Introduction

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) offers participants funding and support tailored to their needs, enabling them to achieve their personal goals. However, having a plan in place is only part of the equation. Reviewing and managing your NDIS plan is a crucial aspect of ensuring that the support and services you receive continue to align with your evolving goals and needs.

Whether you are a participant or a provider, understanding how to effectively manage and review an NDIS plan is essential for maximising its benefits. This blog post will walk you through the steps of reviewing and managing your NDIS plan, ensuring it supports you throughout your journey.

1. What is an NDIS Plan?

An NDIS plan is a document that outlines the supports and services a participant is entitled to under the National Disability Insurance Scheme. It’s developed in collaboration between the participant, their family, and the NDIS planner (or support coordinator). The plan includes:

• Goals: What the participant hopes to achieve with their NDIS support.
• Funded Supports: The services and assistance that the NDIS will cover.
• Support Coordination: If applicable, how the participant will access and coordinate services.
• Funding Allocation: How much funding is allocated to each area, such as daily living supports, therapy, and transport.

An NDIS plan is reviewed regularly to ensure that the participant’s goals and needs are being met, and to make adjustments based on any changes.

Real-World Example:

Emma, a 24-year-old NDIS participant, had her first NDIS plan developed to help her access therapy and personal care. However, as her needs evolved, she wanted to focus more on social inclusion and employment goals. Reviewing her plan allowed her to update her goals and align her supports accordingly.

2. Why is it Important to Review Your NDIS Plan?

Your NDIS plan is not a static document; it’s meant to evolve as your circumstances change. Reviewing and managing your NDIS plan ensures that it continues to meet your needs and supports you in achieving your goals. Key reasons to review your plan include:

• Changing Needs: Over time, your needs and goals may change. This could be due to a change in health, new aspirations, or achieving certain milestones. Regular reviews ensure that the supports you receive are still relevant.
• Maximising Funding: Ensuring that the funding is used effectively is crucial. If your circumstances change and you need more or less support in a certain area, a review can help reallocate funds to ensure you are getting the most out of your plan.
• Addressing Challenges: Sometimes, participants face challenges in accessing the services or support they need. Reviewing your plan gives you the chance to adjust these aspects, such as changing providers or getting additional support for more complex needs.
• Ensuring Timely Support: Plan reviews help prevent service interruptions or delays in receiving support, ensuring that you are always receiving the help you need.

3. When Should You Review Your NDIS Plan?

There are a few different times when reviewing your NDIS plan is necessary:

• Plan Review Meeting (Every 12 Months): All NDIS participants will undergo a formal plan review meeting once every 12 months. This meeting allows you to discuss your progress, assess whether your goals have been achieved, and determine if you need to make any adjustments to your plan. The NDIS planner or support coordinator will guide this process.
• Requesting an Early Review: If there’s a significant change in your needs before the 12-month mark (e.g., you require additional support due to a new diagnosis or health condition), you can request an early review. The NDIS will assess whether a review is warranted and, if so, adjust your plan accordingly.
• Change in Circumstances: If you experience changes in your personal or family situation (such as moving house or changing carers), a review may be necessary to ensure that your plan reflects these changes.

4. How to Review Your NDIS Plan

Reviewing your NDIS plan involves a process of evaluating your current supports, goals, and services. Here are the key steps involved:

Step 1: Prepare for Your Review Meeting

The first step in reviewing your NDIS plan is preparing for your review meeting with the NDIS planner or support coordinator. Before the meeting, you should:

• Reflect on Your Goals: Take time to think about your progress and whether your current goals are still relevant. Have you achieved any goals? Have new goals emerged that need to be added?
• Assess Your Supports: Evaluate whether the supports you are currently receiving are helping you achieve your goals. Are there any gaps in services? Are there services you no longer need?
• Gather Feedback: Get feedback from your support workers, family members, and other professionals who work with you. They can provide valuable insights into how well the plan is working and where improvements can be made.
• Document Your Needs: Make a list of any additional services or supports you feel you need. This could include new therapies, increased hours of care, or assistance with employment or social activities.

Step 2: Meet with the NDIS Planner or Support Coordinator

During your plan review meeting, the NDIS planner or support coordinator will help you evaluate your current supports and goals. The following points are typically covered:

• Review of Goals: Discuss your progress toward achieving your goals and whether they need to be updated or replaced with new goals.
• Evaluation of Supports: Discuss whether your current supports are sufficient to meet your needs. The NDIS planner will help determine if adjustments are needed, such as re-allocating funding to different services.
• Reallocation of Funds: If necessary, the NDIS planner can adjust your funding to ensure that the resources are distributed effectively based on your needs.
• Documentation: Be sure to document any changes or updates made during the review meeting for your records.

_{Step 3: Implement Your Revised Plan}

Once your plan has been reviewed and updated, it’s time to put the changes into action. This may involve:

• Contacting New Providers: If your plan includes new services or support, reach out to potential providers and discuss their services.
• Adjusting Existing Services: Work with your existing providers to adjust their support in line with the updated plan. This might include increasing hours of support or changing the way services are delivered.
• Budgeting: Keep track of your funding to ensure it’s being used appropriately and to avoid overspending in any areas.

5. Tips for Managing Your NDIS Plan Effectively

Managing your NDIS plan goes beyond just reviewing it once a year. To ensure that your plan continues to work for you, here are some tips for effective management:

• Track Your Spending: Keep a close eye on your funding and how it is allocated across the different support categories. This will help you avoid exceeding your budget and allow you to reallocate funds as needed.
• Stay Organised: Maintain clear records of your plan, support services, and any communications with providers. This will help you stay on top of your supports and make it easier to prepare for reviews.
• Monitor Your Progress: Regularly assess your progress towards achieving your goals. If you notice any barriers or areas where you need more support, reach out to your support coordinator or NDIS planner to make adjustments.
• Be Proactive: Don’t wait for your annual review to make necessary changes. If something isn’t working, speak to your support coordinator or NDIS planner sooner rather than later to ensure your plan is always up to date.

6. Conclusion: Taking Control of Your NDIS Plan

Reviewing and managing your NDIS plan is a key part of ensuring that you continue to receive the support you need to achieve your goals. By staying organised, tracking your progress, and being proactive in making adjustments, you can maximise the effectiveness of your NDIS plan and continue to live a fulfilling, independent life.

Whether you are a participant or an NDIS provider, understanding how to effectively review and manage an NDIS plan is essential. By staying engaged in the process, you can ensure that your plan evolves with your needs, providing you with the support and services required to meet your aspirations.