If you already have a NDIS plan but find that your funding isn’t enough to cover all your support needs, you may request an increase. Needing more funding can happen if your circumstances change, your needs grow, or if you realize your initial plan was under-funded. The NDIS allows participants to ask for their plans to be reviewed and adjusted. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to request more funding (often called a plan review or reassessment):
Step-by-Step Guide for Current Participants to Increase NDIS Funding
Identify Why You Need More Funding:
First, clearly pinpoint the reason you require additional support funds. Common reasons include changes in your condition or living situation, new goals that need extra support, or simply that your current budget runs out too quickly to cover essential services. For instance, you might have started needing more therapy sessions, or perhaps an informal support (like a family caregiver) is no longer able to help as much, meaning you need paid support. Having a specific reason will make it easier to explain to the NDIS why your plan should be updated.
Talk to Your Planner or LAC:
It’s often helpful to contact your Local Area Coordinator or NDIA planner to discuss your situation. Let them know that you think your NDIS plan isn’t meeting your needs and that you want to request a plan review (increase in funding). They can advise you on the best way to proceed, whether it’s a quick plan variation or a more detailed plan reassessment. In some cases, if the change needed is small and urgent (for example, you suddenly need a piece of equipment or a short-term boost in support hours), the NDIA might do a fast plan variation to increase funding in one area. For bigger or more complex changes, they may schedule a full plan reassessment (essentially a new planning meeting) to reconsider all your supports. You can also directly call the NDIS hotline (1800 800 110) to request a plan review. The key is to make the request as soon as you realize you need it – don’t wait until all your funds are exhausted.
Gather Supporting Evidence:
Just like when you first applied, you’ll need to provide evidence to justify why you need more funding. The NDIA will ask for current information that demonstrates your increased needs. This can include recent medical reports, functional assessment results, therapy progress notes, or letters from doctors and support providers explaining why additional support is “reasonable and necessary” for you. Strong evidence is crucial – it helps the NDIA understand your situation and supports your case for more funding. For example, if you need more physiotherapy hours, get a letter from your physiotherapist detailing your progress and why extra sessions will benefit you. If your health has changed, a report from your doctor can outline this change. Organize these documents and be ready to submit them. Victor Care can assist you here: as an experienced disability support provider, we can help gather the necessary reports or even provide a supporting letter about the services you require. We understand the NDIS criteria and can ensure your evidence clearly shows why your request meets the guidelines.
Submit Your Review Request to NDIS:
After collecting your evidence, formally lodge your request for a plan review/increased funding with the NDIA. You might do this over the phone (the NDIA staff will record your request and tell you where to send documents) or by writing an email/letter to your regional NDIA office. In your request, state that you are seeking a plan review (or using the new NDIS term, a “plan reassessment”) and briefly explain the main reasons. Attach or include the supporting documents you gathered. The NDIA will then consider your request. For minor changes that qualify as a plan variation, they aim to respond within 21 days with a decision – either approving the increase, denying it, or asking for more information. Larger reassessments might take longer and could involve a meeting similar to your original planning meeting. Be patient during this time, but don’t hesitate to follow up politely if you haven’t heard anything in a few weeks. It’s okay to call and ask for an update on the progress of your review. Note: While waiting, continue to use your current plan as best as you can. If you are in urgent need (e.g. you will run out of funds for a critical support), make sure to mention this to the NDIA – they might expedite the process in emergency situations.
Review the Outcome:
Once the NDIA processes your request, they will let you know the outcome. If your request is approved, you will receive a new NDIS plan or a plan addendum with increased funding in the relevant budget categories. Carefully read through the updated plan to see the changes. You can then start using the additional funds for the supports they’re allocated to – for example, schedule those extra therapy sessions or hire additional support worker hours as outlined. Make sure to inform your service providers (support workers, therapists, etc.) about the funding increase so you can update service agreements and fully utilize the new budget. If the NDIA only partially approved what you asked for or set conditions, your LAC or support coordinator can explain what it means. If your request is denied or you’re not happy with the outcome, remember that you have the right to challenge that decision. You can ask for an internal review of the decision within 3 months. where a different NDIA officer will look at your case again. And if you’re still not satisfied after an internal review, you can appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (an external body) as a next step. While we hope it doesn’t come to that, it’s important to know your rights. In many cases, providing strong evidence and clearly explaining your needs will lead to a positive outcome.
Call-to-Action:
Going through a plan review to increase NDIS funding can be stressful, but you’re not alone in this process. Victor Care’s team of NDIS support experts can help you every step of the way – from preparing your review request to gathering evidence and liaising with the NDIA on your behalf. If you feel that your current disability supports are insufficient, let Victor Care assist you in advocating for the funding you need. We work closely with participants and their families to ensure no one goes without necessary support due to funding issues. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for help with the NDIS review process.
We’re Here to Help – Contact Victor Care Today for Personalised Support!
Navigating the NDIS, whether you’re applying for the first time or requesting changes to your existing plan, can be challenging. The good news is you don’t have to do it alone. Victor Care is a trusted NDIS provider offering personalized support to participants at every stage of their NDIS journey. Our friendly and knowledgeable team can answer your questions, assist with paperwork, and connect you with quality disability care services tailored to your needs. We pride ourselves on being more than just a service provider – we’re your partner in achieving your goals and maximizing your NDIS plan.
Call us or contact Victor Care today to discuss how we can help you navigate the NDIS process. Whether you need guidance in getting your plan approved, support in increasing your NDIS funding, or reliable disability support services, Victor Care is here for you. Let us simplify the process and provide the caring, professional assistance you deserve. Reach out to Victor Care for personalised support and take the next step towards making the most of your NDIS plan – we’re ready to help you every step of the way!
