What to Do When Your NDIS Plan is About to Expire: A Simple Guide

Key Points

• NDIS funding allows individuals with disabilities to access essential services aimed at improving their independence and helping them achieve their goals. 
• Although plans eventually expire, their life cycle can vary depending on certain factors, such as the participant’s age, condition, and living circumstances.
• When an NDIS plan is about to expire, participants can request a review or reassessment to ensure that their new plan is tailored according to their current needs and goals. 
• Plan managers can help make sure that your plan is always aligned with your needs and conditions.

Summary

Through the NDIS, Australians with disabilities can access much-needed support services to help them live more independent lives. When a plan is about to end, participants can request a plan review or reassessment. This process enables participants to continue receiving the services they need while making sure that their plan is aligned with their current needs, conditions, and objectives.

Outline

1. Introduction
2. The Life Cycle of an NDIS Plan
3. What Happens When Your NDIS Plan Expires?
4. Planning for a New NDIS Plan
5. The Importance of Reassessing Your Plan
6. How AIIM Choices Can Help

Navigating the world of the National Disability Insurance Scheme can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming, but it’s also a gateway to receiving the support you or your loved ones need to live life to the fullest.

In Australia, the NDIS is a lifeline for many, offering vital funding that helps individuals with disabilities access essential services, achieve independence, and pursue their personal goals.

If you’re already on an NDIS plan, you know how important it is to have the right support in place. But what happens when my NDIS plan expires, you ask?

Let’s walk through what you can expect and what steps you should take to ensure there’s no disruption in your care and services.

 The Life Cycle of an NDIS Plan

NDIS plans are tailored to meet the specific needs of each participant, so they vary in length depending on factors like your age, condition, and current life circumstances. But one thing is true for everyone: just like any other plan or policy, your plan will eventually expire.

Now, this might sound a bit stressful, but don’t worry—there’s a system in place to make sure you continue to get the support you need, even as your plan approaches its expiration date.

 What Happens When Your Plan Expires?

The COVID-19 pandemic turned so many things upside down, and the NDIS wasn’t immune to these challenges. Due to delays and disruptions during the pandemic, the NDIS introduced automatic plan extensions.

This means that if your plan reaches its end and you haven’t had a chance to organise a review or reassessment, your NDIS funding can automatically continue for up to 12 months.

This extension gives you some breathing room to get things sorted without losing access to crucial services.

According to the NDIS Act, your plan will only officially expire when it’s replaced by a new one or if you decide to leave the NDIS altogether. So, there’s no need to panic if you’re close to your plan’s end date—you’re covered!

Planning for a New NDIS Plan

But what if you want to make sure your new plan is updated and better aligned with your current needs?

Well, the NDIS typically reaches out to participants when their plans are nearing expiration. You’ll likely receive a call inviting you to schedule a plan reassessment meeting.

This is your opportunity to sit down with the NDIS (virtually or in person) and discuss how things have been going with your current plan.

During this meeting, you can talk about what’s working for you and what isn’t. Maybe your needs have changed, or perhaps there are new goals you want to pursue—this is your chance to make sure your next plan reflects those shifts.

And you don’t have to go through this process alone; you can bring along a family member, friend, or even your plan manager or support coordinator to help you navigate the conversation

The Importance of Reassessing Your Plan

Reassessing your plan is crucial, especially if your life circumstances have changed. This reassessment ensures that the funding and services you’re receiving continue to match your needs.

For example, if your condition has evolved, or if you’ve achieved certain goals and now have new ones, a reassessment will help tailor your plan to better suit where you’re at now.

How AIIM Choices Can Help

If your plan is due to expire soon or if you feel it’s no longer meeting your needs, it’s a great idea to get in touch with AIIM Choices on 1800 878 978 .

As an independent provider of Plan Management services in various parts of Australia including Sydney, Cairns, Brisbane, and Melbourne, we’re dedicated to helping you get the most out of your plan.

Our Plan Review Support service is designed to guide you through the reassessment process, ensuring that your new plan is perfectly aligned with your current circumstances and future goals.

We know that dealing with these formalities can be daunting, but we’re here to make it as smooth and stress-free as possible. 

Our goal is to empower you to achieve your best day every day, with a plan that truly supports your independence and well-being.

So, if you’re approaching the end of your plan—or even if you just feel like it’s time for a change—reach out to us at AIIM Choices and get in touch with our plan managers. Let’s work together to create a plan that’s as dynamic and unique as you are.