NDIS Plan was created at a particular point in time. When life changes, you may find that your plan no longer meets your needs.
That might be because your support needs have shifted, your living situation has changed or the people who support you informally can no longer help in the same way.
There are two ways a plan can change – a variation and a reassessment – and the difference matters. Here’s how each works and when to use each one.
What is a change of circumstances?
A change of circumstances is when something important in your life shifts in a way that means your current NDIS Plan no longer meets your needs.
There are two types:
- Change in details is a smaller change. For example, updating your contact details, adjusting how your funds are managed or changing who provides a support. It usually results in a plan variation.
- Change in situation is a bigger change. This could include a significant change to your needs, your living situation or your informal supports. It usually results in a plan reassessment.
What’s the difference between a plan variation and a plan reassessment?
A plan variation keeps your existing NDIS Plan in place with some updates. It can be used to:
- Fix a small or technical error in your plan
- Change your plan reassessment date
- Update how your funding is managed (for example, switching from self-managed to plan managed)
- Change who provides a support
- Add emergency or crisis funding.
A plan reassessment creates a whole new NDIS Plan. It is used when there has been a significant change to your:
- Individual needs and abilities
- Informal supports (for example, a family member who was your main carer can no longer help)
- Living situation (for example, moving out of home or into a new care arrangement)
- Right to compensation for a personal injury.
A note on upcoming changes. The NDIS has flagged tighter criteria for unscheduled plan reassessments as part of its reforms. In practice, this means reassessments may only be available when there has been a significant change to your needs, with smaller changes handled through a variation instead. These changes are proposed and not yet in effect – we’ll update this story as they’re confirmed.
What evidence do you need?
A plan variation doesn’t always need new evidence. Fixing a technical error or changing how your funding is managed for example, usually won’t require assessments or reports.
For a plan reassessment, your evidence should clearly show the link between:
- Your diagnosis or condition
- The functional impact it has on your daily life
- The specific supports you need as a result.
Evidence usually comes from allied health professionals such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists, or speech pathologists. Which one you need depends on the supports you’re asking for.
Top tip. The NDIS website outlines what evidence you need to provide for each type of support.
Will your request be approved?
Not always. The NDIS generally will not change your plan if:
- You have changed your mind about the supports you want
- There is no evidence of a change to your situation
- The change does not affect your support needs significantly.
Once your request is received, the NDIA will assess your information within 21 days. Under proposed legislation, they will have up to 90 days to decide whether to vary or reassess your plan.
If a change is made, you will receive a copy of your updated or new plan. If your request is unsuccessful, you can request an internal review of the decision.
Let the NDIS know.
Let the NDIS know as soon as your circumstances change, or look like they’re about to. The sooner your plan reflects your situation, the better it works for you.
If your plan no longer matches your needs but you keep spending against it, you could run out of funding early, or find some of it needs to be repaid. Telling the NDIS early helps you avoid both.
You can let the NDIS know by:
- Phone 1800 800 110
- Online form ‘Change of details or change of situation form’
- Email [email protected]
- Visit an NDIS office
- Mail Chief Executive Officer, National Disability Insurance Agency, GPO Box 700, Canberra ACT 2601.
If you’re asking for new or different supports, it’s a good idea to check that they’re on the NDIS list of funded supports before you submit your request.
How Leap in! can help.
Not sure where to start? We can help you understand the change of circumstances process and what it means for your plan.
Reach out to the Leap in! Crew. Call 1300 05 78 78, email [email protected] or chat on our website.
Further reading.
Originally published Nov 29, 2019, updated 15 Nov 2022, 29 July 2025 and 23 June 2026
