Last updated 1 June 2025

Once a person is a participant in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), their support needs will be reviewed on a scheduled basis. Scheduled reviews occur prior to the end date specified on participants’ NDIS plans (which typically run for a period of 12 to 36 months). As a result of a scheduled review, a new plan will be issued for the participant for a further defined period (s 49 National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (Cth) (NDIS Act)).

The NDIS Act requires participants to spend funding within their plan in accordance with approved budgets (s 46 NDIS Act). However, in recognition that a person’s needs may change prior to the date of a scheduled review, the NDIS Act provides a mechanism for a person to request a variation (s 47A NDIS Act) or reassessment (s 48 NDIS Act) of their plan.

Circumstances that may lead to a participant requesting a plan variation or reassessment include a change in a participant’s impairment (e.g. a deterioration of functional capacity), a change in their family or informal support network, or provision of an updated assessment recommending different care, support or assistive technology for the participant.

Under ss 47A and 48 of the NDIS Act and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (Variation and Reassessment of Participants’ Plans) Rules 2025 (Cth), the circumstances in which a plan may be varied or reassessed are quite limited and may not be available to participants who otherwise spend their funding at a faster rate. Therefore, if an NDIS plan is approved that does not meet a participant’s needs, it is important to request an internal review of the decision to approve the plan (see How to Review a National Disability Insurance Agency Decision) rather than wait and seek to rely on a reassessment or variation application at a later date.