The Department of Social Services (DSS) has introduced new NDIS rules outlining how plan variations and reassessments will be handled. These changes impact participants with existing NDIS plans and clarify when the NDIA can modify or reassess a plan.
Under the updated rules, plan variations allow the NDIA to adjust an existing plan for urgent needs, such as crisis funding, home or vehicle modifications, and assistive technology repairs. These variations are limited in scope and typically apply to short-term or one-off funding adjustments.
A plan reassessment, on the other hand, creates a new plan with a new end date. The NDIA may reassess a plan due to significant life changes, including shifts in a participant’s support needs, employment, or living arrangements. Participants can request a reassessment at any time, but the NDIA will decide whether to approve it.
Importantly, the rules do not affect a participant’s right to request a review. If the NDIA declines a variation or reassessment, participants can appeal through an internal review and, if needed, escalate the matter to the Administrative Review Tribunal.With new framework plans expected later this year, additional updates may follow. For a deeper dive into the latest changes, read the original article here.