What Evidence Do You Need for an NDIS Plan Reassessment in 2026?
What evidence should you prepare for an NDIS plan reassessment in 2026? A practical guide to functional evidence, allied health reports, outcomes and recommendations.
A practical guide for Support Coordinators and participants
Preparing for an NDIS plan reassessment can be challenging, particularly when participants have complex support needs, multiple allied health providers or significant changes in their circumstances.
For Support Coordinators, gathering the right evidence is essential to helping participants communicate their current needs and prepare for informed NDIS planning decisions.
Changes to NDIS legislation introduced on 27 August 2026 have also changed how participants request a plan reassessment, who can submit the request and what supporting information must be provided.
Understanding these requirements can help avoid incomplete applications, unnecessary assessments and delays.
This guide explains what evidence the NDIA looks for, what allied health reports should include, when a Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) may be appropriate and how Support Coordinators can help participants prepare.
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Important NDIS plan reassessment changes introduced in August 2026
Does the participant need a plan reassessment or a plan variation?
What evidence does the NDIA look for in an allied health report?
What can Support Coordinators do to prepare for an NDIS plan reassessment?
What is an NDIS plan reassessment?
An NDIS plan reassessment is the process through which the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) reviews a participant’s disability-related support needs and determines whether a new NDIS plan is required.
A reassessment may be appropriate when a participant’s circumstances have changed significantly and their existing plan no longer meets their needs.
This may involve:
Increased or reduced support requirements.
Changes in functional capacity or independence.
Changes in living arrangements.
Changes in informal supports.
New or significantly different disability-related support needs.
Changes affecting participation in education, employment or community life.
A plan reassessment may occur when the participant approaches the end of their current plan, when the NDIA identifies a need to review the plan, or when an eligible person requests a reassessment because of a significant change in circumstances.
Importantly, not every change requires a full reassessment. Some changes may be addressed through a plan variation.
Important NDIS plan reassessment changes introduced in August 2026
Does the participant need a plan reassessment or a plan variation?
One of the first questions Support Coordinators should consider is whether the participant needs a full plan reassessment or a smaller change to their existing plan.
The NDIA distinguishes between these two processes.
NDIS plan reassessment versus plan variationPlan reassessmentPlan variationGenerally appropriate for significant, ongoing changes in support needs.Generally appropriate for minor, urgent or short-term changes.May result in a new NDIS plan.Changes part of an existing plan.A prescribed request form is required for participant-initiated reassessment requests outside scheduled check-ins.Participants may request a variation using the relevant form or contact the NDIA to discuss their circumstances.Supporting evidence must demonstrate significant changes to ongoing support needs.Evidence requirements depend on the nature of the requested change.May involve a broader review of disability-related support requirements.Generally addresses specific changes within the existing plan.
For example, a participant who has experienced a significant and ongoing reduction in their ability to complete daily living activities may require a plan reassessment.
A participant requiring a minor administrative change or urgent short-term support may instead be considered for a plan variation.
The NDIA determines the appropriate pathway based on the participant’s circumstances and applicable legislation.
Support Coordinators can assist participants in understanding these options and identifying what supporting information may be required.
Official NDIS resource: Guide to changing your NDIS plan
How recent does NDIS reassessment evidence need to be?
When a participant requests a reassessment because of a significant change in circumstances, the NDIA requires evidence demonstrating the change to their ongoing support needs.
The NDIA advises that this evidence should generally be recent.
This usually means evidence that:
Is dated within four months of the reassessment request.
Was prepared after the participant’s current plan was approved.
Reflects the participant’s current functional capacity and disability-related support requirements.
The four-month timeframe is the NDIA’s usual expectation rather than an absolute rule applying to every piece of evidence.
Older reports may still provide valuable clinical history or baseline information, particularly when considered alongside more recent evidence.
However, Support Coordinators should confirm whether additional or updated information is required before submitting a reassessment request.
For scheduled reassessments, reports should accurately reflect the participant’s current circumstances, progress and ongoing support needs.
