When your NDIS plan is about to expire, it can be a stressful time. However, it’s important to remember that your plan can be updated and renewed. Acting before the expiration date is essential because obtaining a new plan may take some time. Several weeks before your plan expires, the NDIS will contact you to discuss the plan review, your current support needs, and any changes in your circumstances. Attending this review meeting will help you adjust your plan. Let’s take a closer look at what happens when your plan expires and how you can handle it.
What happens when your NDIS plan expires?
Before your NDIS plan expires, the NDIS will reach out to you to discuss your situation. You can choose to keep the plan as is or make any necessary changes based on your circumstances. However, if you don’t take any action and your plan expires, it may automatically extend. So, what are the available NDIS plan extensions?
Plan Extensions
When an NDIS plan expires, there are two types of plan extensions that may apply. The first type is an extension due to non-communication from the NDIS. If your plan expires without any communication, you will still receive plan funding for a specific period. This automatic extension is part of the NDIS ACT, which states that a plan will expire only when replaced with a new plan or when you leave the scheme. It’s important to note that the extension is not a new plan but an extension of your current plan.
How did the pandemic change plan extensions?
The pandemic had a significant impact on services worldwide, causing disruptions and delays. To address this issue, the NDIS introduced automatic plan extensions for participants. Initially intended as a short-term option during lockdowns, the NDIS decided to continue offering plan extensions even after the restrictions were lifted. It’s important to understand that this extension does not result in a new plan. By extending your current NDIS plan, you agree that it still meets your needs, and the goals will remain the same.
Plan renewals
Plan renewal is similar to plan extensions, but it involves obtaining a new plan. The main difference is that during plan renewals, you will have a more lengthy and involved planning conversation to discuss what’s working, whats not and any changes that have occurred to your goals or support needs. Normally, your new plan starts when the current one ends. However, there may be cases where your NDIS planner can commence the new program before the end date of the current plan. It’s crucial to communicate your new plan start date to your NDIS plan manager.
Types of plan reviews
There are two types of plan reviews: light touch and complete/full plan review.
- Plan Variation
Plan variations focus on minor changes that may be needed for your NDIS plan. This can include correcting a minor technical error, a change to the statement of support relating to the management of the funds for support or other aspects of the plan, if you require crisis or emergency funding due to a change in your support needs. You can learn more about plan variations on the NDIS website here (link: https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/changing-your-plan)
- Plan Reassessments
The NDIA will contact you or your authorised representative 3 months before the plan’s end date to organise a planned reassessment. The reassessment can be done either face-to-face, over the phone or via video call. You’re able to invite anyone you would like to attend this meeting with you such as a Support Coordinator, family member or friend. During the reassessment, you can talk about what worked well in your plan and what didn’t work, your goals and if you have any new ones and any changes to your situation. During the meeting, you can also discuss how you would like to manage your plan, during this point in the reassessment you can ask for your plan to change to be plan managed.
Preparing for your plan reassessment
Before your plan review, ask yourself the following questions to ensure you get a plan that suits your needs:
– What worked and what didn’t in your previous plan?
– Have you achieved your goals or made progress towards them?
– Do you have any new goals or do you want to modify existing ones?
– Who can assist you in reaching your goals?
– Do you still require NDIS support?
– Do you need to make changes or request a complete plan review?
Having answers to these questions will help you make informed decisions and obtain a plan that best suits your needs. The NDIS ensures that transitioning from your current plan to a new one does not disrupt your access to support and services.
Plan reviews are essential for ensuring you receive the services and support you truly need. Making sure your plan effectively meets your needs is crucial for achieving your goals.
If you have any questions regarding your NDIS plan, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at 1800 63 63 77. We are available to address any inquiries you may have.
