10 NDIS planning tips to get the most from your next plan review
Your plan review is your best opportunity to make sure your funding reflects your real needs. Here are ten practical tips to help you prepare — and walk away with a plan that actually works for you.
A plan review is not just an admin exercise — it's your chance to reset, refocus, and make sure your NDIS funding is genuinely working for you. Whether it's your first review or your fifth, preparation makes a real difference. Here are ten tips to help you get the most out of it.
1. Start preparing at least three months out
Don't wait until the NDIA contacts you. Start gathering evidence, talking to your providers, and reflecting on your goals well before your review date. Three months gives you enough time to collect reports, identify gaps, and think clearly about what you need.
2. Keep a record of how you've used your current plan
The NDIA will look at how you've used your funding. If you've underspent, be ready to explain why — not because you have to justify yourself, but because it helps the planner understand your situation. If you've overspent or run out of funding early, document that clearly too.
3. Update your goals before the review
Goals drive your plan. If your goals have changed — or if your original goals were vague — now is the time to refine them. Good goals are specific, meaningful to you, and connected to the supports you need. Think about what you want to achieve in the next 12 months, not just what you needed when you first joined the NDIS.
4. Get updated reports from your providers and therapists
Reports from your allied health team, support coordinator, and other providers carry significant weight in a plan review. Ask for updated reports that clearly link your needs to specific supports and funding levels. A good report doesn't just describe your disability — it explains what supports you need and why.
5. Know your support categories
Understanding the difference between Core, Capacity Building, and Capital Supports helps you advocate for the right funding in the right buckets. If you've been using Core funding to fill gaps that should be covered by Capacity Building, flag that in your review.
6. Bring someone with you
You're entitled to bring a support person, advocate, or your Support Coordinator to your planning meeting. Having someone in your corner who knows the system can make a real difference — especially if you find the process stressful or if English isn't your first language.
7. Don't accept a plan that doesn't meet your needs
If your new plan comes through and it doesn't reflect what you discussed, you have options. You can request an internal review, and if that doesn't resolve it, you can appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. Don't just accept a plan that leaves you without the supports you need.
8. Think about informal and community supports too
The NDIA considers your informal supports — family, friends, community — when building your plan. Be honest about what support you actually receive from those around you, and what you don't. If informal supports are stretched or unreliable, say so.
9. Ask about your coordination needs if your situation is complex
If you're managing multiple providers, navigating complex health or housing situations, or involved with other systems like justice or mental health, make sure your Support Coordination funding reflects the level of help you actually need. It's worth raising this in your review.
10. Work with a Support Coordinator in the lead-up
A good Support Coordinator will help you prepare for your review, gather evidence, and make sure your plan reflects your real situation. If you don't currently have Support Coordination funded, it's worth asking about it — particularly if your needs have changed significantly since your last plan.
If you'd like help preparing for your next plan review, our team is here for a no-pressure conversation. Call us on 03 8317 9090 or send us an enquiry — we're happy to help.
Disability Talk
NDIS registered provider · Melbourne VIC
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