Your first NDIS plan review can feel high-stakes. It's not. It's a conversation. The goal is to tell the story of your year and what you need next, not to "prove" anything.
Before the review
Pull out your current plan and highlight what worked and what didn't. Think about hours used, goals achieved, and supports that felt out of reach. You don't need spreadsheets, just a clear sense of what you actually did with the budget.
Write down two or three goals for the next year. These can be practical ("get to swimming every Saturday"), skill-based ("use public transport independently"), or social ("go to my cousin's wedding without family chaperone"). Specific goals translate better into plan line items.
What to bring
- Your most recent plan (print a copy if you have it)
- Reports from allied health professionals (OT, physio, speech, psych) from the last six months
- Letters or summaries from support coordinators, plan managers, or GP if relevant
- A written list of goals for the next year
- A list of supports that worked, and ones that didn't
Common mistakes
The biggest mistake is underselling. Plan reviewers don't know how hard your year was unless you tell them. Specific stories beat general complaints.
Other common traps: saying "everything's fine" when it isn't, not raising unmet goals, forgetting to ask for plan management or self-management if that'd help, and not bringing a support person.
Who to bring with you
You're allowed to bring anyone. Family members, friends, a support coordinator, or an independent advocate. If you're nervous, someone who knows your story can fill gaps and advocate on your behalf. Advocates are free through the National Disability Advocacy Program.
Asking for what you need
If your current budget isn't enough, say so with examples. "I ran out of Community Access hours in month 8. I missed appointments. I need [X] more hours." That's more persuasive than "I need more funding."
If you want to change management type (for example, move from NDIA-managed to plan-managed so you can work with providers like Support Match), raise it at the review. This is a simple conversation, not a long process.
After the review
You'll usually hear back in 4 to 8 weeks with the new plan. When it arrives, read it carefully. Check the categories, hours, and management type. If something looks wrong, you have the right to request an internal review within 3 months.
This article is general information, not personal advice. Every NDIS plan is different, talk to your LAC, plan manager or support coordinator for guidance specific to your situation.