NDIS Guide
Life changes — and when it does, your NDIS plan may no longer match what you actually need. Whether your health has deteriorated, your care arrangements have shifted, or your disability is affecting you differently, the NDIA has a formal process for updating your plan between reviews. This guide explains exactly what counts as an NDIS change of circumstances, how to submit one, and what to expect. For context on how your plan is structured, our guide to NDIS budget categories is a useful starting point.
Quick answer
- An NDIS change of circumstances is a formal notification to the NDIA that your life has changed in a way that affects the supports you need.
- It can lead to either a plan variation (small adjustments to your existing plan) or a plan reassessment (a full review with new goals and funding).
- Submit via phone (1800 800 110), email, the NDIS app, or the Change of Situation form — always include supporting evidence from a health professional.
- Processing takes up to 28 days once the NDIA has everything it needs. Your existing plan remains active in the meantime.
What is an NDIS change of circumstances?
A change of circumstances is a formal request you make to the NDIA when something significant in your life has changed and your current NDIS plan no longer meets your support needs as a result. You do not have to wait for your annual plan review — the NDIA is required to consider a change of circumstances at any point during your plan period.
The process is governed by two sections of the NDIS Act: Section 47A covers plan variations (smaller adjustments) and Section 48 covers plan reassessments (full reviews). The NDIA decides which pathway applies after assessing your request and the evidence you provide.
Reporting a genuine change promptly is important. Waiting until your annual review means living on a plan that no longer fits — which typically results in either underspending your budget because supports have changed, or going without supports you now need because your funding does not cover them.
What types of changes qualify — and what doesn’t
Not every change in your life triggers a right to a plan update. The NDIA looks for changes that directly affect the supports you need under the NDIS.
✓
Changes that qualify
Your disability or health condition significantly worsens. Your primary carer is no longer available. You move to a different living arrangement. Existing supports become clinically inadequate due to changed needs. You receive a new diagnosis that affects your support requirements.
✗
Changes that don’t qualify
Wanting more funding without a genuine change in your situation. Supports that are available through Medicare or other mainstream services. Temporary or minor fluctuations in your condition. Requests where your current plan already covers your needs but you prefer different providers.
The NDIA will also decline a change of circumstances request if your plan is currently suspended, or if the request is based solely on wanting the same supports other participants receive rather than your own specific needs.
Plan variation vs plan reassessment: which one applies to you?
The NDIA decides which pathway applies — you do not choose. Understanding the difference helps you frame your request clearly and set realistic expectations about what the outcome might look like.
Plan variation (Section 47A) is used for smaller adjustments that do not require a full review of your goals and circumstances. Examples include adding a new support category, increasing funding within an existing category, changing how funds are managed, or updating provider arrangements. Your plan end date typically stays the same, and the process is faster than a full reassessment.
Plan reassessment (Section 48) applies when the change is significant enough that your current goals, funding structure, or support categories need to be rethought from the ground up. This results in a new plan and involves a planning conversation with the NDIA or your Local Area Coordinator. A reassessment resets your plan period.
If you are unsure which pathway your situation is likely to follow, your support coordinator or a registered NDIS plan manager can help you think through the options before you submit.
What evidence the NDIA needs to process your request
The strength of your evidence is the single biggest factor in how quickly and successfully a change of circumstances is processed. A request without adequate documentation is likely to be delayed or declined.
The NDIA requires two things: evidence that a change has occurred, and documentation that explains why your current plan no longer meets your needs as a result.
- Medical or clinical evidence — a letter from your GP, specialist, or treating therapist confirming the change in your condition and its functional impact. The more specific this letter is about how your day-to-day functioning has changed, the better.
- Functional impact statement — a written explanation (from you, your carer, or a health professional) describing what you can no longer do that your current plan assumed you could. Connect this directly to specific supports in your plan.
- Quotes or assessments — if you are requesting new funding categories (for example, assistive technology or home modifications), include an OT assessment or provider quote.
- Evidence of changed circumstances — documentation relevant to non-medical changes, such as a carer’s medical certificate if they are no longer available, or evidence of a move if your living arrangement has changed.
How to submit your change of circumstances to the NDIA
There are four ways to submit. Choose whichever is most convenient — the channel does not affect how the request is assessed.
- Phone: Call the NDIA on 1800 800 110 (Monday to Friday, 8am–8pm). Have your evidence ready to discuss and ask for reference number for your request.
- Email: Send your request and supporting evidence to enquiries@ndis.gov.au. Include your full name, NDIS participant number, and a clear description of what has changed.
- NDIS app or myplace portal: Log in to myplace and submit through the Change of Situation section. You can upload supporting documents directly.
- Change of Situation form: Download the NDIA Change of Details or Change of Situation form and submit it with your evidence by email or post.
Once the NDIA has all the information it needs, processing takes up to 28 days for both plan variations and reassessments. Your current plan remains active and funded throughout this period — your existing supports do not stop while you wait.
While your request is being processed, your existing plan budget keeps running. If you are already tracking close to the limit in any category, your plan manager can flag this before it becomes a problem — and help document the shortfall as additional evidence for your request. If you do not yet have a plan manager, our comparison of registered NDIS plan managers can help you find one at no cost to your plan budget.
Not sure which plan manager is right for you?
Tell us about your situation — we'll match you with the most suitable NDIS plan manager. Free, takes 2 minutes, no obligation.
Find my plan manager — submit a free inquiryFrequently asked questions about NDIS change of circumstances
How long does an NDIS change of circumstances take to process?
The NDIA has up to 28 days to process a change of circumstances request from the point it has all the information and evidence it needs. If your submission is incomplete, the clock does not start until the NDIA confirms it has everything required. Submitting thorough evidence upfront — rather than sending it in stages — is the most reliable way to keep the timeline on track.
Can I request a change of circumstances just to get more funding?
No. The NDIA will decline requests where there is no genuine change in your circumstances — requests based solely on wanting more funding, or on knowing other participants receive certain supports, do not meet the threshold. Your request must be linked to a real change in your disability, health, care arrangements, or living situation that has made your current plan inadequate.
What if the NDIA refuses my change of circumstances?
You have the right to request an internal review of the decision within three months of receiving it. If the internal review also goes against you, you can apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) for an independent hearing. At each stage, stronger evidence gives you a better chance of a different outcome. A support coordinator can help you prepare for a review — see our guide on preparing for an NDIS plan review for how to build your case.
Does a change of circumstances affect how my plan is managed?
A plan variation keeps your existing plan structure — including your plan management arrangement — in place with adjusted funding. A plan reassessment creates a new plan, which means you re-elect your plan management type as part of the planning conversation. If you currently have plan management and want to keep it, make sure to confirm this during your reassessment meeting. Your NDIS plan manager can continue supporting you through the transition.
Should I contact my LAC or plan manager first when my circumstances change?
Either is a reasonable first call, and they serve different purposes. Your Local Area Coordinator can guide you through whether a change of circumstances is the right pathway and help you prepare for a planning conversation if a reassessment is likely. Your plan manager can review your current budget to identify whether existing funds are already being stretched, which strengthens your case for additional funding. In practice, contacting both early means you go into the process better prepared.