If you are reading this post, you are probably wondering what happens when your NDIS plan expires. First of all, it is important to understand how the support services for disability work and how long the plans last. 

Long Plan Duration

In the past, you could only get a plan that lasted one year. Today, if your condition is unlikely to change, you can apply for a plan that lasts up to three years. Long-term plans are designed for participants with stable situations where their support needs are unlikely to change. They are also ideal for participants who are confident in using their funding to achieve their goals and those focused on longer-term goals like employment, learning new skills, or becoming more active in the community.

To find out if a longer plan duration is ideal for you, you need to speak to disability service providers in Melbourne. The planner will ask about any life changes you are expecting in the next three years, how connected you are with your community and social supports, and your preferences and goals around the plan duration. If your plans change during the plan period, your planner can review your support needs and undertake a plan review if needed to make sure your plan suits your new situation. 

What to Expect When the Plan is Expiring

Weeks before your current NDIS plan expires, the NDIA will contact you. This is done to discuss a plan review and if there are any changes in your circumstances. The review meeting will allow you to reflect on the current plan and achievements and help you focus on future goals. 

During the review, you will get the chance to adjust your plan, goals, and achievements. You may be required to provide reports as well as assessments from your disability providers. The reports are meant to demonstrate that the supports are helping you achieve your goals. With an understanding of upcoming life changes, the NDIA staff can help create and adjust the plan to meet your specific needs. 

Automatic NDIS Plan Renewals 

Before the COVID-19 changes, the NDIS required participants to schedule an annual review in order to renew their plan. Currently, due to the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, if your current plan is about to expire, the NDIS will extend it for 365 days automatically. You don’t need to do anything. A plan review will also not be required.  

How to Prepare for a Plan Review 

The commitment of NDIA is to ensure the gap between the old and new NDIS plan don’t impact your ability to access disability support services. To be sufficiently ready for a plan review, you need to do the following:

• Consider what worked well and what did not work in your old plan
• Think about the goals you have achieved or the progress you have made towards achieving them
• Do you have new goals, or do you want to change old goals?
• Do you still need NDIS support?
• Who is in a better position to help you achieve your set goals?
• Do you want to change some or all of how your funding is managed?

While the NDIS will contact you before your plan expires, it is important to note when the plan is due to expire. That way, you will think about what you have achieved during the current plan, supports you have been using, and the goals you would like to include in your next plan. 

Our job at GenCare Health Services is to help you get all the services you need to lead a full life. As one of the leading disability services providers in Melbourne, we off a wide range of services ranging from daily personal activities to travel assistance and life skill development. Contact us today to find out more about your NDIS options.