What happened to the change of circumstances form
People used to lodge a change of circumstances form to ask for a plan review. Since the NDIS law changes that started on 3 October 2024, there are two clearer pathways instead: a plan variation, which changes part of your current plan, and a plan reassessment, which creates a new plan. Each has its own request form on the NDIA website.
You still have a duty to tell the NDIA when your circumstances change, even if you do not need a new plan.
What you must tell the NDIA
You must let the NDIA know if something happens, or is likely to happen, that might affect your plan or whether you are still eligible for the NDIS. Examples include:
- A big change in the support your family and friends give you
- Your condition improving or getting worse
- Starting a new job and needing different support at work
- Going overseas for a long time, or moving overseas
- Moving out of aged care or other residential accommodation
- Receiving or claiming compensation for an accident or illness related to your disability
- New contact details, such as your phone number or address
Short term change: use your plan flexibly
If you expect the change to be short term, you may be able to use the flexible funding already in your plan differently. For example, you might use more support worker hours for a few weeks and fewer later. Keep an eye on your funding periods so you do not run out. Your my NDIS contact or support coordinator can help.
Smaller changes: ask for a plan variation
A plan variation changes part of your plan without creating a new one. It can be used to change your goals, how your funding is managed or your reassessment date, fix an error, add short term or once off supports such as a wheelchair repair, or provide crisis or emergency funding.
You, your plan nominee or child representative can ask at any time, and someone else such as a support coordinator can ask with your consent. The NDIA aims to decide within 21 days of having the information it needs, and sends the varied plan within 7 days. Running out of funding on its own is not treated as an emergency.
Significant and ongoing change: ask for an unscheduled reassessment
If your support needs have changed in a significant and ongoing way, you can ask for your plan to be reassessed early. Since 27 August 2026:
- Only you, your plan nominee, child representative or guardian can request it
- The change must be significant and ongoing, in your functional capacity or support needs, or in your living, education, work or informal support arrangements. A foreseeable change counts
- The NDIA has up to 90 days to decide. If it has not decided by then, the request is treated as refused and you can seek a review
- The 2026 funding reset on its own does not count as a change
Getting the evidence right
Write down what changed and when, and how it affects your day to day support. For a reassessment, reports from your treating health professionals, therapists or support workers carry the most weight. Changes to goals or how your funding is managed usually do not need evidence. Send the complete form with your evidence through the NDIA service hub, by post or in person.