What evidence does the NDIA look for in an allied health report?
The NDIA’s guidance for allied health professionals emphasises the importance of clear, evidence-based reporting.
A useful reassessment report should explain:
The participant’s current functional capacity.
The disability-related supports and interventions delivered.
Progress towards the participant’s goals.
Outcomes achieved during the reporting period.
Barriers affecting progress or participation.
Current risks and ongoing support requirements.
Recommendations for future supports, supported by clinical reasoning.
Reports should demonstrate how the participant’s disability affects their everyday life and explain why particular supports may be required.
The aim is not simply to list diagnoses, services or therapy hours.
Instead, reports should provide a clear clinical explanation of the participant’s functional needs and how recommended supports relate to those needs.
Use the allied health report checklist below
1. Current functional capacity and everyday support needs
A strong allied health report describes how a participant’s disability affects their ability to complete everyday activities.
Depending on the participant’s circumstances, this may include:
Personal care and daily living activities.
Mobility and transfers.
Communication.
Social interaction and participation.
Learning and decision-making.
Emotional regulation.
Household activities.
Community access.
Safety and independence.
Reports should explain the type, frequency and level of assistance required.
For example, a statement such as:
“Participant requires significant assistance with mobility.”
provides limited information.
A more useful clinical description might be:
“Participant requires hands-on assistance to transfer safely from bed to wheelchair each morning and has experienced two near-falls during bathroom transfers in the past month.”
The second statement provides specific information about functional limitations, support requirements and identified risks.
Where appropriate, practitioners should use recognised assessment tools, structured observations and real-world examples to support their findings.
2. Progress towards NDIS goals and therapy outcomes
Allied health reports should describe the interventions delivered during the reporting period and the outcomes achieved.
This may include:
Goals addressed during therapy.
Type and frequency of interventions.
Functional improvements.
Skills developed or maintained.
Changes in independence.
Participation outcomes.
Areas where progress has been limited.
Where possible, practitioners should compare the participant’s current functional capacity with their capacity at the beginning of the reporting period.
Objective measures and specific functional examples can help demonstrate the impact of therapy.
Importantly, progress does not always mean improvement.
For some participants, maintaining existing skills, preventing functional deterioration or reducing risks may represent meaningful clinical outcomes.
Reports should explain these outcomes clearly and provide appropriate supporting evidence.
3. Barriers, risks and changes in support needs
Where a participant has experienced limited progress or changing support needs, reports should identify relevant barriers.
These may include:
Changes in disability-related functional capacity.
Environmental barriers.
Communication difficulties.
Behavioural complexity.
Changes in informal support arrangements.
Difficulty accessing appropriate services.
Inconsistent availability of necessary supports.
Reports should explain how these factors affect the participant’s daily functioning and participation.
Practitioners should also describe any strategies implemented to address barriers and whether the therapy approach has been reviewed or adjusted.
Where risks are identified, these should be specific, evidence-based and relevant to the participant’s circumstances.
Clear clinical reasoning is more useful than broad or speculative statements about possible harm.
4. Recommendations for future NDIS supports
Recommendations are an important component of allied health reports prepared for plan reassessments.
Each recommendation should clearly explain:
What support is recommended?
Identify the proposed therapy, intervention, assistive technology or other disability-related support.
Why is it required?
Explain the functional need, clinical findings and relevant evidence supporting the recommendation.
What outcome is expected?
Describe how the support is intended to improve or maintain function, increase independence, support participation or manage identified risks.
How much support is recommended?
Where relevant, specify the proposed frequency, duration or intensity of intervention and explain the clinical rationale.
Recommendations should be proportionate to the participant’s needs and remain within the practitioner’s professional scope.
Practitioners should also consider relevant informal, community and mainstream supports.
The NDIA assesses recommendations against applicable NDIS funding requirements, including the reasonable and necessary criteria.
A clinical recommendation does not automatically establish eligibility for NDIS funding.
