My NDIS Plan Is Not Adequate -

Quick answer: If your NDIS plan isn’t meeting your needs, you can formally request a plan review from the NDIA. Start by identifying the specific gaps, then work with your support coordinator to document what has changed and gather evidence from health professionals. You can request an internal review, or escalate to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

The NDIS is designed to be flexible and responsive to individual needs — but in practice, many people find that their initial plan doesn’t fully reflect what they need. Funding may be insufficient for the supports you’re using, a new support need may have emerged, or your circumstances may have changed significantly since your last planning meeting.

If your NDIS plan isn’t working for you, you have options. Here’s what you can do.

Step 1: Understand your plan

Before requesting a review, it’s worth making sure you understand what’s in your current plan. Your plan should include information on the supports you’re eligible for, the funding amounts allocated across each support category, and the plan’s start and end dates. Identifying exactly where the gaps are — which supports are underfunded, which aren’t included, or which goals aren’t being met — gives you something specific to take to the next step.

Step 2: Talk to your support coordinator

If you have a support coordinator, they’re your first point of contact. A good support coordinator can help you map the gaps in your plan, identify what evidence is needed for a review, and assist you in communicating your concerns to the NDIA. They can also help you make the most of your existing funding while the review is underway.

If you don’t currently have a support coordinator, it may be worth requesting one — particularly if your support needs are complex or if you’re finding it difficult to navigate the NDIS on your own.

Step 3: Request a plan review

If your plan isn’t meeting your needs, you can formally request a plan review from the NDIA. You can do this by contacting the NDIA directly, or by asking your support coordinator to assist. When you make the request, you’ll need to explain why your current plan is insufficient and provide supporting documentation where possible.

There are two types of reviews to be aware of: an internal review (where the NDIA reconsiders their decision) and an AAT review (a more formal process through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal). Most situations start with an internal review.

Step 4: Gather supporting evidence

A plan review request is stronger when supported by evidence. This might include reports from treating health professionals (psychologists, occupational therapists, GPs), updated functional assessments, letters from current support workers documenting your needs, or other documentation that demonstrates why your current funding isn’t sufficient.

The evidence doesn’t need to be exhaustive — but it should directly address the gap you’re identifying. If your concern is that your support hours are insufficient, a letter from your support worker explaining why is more useful than a general medical report.

Step 5: Attend the plan review meeting

If your review request is accepted, you’ll be invited to a plan review meeting with an NDIA representative. This is your opportunity to explain your current situation, describe how your needs have changed, and discuss what your plan needs to include going forward.

You can bring a support person or disability advocate to this meeting. Having someone with you who understands the NDIS and can help communicate your needs clearly can make a real difference to the outcome. Your support coordinator can often attend with you.

Step 6: Receive your new plan

If the review is successful, you’ll receive a revised plan that better reflects your support needs. This might mean increased funding in specific categories, new supports included, or an extended plan duration. If the outcome isn’t what you expected, you can seek further review through the AAT, or seek independent advocacy support to help navigate the next steps.

Getting support through the process

The plan review process can be stressful, particularly for people who are already managing complex needs. At Heartfelt Support, we’re always happy to provide information, help you understand your options, or connect you with the right people. If you’re not sure where to start, get in touch with us.