We’re making participant plans longer

The NDIA is making NDIS plans longer to simplify the planning process and improve the experience of participants.

Through the Participant Service Improvement Plan 2020-21, we committed to making plans longer after you told us you wanted more flexibility in your plans and certainty in your supports.

During the 2019 Review of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (the Tune Review), participants told us they wanted longer plans and fewer reviews.

How do longer plans benefit participants?

Longer plans will give you the time, flexibility, stability and certainty you need to set meaningful, long-term goals that give you greater choice and control over how you live. 

That’s why we are taking steps to make 24-month plans or longer the norm. You can choose to have a plan of up to 36 months if your support needs are stable.

How often will you check in with participants?

Longer plans mean that not all participants will have to undergo a full plan review process every 12 months, which we know takes time for you.

Instead, we’ll continue to embed the participant check-in approach we started during COVID-19, which puts you in regular contact with your NDIA planner, PITCs or support coordinator to discuss if your supports are working for you.

What if I want a plan review before my longer plan ends?

If you have a change of circumstances and your plan is no longer meeting your disability support needs, you can request a plan review at any time or during your regular check-in. 

The participant check-in process also helps us to identify if we need to initiate a review, if your supports aren’t meeting your needs and can’t be used flexibly.

What if I want a shorter plan?

As we move toward longer plans, plan durations will always be determined by talking to you about your situation, needs and upcoming life events.

This means that in some cases, we’ll still make plans 12-months or shorter – for example, if a participant is under 7 years of age and there is likely to be a significant change in their circumstances or support.

What does this mean for providers?

With longer plans in place, providers will have certainty and stability in delivering the supports and services participants need.