5. Evidence from the appropriate allied health professional
Different allied health professionals provide evidence relating to different aspects of functional capacity.
Selecting the appropriate practitioner can help avoid unnecessary assessments and duplication.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapists can assess functional capacity relating to:
Daily living activities.
Personal care.
Home safety.
Mobility and transfers.
Assistive technology.
Home modifications.
Functional independence.
An Occupational Therapist may also complete a comprehensive Functional Capacity Assessment when clinically appropriate.
Speech Pathology
Speech Pathologists may provide evidence relating to:
Functional communication.
Speech and language.
Communication support needs.
Augmentative and alternative communication.
Swallowing and mealtime management.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists may provide evidence relating to:
Mobility.
Physical function.
Transfers.
Balance.
Strength.
Movement-related disability support needs.
Exercise Physiology
Accredited Exercise Physiologists may provide evidence relating to:
Functional exercise capacity.
Physical conditioning.
Strength and endurance.
Movement-related functional goals.
Capacity to participate in everyday activities.
Psychology and Neuropsychology
Psychology and Neuropsychology
Psychologists and Neuropsychologists may provide evidence relating to:
Cognitive functioning.
Emotional and psychological functioning.
Executive functioning.
Memory and attention.
Behaviour and participation.
Functional impacts associated with disability.
Positive Behaviour Support
Behaviour Support Practitioners may provide evidence relating to:
Behaviours of concern.
Functional behaviour assessment findings.
Environmental and communication factors.
Behaviour support strategies.
Skill development.
Implementation and outcomes of behaviour support interventions.
Where participants have complex needs, evidence from multiple disciplines may be appropriate.
However, each report should address a clearly identified clinical question rather than unnecessarily duplicating information already available.
When is a Functional Capacity Assessment needed?
A Functional Capacity Assessment, commonly referred to as an FCA, provides a structured evaluation of a participant’s functional abilities and support needs.
An FCA may be particularly valuable when:
A participant has complex or changing functional needs.
There has been a significant change in independence.
Existing reports do not adequately describe current functional capacity.
Multiple areas of daily living are affected.
The participant requires a comprehensive assessment of disability-related support needs.
Additional clinical evidence is needed to inform planning decisions.
An FCA may assess areas including self-care, mobility, communication, social participation, learning and daily living.
It may also consider environmental factors, informal supports and barriers affecting independence.
An FCA is not automatically required for every NDIS plan reassessment.
Support Coordinators deciding whether to refer can use our Support Coordinator Toolbox.
Existing allied health reports or discipline-specific assessments may provide sufficient evidence in some circumstances.
The decision to undertake an FCA should be based on clinical need and the specific information required.
At CARED, our Occupational Therapists provide Functional Capacity Assessments designed to deliver clear, clinically robust evidence of functional needs and practical recommendations.
What can Support Coordinators do to prepare for an NDIS plan reassessment?
Support Coordinators play an important role in helping participants understand their support needs, coordinate services and prepare relevant evidence.
Although Support Coordinators cannot independently request a plan reassessment on behalf of a participant, they can assist throughout the preparation process.
Start preparing early
Where possible, begin reviewing evidence three to four months before the participant’s anticipated reassessment.
This provides time to:
Review existing clinical reports.
Identify evidence gaps.
Arrange necessary assessments.
Request progress reports.
Coordinate information between providers.
Discuss changes in support needs with the participant.
Early preparation can reduce last-minute requests and help ensure practitioners have sufficient time to prepare appropriate documentation.
Review existing evidence before requesting new assessments
Before arranging additional assessments, determine whether existing reports adequately address the participant’s current needs.
Consider:
Is the evidence sufficiently recent?
Does it describe current functional capacity?
Does it demonstrate progress or changes in support needs?
Are recommendations supported by clinical reasoning?
Are there important gaps in the information available?
Not every participant requires a new comprehensive assessment.
In some circumstances, an updated progress report may be sufficient.
