Introduction

Has your situation changed, but your NDIS plan hasn’t?

Maybe your funding is too low. Maybe the supports aren’t suitable. Or maybe your needs have increased due to illness, injury, or life circumstances.

The good news? You don’t have to wait for your scheduled reassessment.

Under the NDIS, you have the right to request an unscheduled plan review—also called a plan reassessment under Section 48 of the NDIS Act.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through:

• When you can request an early review
• How to apply
• What documents to include
• How Assist Providers can help you make a strong case

🔄 What Is a Section 48 Plan Reassessment?

The NDIS Act (Section 48) allows participants to request an early reassessment of their plan if:

• Their circumstances change
• The current plan isn’t meeting their needs
• There’s been a significant change in support needs

The NDIA must consider your request and either:

• Conduct a reassessment
• Or explain why a reassessment won’t occur

🧠 When Should You Request an Early Review?

You may be eligible if:

• You’re consistently running out of funding early
• A major life event occurs (hospitalisation, relocation, carer change)
• You’ve developed new support needs
• You’ve had a formal reassessment or diagnosis
• Your current supports are unavailable or inappropriate
• You’re at risk of harm or isolation due to insufficient support

Example: Emma’s psychosocial supports were reduced. After a recent mental health relapse, she requested an early review with updated evidence—and received additional hours.

📄 How to Request an Early Review (Step-by-Step)

✅ Step 1: Complete the “Change of Situation” Form

Download the NDIS Change of Situation form from the NDIS website. This is your formal application for review.

You’ll be asked to:

• Describe what has changed
• Explain how your plan isn’t meeting your needs
• Identify the supports you need changed or added

Tip: Be clear, specific, and factual.

✅ Step 2: Gather Supporting Evidence

The NDIA expects proof of your change in circumstances. This may include:

• Allied health assessments
• Medical reports or updated diagnoses
• Risk reports (e.g., unsafe living situations)
• Incident reports (e.g., falls, hospitalisations)
• Letters from family, carers, or support workers

Strong evidence = faster decisions and better outcomes.

✅ Step 3: Submit Your Request

Send your completed form and evidence to the NDIA:

• Email: enquiries@ndis.gov.au
• Post: GPO Box 700, Canberra ACT 2601
• In person at an NDIS or partner office

Ask for a receipt or confirmation of lodgement.

✅ Step 4: Await a Decision

The NDIA must provide a decision in writing. If your request is declined, you can:

• Ask for internal review of that decision
• Escalate to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT)

💼 Case Study: Ali, 32, Acquired Brain Injury

Ali was plan-managed with limited funding for support coordination. After a recent fall and difficulty managing appointments, his GP and OT submitted updated reports. Assist Providers helped compile a strong Change of Situation submission.

Within three weeks, Ali’s plan was reassessed and support coordination was added. His new plan included increased capacity building hours and assistive tech.

🛑 Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting without evidence
• Using emotional language instead of functional facts
• Not linking your request to NDIS goals
• Leaving forms incomplete
• Waiting too long when the risk increases

🧰 How Assist Providers Can Help

✅ Templates for Section 48 review requests

✅ Review and feedback on your evidence pack

✅ Progress report templates for allied health

✅ Coaching participants on what to say and write

✅ Support coordinators trained to navigate early reviews

Whether you’re a provider or a participant, we help you strengthen your case for success.

🏁 Final Thoughts

If your current plan isn’t working, don’t wait.

The earlier you act, the sooner you can get the support you actually need—and deserve.

You don’t have to struggle through the next 12 months. You can request a change today.

Let Assist Providers help you every step of the way.