Plan reviews come around fast, and walking in prepared makes a real difference to the outcome. Here's a practical checklist to work through before your next one.
Two to three weeks before
- Note specific examples of how current supports are helping (or not) — concrete moments beat general impressions.
- Check in with any providers for written progress notes or a short summary.
- List any changes in circumstances since your last plan — housing, health, study, work.
- Write down new or evolving goals, even loosely defined ones.
One week before
- Confirm who's attending — you, a support person, your coordinator.
- Print or save digital copies of any letters from doctors or allied health professionals.
- Review your current plan's funding categories so you understand what's used and what's left.
On the day
- Bring your notes, not just your memory — specifics get lost under pressure.
- Ask directly about anything unclear, including timelines for the new plan to arrive.
- Request a summary of what was discussed and agreed before you leave.
After the review
If the funding doesn't reflect your actual needs, you can request an internal review — your support coordinator can help build the case with evidence. And if you'd like help preparing before your next review even starts, that's exactly what our support coordination service is for.
What's different about reviews in 2026
Recent changes to how the NDIA assesses plan reviews have put more weight on documented evidence of functional impact rather than diagnosis alone. In practice, this means a written note from an allied health professional describing exactly what a participant can and can't do safely carries real weight — more than it might have a few years ago. It's worth asking your treating team for this kind of functional summary ahead of a review, rather than relying on older reports that may no longer reflect current needs.
A note on total planning budgets
Plans increasingly separate funding into a total budget with flexibility across most Core Supports categories, alongside stated supports that remain fixed to their purpose (like Capacity Building items). Understanding which parts of your plan are flexible and which are locked helps you avoid assuming you can move funding that, in fact, can't be redirected without approval.
Red flags to watch for during the review
- Funding being reduced without a clear explanation tied to your actual circumstances.
- A reviewer relying only on old reports without asking about your current situation.
- Goals in the new plan that don't reflect what you actually discussed in the meeting.
If any of these come up, it's reasonable to ask for clarification on the spot, or to follow up in writing afterward if something in the finalised plan doesn't match what was agreed.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I start preparing?
Two to three weeks gives enough time to gather documentation without the process feeling rushed, though even a few days of preparation is far better than none.
What if my circumstances have changed but my review date is months away?
You don't have to wait — a change of circumstances review can be requested at any time when needs genuinely shift.
Can my support coordinator attend the review with me?
Yes, and it's generally a good idea, particularly for a first review or a more complex situation.
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