Create an evidence tracking system
A simple evidence matrix can help Support Coordinators manage the process.
Example evidence tracking matrixInformation to trackExampleFunctional issueUnsafe transfers at homeExisting evidenceOT report dated March 2026Evidence gapCurrent transfer capacity and risksResponsible practitionerOccupational TherapistAction requiredUpdated functional assessmentReport due dateNovember 2026Reassessment dateDecember 2026
This approach helps identify outstanding reports and reduces duplication across providers.
Ensure reports are submitted appropriately
Allied health practitioners should provide completed reports to the participant or their authorised representative, as appropriate.
With the participant’s consent and where the relevant portal functionality is available, practitioners may also submit supporting reports directly to the NDIA.
However, submitting clinical evidence is different from formally requesting a plan reassessment.
The formal request must be made by the participant, their plan nominee or child representative using the prescribed process.
Support Coordinators should confirm that the participant understands the submission requirements and has access to the relevant documentation.
How long does an NDIS plan reassessment take?
Under the legislative changes introduced on 27 August 2026, the NDIA has up to 90 days to decide whether to undertake a participant-requested plan reassessment, once it has received the information required to consider the request.
The NDIA may:
Agree to reassess the participant’s plan.
Decide not to reassess the plan.
Decide that a plan variation is more appropriate.
The 90-day timeframe relates to the decision about whether to undertake the requested reassessment. It does not necessarily mean that a new plan will be finalised within 90 days.
If the NDIA agrees to reassess the plan, the subsequent reassessment process has its own applicable service timeframes.
Participants can generally continue using their current approved plan while the NDIA considers their request.
Support Coordinators should ensure requests contain the required information and supporting evidence to reduce the likelihood of delays caused by incomplete documentation.
Official NDIS resource: How to prepare for a plan reassessment
Does strong evidence guarantee additional NDIS funding?
No.
While clear and comprehensive clinical evidence can assist the NDIA in understanding a participant’s circumstances, it does not guarantee that recommended supports will be funded.
The NDIA considers a range of factors when determining appropriate NDIS supports, including:
The participant’s disability-related support needs.
Whether the requested supports meet applicable NDIS funding criteria.
The participant’s goals.
Existing supports and funding.
Informal, community and mainstream supports.
How the proposed supports work together within the overall plan.
Allied health practitioners should provide accurate, evidence-based recommendations without promising particular funding outcomes.
The role of clinical evidence is to explain functional needs and provide a sound rationale for recommended supports.
Funding decisions remain the responsibility of the NDIA.
How CARED supports NDIS plan reassessments
At CARED, we understand the challenges Support Coordinators face when preparing for NDIS plan reassessments.
Coordinating multiple providers, identifying evidence gaps and arranging timely assessments can be complex, particularly when participants have significant or changing support needs.
Our multidisciplinary allied health team supports participants and Support Coordinators through evidence-based assessments, therapy and clinical reporting.
CARED services include:
With telehealth services available across Australia and face-to-face services in selected locations, we aim to make accessing appropriate allied health support easier.
Our practitioners focus on providing clear, clinically reasoned reports that describe functional capacity, progress, barriers and recommendations.
Whether a participant requires an updated therapy progress report, a discipline-specific assessment or a comprehensive FCA, our team can help identify the appropriate clinical service.
Not sure what evidence the participant needs? Talk to our Service Navigation team and we will help map the evidence before you refer.
Need allied health evidence for an upcoming NDIS plan reassessment?
CARED can assist Support Coordinators and participants with accessing appropriate allied health assessments and clinical reports.
Not sure what evidence the participant needs? Talk to our Service Navigation team and we will help map the evidence before you refer.
Make a ReferralExplore Our Services
Frequently asked questions
What evidence is required for an NDIS plan reassessment in 2026?
Evidence should explain the participant’s current disability-related support needs and, where relevant, demonstrate significant changes in their circumstances or functional capacity.
This may include allied health assessments, therapy progress reports, medical information, functional observations and other relevant supporting documentation.
