Navigating the NDIS change of circumstances form
Are you accessing the NDIS and your circumstances have changed? Maybe you have just been approved NDIS access and want to know when the NDIS change of circumstances form applies. If so, this is the article for you.
Here we’ll be discussing everything related to change of circumstances under the NDIS. This will include the purpose of the NDIS Change of Circumstances form, when you need to complete it, whether or not completing the form will trigger a review of your plan, and other factors you need to consider when completing it.
What is the NDIS Change of Circumstances form?
The NDIS Change of Circumstances form is a document available on the NDIS website that you need to complete when your circumstances change. Whether you make a change to where you’re living, your employment status changes, or your support needs alter in a significant way, you’ll need to complete the form.
What is classified as change in circumstances under NDIS?
Under the NDIS, change in circumstances may be classified as anything in which your circumstances change significantly – either temporarily or permanently. It does not matter whether the change in circumstances relates directly to your NDIS plan and your disability, or whether it’s another change that may have occurred in your life. You can let the NDIA know via the website, email, phone or in person.
You’ll want to complete the form when:
- Your disability changes
- Your support needs change
- Your contact details change
- Your living arrangements change
- You need support to look for work, or your employment situation changes
- You receive compensation related to your disability
Will completing the NDIS form trigger a review of your current NDIS plan?
It’s important to note that the NDIS Change of Circumstances form is not the same as requesting a review of your current NDIS plan. To request a review of your plan, you need to complete the ‘Request for Plan Review’ form.
As such, completion of the NDIS Change of Circumstances form does not necessarily mean your current NDIS plan will need to be altered or reviewed.
When might completing the NDIS Change of Circumstances form warrant a review of my current NDIS plan?
Completing the form may warrant a review of your current NDIS plan when the changes in circumstances directly relate to changes in your disability and the kind of supports you’ll require to manage your disability.
This may happen when you’re at a transition or crossroads in your life. For instance, your parents may have been the ones to support you with your disability for most of your life. But if something happens and they become ill, this may affect the types of support you require under the NDIS plan, so completing the NDIS form may trigger a review of your current plan.
Completing the Change of Circumstances form may also cause a plan review if you graduate high school and require job access support or employment assistance under your NDIS plan.
When completing the Change of Circumstances form relating to support requirements or changes to your disability, include relevant medical documentation and reports wherever possible. This will ensure you don’t miss out on any funding you may be entitled to under a new NDIS plan.
What happens if you don’t complete the form?
If you don’t complete the NDIS Change of Circumstances form when your circumstances change, your LAC and the NDIA may not be able to contact you when your plan review is due. If the supports required under your plan change, you may end up owing the NDIA money paid out for unnecessary supports.
