Understanding Changes of Circumstance in Your NDIS Plan

Life changes, and your NDIS plan can change with it. If something significant happens that affects your support needs, you can request a Change of Circumstance. This ensures your plan reflects your current needs and helps you achieve your goals.
In this guide, we’ll explain what qualifies as a Change of Circumstance, why evidence is important, and what kind of evidence you might need—especially for changes in living arrangements, major life events, and employment or education needs.

What Is a Change of Circumstance?

A Change of Circumstance is when something big happens in your life that changes your disability support needs. When this happens, you can let the NDIS know by completing a Change of Circumstance form.
Examples of changes that might qualify:

• Your disability gets worse or better.
• You move house or change your living situation.
• You experience a significant life event, like becoming a parent or losing your caregiver.
• You start or stop work, school, or training.

Why Do You Need Evidence?

The NDIS needs evidence to understand:

• What has changed in your life.
• How this affects your disability or support needs.
• Why the change to your plan is necessary.

Evidence is important because it shows the NDIS that your request is reasonable and necessary. It helps them make a fair decision. Without proper evidence, your request may be delayed or even denied.

What Evidence Do You Need?

1. Changes in Living Arrangements

If your living situation changes—like moving house, living independently, or moving into supported accommodation—this can affect what supports you need.

Evidence to include:

Occupational Therapist (OT) Report:

• An OT can visit your new home to assess what changes or supports you need to live there safely and independently.
  Example: If your new home has stairs or small doorways, the OT can recommend things like grab rails, a stairlift, or funding for modification.

Housing Provider or Support Worker Letter:

• f you’re in supported accommodation, ask your housing provider to explain what support they provide and why your NDIS plan should reflect that. Example: A letter might show that your new accommodation includes personal care during the day, so you need less support in your plan for those hours.

Photos or Plans of Your Home (if applicable):

• Photos or plans can help show why modifications are needed, such as narrow doorways that require widening or a bathroom that isn’t wheelchair accessible.

2. Major Life Events:
Big life changes, like becoming a parent, losing a caregiver, or a relationship breakdown, can change the type of supports you need. For example, if you’ve become a parent, you might need help with childcare or parenting support.

Evidence to include:

Psychologist or Social Worker Report:

• These professionals can explain how the event has impacted your daily life or emotional wellbeing.
  Example: A psychologist can outline how losing a caregiver has affected your ability to complete daily tasks and recommend supports like counseling or increased personal care.

General Practitioner (GP) Letter:

• Your GP can confirm the life event and how it has affected your health and daily routine.
  Example: A GP might note that becoming a parent has added new challenges to managing your disability.

Parenting Program Recommendations:

• If you’re requesting parenting supports, include recommendations or assessments from programs or services you’ve worked with.
  Example: A parenting coach might suggest you need funding for in-home parenting assistance or educational tools.

Letter from Family Members or Carers:

• A family member or carer can provide a letter explaining how your life has changed and what additional supports you might need.

3. Changes in Employment or Education Needs:
Starting or stopping work, school, or training can change what supports you need. For example, starting a job might mean you need assistive technology or transport to get to work.

Evidence to include:

Occupational Therapist (OT) or Vocational Assessor Report:

• An OT can recommend tools or supports to help you succeed in your new role, such as assistive technology, ergonomic furniture, or adjustments to your workspace.
  Example: If you’re starting school, an OT might suggest funding for special devices to help with reading or writing.

Employer or Education Provider Letter:

• A letter from your employer or school can explain what challenges you face and what support you need to participate fully.
  Example: An employer might confirm that you need a communication device for team meetings.

Psychologist Report:

• A psychologist can explain how your disability affects your ability to work or study and what supports might help.
  Example: If anxiety impacts your ability to attend work, they might recommend therapy sessions funded through your plan.

Specialist Reports:

• If your disability requires specific supports to work or study, ask a specialist to provide evidence.
  Example: A vision specialist might recommend funding for magnification tools or screen readers.

Training or Program Plans:

• If you’re in a training program or looking for a job, include documentation that shows what supports you’ll need to meet your goals.

How to Submit a Change of Circumstance Request:

Complete the Change of Circumstance Form which can be downloaded below:

ndis change of circumstances form pdf version (download)

ndis change of circumstances word version (download)

Collect Your Evidence:

Make sure to include all relevant reports, letters, and documents from professionals who understand your situation.

Submit Your Request:

Lodge the form and evidence through your NDIS portal, LAC, or directly to the NDIA.

Follow Up:

Keep track of your request and provide more information if the NDIA asks for it.

Final Thoughts
Your NDIS plan should work for you, and a Change of Circumstance request can help make that happen. By providing strong evidence—like reports from OTs, psychologists, or GPs—you can show the NDIS why adjustments are necessary.

If you’re unsure about the process, reach out to a support coordinator or advocate. They can guide you through the steps and make sure your request is as strong as possible. Remember, the more detailed and relevant your evidence, the smoother the process will be!