For participant-requested reassessments, the NDIA requires evidence demonstrating a significant change in ongoing support needs.
How recent must NDIS reassessment evidence be?
For participant-requested reassessments, the NDIA generally expects evidence to be dated within four months of the request and after the current plan was approved.
Older evidence may still provide useful background information, but updated documentation may be required to demonstrate current support needs.
Is a Functional Capacity Assessment mandatory for an NDIS reassessment?
No.
A Functional Capacity Assessment is not automatically required for every plan reassessment.
An FCA may be appropriate when comprehensive evidence of functional capacity is needed, particularly for participants with complex or significantly changing support needs.
In other circumstances, existing clinical reports or updated discipline-specific assessments may be sufficient.
Can a Support Coordinator request a plan reassessment?
Support Coordinators can help participants prepare for a reassessment by coordinating assessments, gathering reports and explaining the process.
However, under the requirements introduced on 27 August 2026, only the participant, their plan nominee or child representative can formally request a plan reassessment.
What form is required for an NDIS plan reassessment?
Participants requesting a reassessment outside a scheduled check-in must use the NDIA’s prescribed Plan Reassessment Request Form.
The completed form must explain the significant change in circumstances and include supporting evidence.
The form is available through the official NDIS website.
What is the difference between a plan reassessment and a plan variation?
A plan reassessment generally involves significant changes to a participant’s support needs and may result in a new NDIS plan.
A plan variation changes part of an existing plan and may be appropriate for minor, urgent or short-term changes.
The NDIA determines the appropriate pathway based on the participant’s circumstances.
How long does the NDIA have to decide on a reassessment request?
The NDIA has up to 90 days to decide whether to undertake a requested reassessment once it has received the required information.
This decision may result in an agreement to reassess the plan, a decision not to reassess or a decision to vary the existing plan.
Completing the subsequent reassessment is a separate process.
Can an allied health provider submit reports directly to the NDIA?
Allied health providers should provide reports to the participant or their authorised representative, as appropriate.
With appropriate consent and access to relevant submission channels, providers may also submit supporting evidence directly to the NDIA.
However, submitting a clinical report does not constitute a formal reassessment request.
Does an NDIS plan reassessment guarantee increased funding?
No.
The NDIA considers clinical evidence alongside legislative requirements, funding criteria, existing supports and the participant’s overall circumstances.
A recommendation from an allied health professional does not automatically guarantee funding approval.
What happens if the NDIA declines a plan reassessment?
If the NDIA decides not to reassess a participant’s plan, it will explain its decision.
Participants who disagree with an eligible NDIA decision may request an internal review of that decision.
Support Coordinators can help participants understand the decision and identify the appropriate next steps.
Official NDIS references
National Disability Insurance Agency – What is a plan reassessment?
National Disability Insurance Agency – Changes to plan reassessments, 27 August 2026
National Disability Insurance Agency – Guide to changing your plan
National Disability Insurance Agency – How to prepare for a plan reassessment
National Disability Insurance Agency – Participant Service Guarantee
An FCA does not guarantee a particular funding outcome. The NDIA considers relevant evidence and makes funding decisions based on the participant's circumstances and applicable criteria.
This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for individual clinical advice. NDIS funding and support decisions depend on each participant's plan, goals and circumstances.
- National Disability Insurance Agency — What is a plan reassessment?
- National Disability Insurance Agency — Changes to plan reassessments, 27 August 2026
- National Disability Insurance Agency — Guide to changing your plan
- National Disability Insurance Agency — How to prepare for a plan reassessment
- National Disability Insurance Agency — Participant Service Guarantee
- National Disability Insurance Agency — How to write a plan reassessment report
Written by James Fairchild
Clinical Governance Officer
James Fairchild is a dedicated clinical governance professional with experience across allied health and quality and compliance within the NDIS. With a strong commitment to people, quality and accountability, James is dedicated to making sure every participant and family receives safe, effective and person-centred support from practitioners they can trust.
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