When your NDIS plan is ready to expire, it can be a stressful situation. However, keep in mind that your plan can be amended and renewed. Acting before the expiration date is critical, as obtaining a new plan may take some time. Several weeks before your plan expires, the NDIS will contact you to discuss the plan review, your current support needs, and any changes to your situation. Attending this review meeting will allow you to change your strategy. Let’s take a closer look at what happens when your plan expires and how to deal with it.
What happens when your NDIS plan expires?
As your current NDIS plan nears the end of its validity, the NDIS will normally contact you so as to start the process of plan review. It is a review that helps in understanding your current situation, examining the changed needs and modify the existing plan. Due to this review, you can have a conversation about the adjustment in your life situation, objectives, and care needs.
If you have come to the conclusion that your plan is meeting your needs appropriately, you may decide to leave it unchanged too. But in case any adjustments are required, you can notify changes for your current plan. These changes could include updates to your goals, funding allocations, or the types of supports and services you receive.
Extension Plans
When an NDIS plan expires, there are two options for plan extensions. The first form of extension is caused by the NDIS’s failure to communicate. If your plan expires without communication, you will continue to receive plan funding for a set length of time. This automatic extension is part of the NDIS ACT, which specifies that a plan will only expire if it is replaced with a new plan or you leave the program. It is vital to remember that the extension is not a new plan, but rather an extension of your present one.
Renewal Plans
Plan renewal is identical to plan extension, however it requires obtaining a new plan. The primary difference is that during plan renewals, you will have a more in-depth planning chat to discuss what is and is not working, as well as any modifications to your goals or support needed. Normally, your new plan begins when the existing one finishes. However, in some situations, your NDIS planner may be able to start the new program before the existing plan ends. It is critical that you inform your new plan start date to your NDIS plan manager.
The Different Types of Plans
Plan Variation
Plan variants address small changes that may be required for your NDIS plan. This can involve fixing a minor technical error, making changes to the statement of support regarding the management of support funds or other areas of the plan, or requesting crisis or emergency assistance due to a change in your support requirements. You can learn more about plan variations on the NDIS website here (link: https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/changing-your-plan)
Plan Reassessments
You or your authorised representative will be contacted by the NDIA three months before your current plan is due for expiry to re-assess your needs. The review can be arranged either during personal visit or by phone or video call. In the course of reassessment, you can note great and not so great things with your plan, discuss your new goals, and whether you want to come up with new ones and as for any changes in your role. Through the talk, you can also bring up the issue of the implementation of your plan; while you are doing this, you may request the authorities to readjust the plan in order to help it to function smoothly.
Preparing For Your Plan Assessment
– Gather Relevant Information: Obtain any supporting paperwork or documentation to help support your evaluation.
– Reflect on Your Current Situation: Take a break and consider where you are in life, what you want, and what others can do for you.
– Identify Your Goals and Aspirations: Clarify your short-term and long-term goals, aspirations, and priorities.