NDIS: Change of Circumstances

Navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can be challenging, especially when your personal or medical situation changes. Understanding the essentials of a Change of Circumstances (CoC) request is crucial to ensuring that your NDIS plan continues to meet your needs effectively. In this guide, we break down the key aspects of a CoC, common pitfalls, and best practices to maximise your chances of a successful outcome.

What Is a Change of Circumstances?

A Change of Circumstances is an official request submitted to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) when a participant experiences significant changes that may require modifications to their existing NDIS plan. This request can be made in two ways:

Plan Variation: Adjusting specific elements of an existing plan.
Plan Reassessment: A complete review of the plan to accommodate broader changes.

Changes that may warrant a CoC request include:

Medical or disability-related changes
Adjustments in personal circumstances
Modifications in informal or formal support networks
Changes in housing or living arrangements

Why Is Supporting Evidence Important?

One of the most critical components of a successful CoC request is comprehensive supporting evidence. This can include:

Medical reports from healthcare professionals
Reports from allied health specialists (OTs, physiotherapists, speech therapists, etc.)
Functional Capacity Assessments (highly recommended for every CoC request)
Sensory Profiles and Behaviour Support Plans (for behavioural therapy needs)
Statements from NDIS providers and support services
Documentation from housing or supported employment stakeholders
Carer and family statements detailing the impact of the required changes

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Insufficient Supporting Evidence
- The most common reason CoC requests fail is due to a lack of well-documented evidence. Ensure reports clearly outline the participant’s needs and justify the request for changes.
Not Differentiating Between Intervention and Maintenance
- Intervention-based reports should demonstrate how increased support will lead to improved independence, mobility, and quality of life.
- Maintenance-based reports must show the necessity of sustaining current support levels to prevent regression.
Failing to Demonstrate Exhaustion of Public Resources
- The NDIS Price Guide now requires evidence that public health services have been utilised before additional NDIS funding is granted. Reports should indicate if a participant has exhausted public health services (e.g., Medicare-funded psychology sessions, physiotherapy, or occupational therapy support).

Essential Steps for Support Coordinators and Participants

For new NDIS support coordinators and participants navigating the CoC process, it’s important to:

Ensure a Functional Capacity Assessment is included with every CoC request.
Obtain a Mental Health Care Plan from a GP when seeking psychology or behavioural therapy funding.
Get reports from psychologists or behavioural therapists to justify funding for art therapy or music therapy, demonstrating the therapeutic benefits.
Show a trial-and-error approach in interventions to prove necessity before requesting additional NDIS funding.

Maximising Your CoC Request Success

Work closely with your allied health professionals to ensure reports are comprehensive and tailored to your needs.
Clearly articulate the impact of your changes—NDIS decisions are evidence-based, so clarity and detail matter.
Use real-world examples—statements from carers, family, and support providers can strengthen your case.
Seek guidance from experienced NDIS plan managers who understand how to frame requests for the best possible outcome.

About Connect Community and Respite Services

Connect Community and Respite Services offers more than just NDIS support coordination. Their key services include:

Core Supports: Assistance with daily living, including personal care, medication management, and meal preparation.
Accessing the Community: One-on-one support programs for social inclusion.
NDIS Access Assistance: Helping individuals apply for NDIS support and navigate the NDIS eligibility process.
Support Coordination: Providing nationwide support, including remote support for participants in psychosocial settings.

For those interested in reaching out, Connect Community and Respite Services operates across New South Wales for core supports and nationwide for NDIS plan management, support coordination, and access assistance. Their team is also expanding into Perth and Queensland for in-person support.

Final Thoughts

Understanding and preparing a Change of Circumstances request effectively can make a significant difference in the level of disability support services provided by the NDIS. By ensuring that your documentation is complete, evidence-based, and well-structured, you increase your chances of receiving the NDIS funding and support that align with your needs.

For more NDIS news and updates, stay connected with us and continue navigating the NDIS plan management process with confidence!

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