The NDIS has made some changes to plan renewals. As part of the COVID-19 safe options available, you might be offered a plan extension or you might want to undergo a plan review.
Below you will find explanations about what these terms mean so that you can be informed about what the right option is for you.
In summary, this is what you should know:
- You now have two ways that your plan can be renewed if it is due to finish between now and 30 June, 2021, and meets the criteria
- You can contact the NDIS or wait for them to contact you, contact details are below
- If you choose the extension option your unspent funds will be rolled over into the new plan
- Please let us know whichever way you decide to go.
To find out more about automatic plan extensions, and to decide if this is the right option for you, you can call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 or visit their website:
https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/6254-were-delivering-flexibility-through-automatic-plan-extensions
If you use our plan management service
If you use our support coordination service
If you use our plan management service
Eligibility criteria for an automatic plan extension
If you, or the person you are nominee for, meet all of the following criteria you may be eligible for an automatic plan extension:
- the plan is due to end between April and 30 June 2021;
- the plan is 12 months or longer;
- the participant is aged 7 years or older.
NOTE: If the plan review has already started, the NDIS will continue the plan review and you will not be eligible for an automatic plan extension.
Regardless of whether you choose to have a plan review or take up the option of a plan extension, it is important that you let us know what you have decided. If your new plan includes Plan Management funding, and you would like us to continue to support you, please send us a copy of the new plan so that we can update our records.
You can either email us at ndisfinance@p2pqld.org.au or phone 1800 777 723 and ask to speak to one of our friendly intake team.
Choose to have a plan review
From April to 30 June, 2021, if your plan is due to end, you can choose to have a plan review rather than a plan extension.
If your plan is due for a scheduled review the following will happen:
- You will be offered a plan review meeting that can be held over the phone
- You can also have a meeting via email
- Your Planner will discuss the option of a 24 month plan
- When your new plan is ready, it will replace your old plan, and a copy will be sent to you in the mail.
If you have a plan review meeting:
- It will trigger a new plan. A new plan period for support will commence. This means you will not be able to carry forward funding from your old plan, nor use funding from the new plan to cover support received prior to the new plan start date
- Your planning meeting will be an opportunity to discuss any changes to your support needs and goals
- To make changes, or to include different supports in your new plan, you can provide the NDIS with important information and evidence by email
- The amount you receive will be based on a reassessment of reasonable and necessary supports for the duration of your new plan. This amount may be different to what is in your previous plan.
Note: When a review is not undertaken before the plan end date, your plan duration and funding will be automatically extended to make sure you have the funding you need.
Choosing to have a plan extension
Plans that have an expiry date between April and June 30, 2021, may be eligible for an automatic extension. This means that:
- You will be able to contact the NDIS to request an extension, or they might contact you to offer you this option. They will discuss the options and let you know if you are eligible
- You can opt for an extension if your supports and circumstances are stable and haven’t changed
- All the same funding and supports in your current plan will continue for another 12 months
- You will be able to continue your supports uninterrupted, knowing that your new funding allocation will be the same as in the current plan
- Any funds in your existing plan that haven’t been used will still be available for you to spend. The NDIA will also top up your plan with the same funding that you received in the original plan
- You can have an automatic extension and still be able to change your mind and request a review during the period the new plan is in place.
Notes:
- Only funds in the Core and Capacity Building categories will be topped up. If you have funding in the Capital category (Assistive Technology or Home Modifications) this funding will not be topped up. So if you have evolving needs for funding in the Capital categories, then a plan extension may not be suitable for you.
- If you have unspent funds in your plan, they will automatically be rolled over into the next plan.
- An automatic plan extension is not the same as a new plan. If you choose to extend your plan, the NDIS can’t make any changes to it. You will also not receive a new plan in the mail.
- Instead, all the same funding in your current plan will continue for the duration of the extension.
Change of circumstances
- If you have had a significant or urgent change in your circumstances and your plan no longer meets your needs, your funding will remain available to you until a new plan is in place.
- To let the NDIS know about your changes, or to tell them that you need different supports, you can provide them with important information and evidence by email.
- Once the plan review is completed, you can ask for a plan that is in place for up to 24 months.
If you use our support coordination service
Eligibility criteria for an automatic plan extension
If you, or the person you are nominee for, meet all of the following criteria you may be eligible for an automatic plan extension:
- the plan is due to end between April and 30 June 2021;
- the plan is 12 months or longer;
- the participant is aged 7 years or older.
NOTE: If the plan review has already started, the NDIS will continue the plan review and you will not be eligible for an automatic plan extension.
Choosing to have a plan review
From April to 30 June, 2021, if your plan is due to end, you can choose to have a plan review rather than a plan extension.
If your plan is due for a scheduled review the following will happen:
- You will be offered a plan review meeting that can be held over the phone
- You can also have a meeting via email
- Your Planner will discuss the option of a 24 month plan
- When your new plan is ready, it will replace your old plan and a copy will be sent to you in the mail.
If you have a plan review meeting:
- It will trigger a new plan. A new plan period for support will commence. This means you will not be able to carry forward funding from your old plan, nor use funding from the new plan to cover support received prior to the new plan start date
- Your planning meeting will be an opportunity to discuss any changes to your support needs and goals
- To make changes, or to include different supports in your new plan, you can provide the NDIS with important information and evidence by email
- The amount you receive will be based on a reassessment of reasonable and necessary supports for the duration of your new plan. This amount may be different to what is in your previous plan.
Note: When a review is not undertaken before the plan end date, your plan duration and funding will be automatically extended to make sure you have the funding you need.
Choosing to have a plan extension
Plans that have an expiry date between April and June 30, 2021 may be eligible for an automatic extension. This means that:
- You will be able to contact the NDIS to request an extension, or they might contact you to offer you this option. They will discuss the options and let you know if you are eligible
- You can opt for an extension if your supports and circumstances are stable and haven’t changed
- All the same funding and supports in your current plan will continue for another 12 months
- You will be able to continue your supports uninterrupted, knowing that your new funding allocation will be the same as in the current plan
- Any funds in your existing plan that haven’t been used will still be available for you to spend. The NDIA will also top up your plan with the same funding that you received in the original plan
- You can have an automatic extension and still be able to change your mind and request a review during the period the new plan is in place.
Notes:
- Only funds in the Core and Capacity Building categories will be topped up. If you have funding in the Capital category (Assistive Technology or Home Modifications) this funding will not be topped up. So if you have evolving needs for funding in the Capital categories, then a plan extension may not be suitable for you.
- If you have unspent funds in your plan, they will automatically be rolled over into the next plan.
- An automatic plan extension is not the same as a new plan. If you choose to extend your plan, the NDIS can’t make any changes to it. You will also not receive a new plan in the mail.
- Instead, all the same funding in your current plan will continue for another 12 months.
Change of circumstances
- If you have had a significant or urgent change in your circumstances and your plan no longer meets your needs, your funding will remain available to you until a new plan is in place.
- To let the NDIS know about your changes, or to tell them that you need different supports, you can provide them with important information and evidence by email.
- Once the plan review is completed, you can ask for a plan that is in place for up to 24 months.