What to Expect in Your NDIS Plan Review (And How to Prepare)

Are you coming up to your NDIS Plan Review and feeling a little unsure about what’s next? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many participants find the process confusing at first, but with the right preparation, it can be a chance to make your plan work better for you.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect, how to prepare, and some tips to help you feel confident for your upcoming NDIS plan review.

What is an NDIS Plan Review?

An NDIS Plan Review is a meeting with the NDIS where your current supports and goals are reviewed. It usually happens once a year, but you can also request one earlier if your circumstances change. The review is an opportunity to discuss what’s working, what’s not, and what adjustments you may need. Think of it as a reset button to ensure your plan continues to meet your needs.

What to Expect in Your NDIS Plan Review

During your plan review, you’ll meet with your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to talk about how your plan is working for you. This meeting is your chance to check whether the supports in place are truly helping you move towards your goals. Your planner will usually look at:

• Your progress towards your goals – what you’ve achieved so far, and whether your goals are still relevant.
• How your current supports are working – are they meeting your needs, or do they need adjusting?
• Any changes in your daily life, health, or circumstances – for example, if your living situation, work, or medical needs have changed since your last plan.
• Adjustments to your funding and services – making sure your plan reflects your current and future needs.

It’s important to be open and honest during this conversation. If something isn’t working, say so—this is your opportunity to make improvements. You can also bring along reports, assessments, or even examples from your everyday life to help explain your needs clearly. Remember, the goal of the review is not just to renew your plan but to ensure it continues to support you in the best possible way.

What are the Options for NDIS Plan Review?

Want to make sure your NDIS plan still fits your needs? You have several options to review and adjust your plan so it works for you. Understanding these options gives you more control and ensures you’re getting the right supports at the right time.

• Scheduled Reviews: Usually done once a year, these reviews check if your plan is helping you achieve your goals and whether any updates are needed.
• Early Reviews: Life changes can happen anytime. If your circumstances, support needs, or goals change, you can request an early review to adjust your plan sooner.
• Internal Reviews of Decisions: If you’re not happy with an NDIS decision about your plan, an internal review allows you to have it reconsidered, ensuring your plan meets your needs.

Knowing these options helps you stay on top of your supports and make your NDIS plan work best for you.

How to Prepare for NDIS Review

The key to a smooth review is preparation. Here are some steps to get started:

• Gather reports and evidence: Therapy notes, progress updates, medical letters—anything that shows your needs.
• Review your supports: Think about what has worked well and what hasn’t.
• Set new goals: Consider what you’d like to achieve in the next year.
• Bring a support person: Having someone by your side can help you feel more confident.
• Keep notes: Write down key points you don’t want to forget.

Taking the time to prepare can make a big difference in the outcome of your plan.

How to Write an NDIS Review Report

Sometimes, the NDIS will ask for a review report, or you may choose to submit one yourself to make sure your needs are clearly understood. A review report is your opportunity to explain what’s working, what isn’t, and what supports you need moving forward. Think of it as your voice on paper—clear, simple, and focused on your goals. Here’s how to write it effectively:

• Be clear and simple—avoid jargon.
• Summarise your progress towards current goals.
• Highlight unmet needs or challenges you still face.
• List new supports that could help you move forward.
• Use real-life examples to show how supports affect your daily life.

This makes it much easier for your planner to understand your situation and make fair, helpful decisions about your next plan.

What are Examples of Good NDIS Goals?

Setting strong goals is one of the most important parts of your NDIS plan. Examples include:

• Independence goals: Learning daily living skills, like cooking or using public transport.
• Social goals: Joining community activities, making new connections.
• Health goals: Improving mobility through physiotherapy, or working on communication with a speech therapist.
• Education or employment goals: Gaining skills to find a job or continue studying.

Good goals are specific, achievable, and meaningful to you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in NDIS Plan Reviews

• Not collecting enough evidence
  Evidence is key to a successful review. Without recent reports from your doctors, therapists, or support providers, it’s harder to show why you need certain supports. Make sure your documents are up to date and clearly outline your progress and ongoing needs.
• Not linking goals with supports
  Your NDIS plan is built around your goals. If the supports you’re asking for don’t clearly connect to those goals, they’re less likely to be approved. Take time to show how each request will help you achieve independence, community participation, or other personal aims.
• Accepting the plan without checking
  Many participants simply accept their plan without going through it carefully. This can lead to missed opportunities or supports that don’t fit your situation. Always review the plan in detail, ask questions, and request changes if something isn’t right.

✅ Pro Tip: Start gathering evidence at least 6–8 weeks before your review. This gives your therapists, doctors, or providers enough time to prepare updated reports that properly reflect your needs and progress.

Need help preparing for your NDIS Plan Review?
Don’t leave it to chance. Our friendly team can guide you through every step—collecting the right evidence, aligning your goals, and making sure your plan truly works for you. Reach out today and feel confident walking into your review.

Final Tips: How to Prepare for Your NDIS Plan Review

Preparing for your NDIS Plan Review doesn’t have to feel complicated—it’s about being organised and clear on what you need. Start preparing early instead of waiting until the last minute. This gives you time to gather reports, assessments, and any supporting documents that show why certain supports are important for you.

Keep all your paperwork in one place so it’s easy to access during your meeting. Staying organised will also help you explain your needs with confidence. During the review, don’t hesitate to ask questions if something isn’t clear—remember, this meeting is about you. Finally, always keep in mind that this is your plan. It should reflect your personal goals and the supports that help you live the life you want.

✅ Quick Checklist for Your Review Prep:

• Gather reports and evidence well in advance.
• Write down your goals and how supports connect to them.
• Keep documents in one folder (digital or physical).
• List any changes in your circumstances or needs.
• Prepare questions you want to ask in the meeting.
• Review your current plan carefully before the meeting.

Conclusion

An NDIS Plan Review is more than just a meeting—it’s your chance to make sure your supports are helping you live the life you want. With the right preparation and clear goals, you’ll feel confident walking into your review and walking out with a plan that truly works for you.

💡 Need support preparing for your NDIS plan review? Our local support coordination team in Melbourne, Albury-Wodonga, and nearby areas can guide you every step of the way.