Can I Ask for More Funding in My NDIS Plan? Here’s How

Many NDIS participants face moments when their current funding doesn’t quite stretch to meet their evolving needs. Whether your circumstances have changed, your health requires additional support, or you’ve discovered gaps in your original plan, the good news is clear: you absolutely can request more funding for your NDIS plan.

Understanding how to navigate this process effectively can make all the difference between struggling with insufficient support and accessing the resources you need to thrive. This comprehensive guide walks you through exactly when, why, and how to increase NDIS funding, ensuring you feel confident advocating for the support you deserve.

The key to success lies in understanding the system, gathering strong evidence, and knowing your rights throughout the process. Let’s explore everything you need to know about securing additional NDIS funding.

When Can You Request More NDIS Funding?

The NDIS recognises that participants’ needs aren’t static. Life changes, conditions evolve, and goals develop over time. You can request additional funding through a plan reassessment or plan variation in several situations.

• Change in circumstances represents one of the most common reasons for seeking increased funding. This might include deterioration in your health condition, new diagnoses that require different types of support, changes in your living arrangements, or shifts in your informal support network. For example, if a family member who previously provided care can no longer assist, you may need additional paid support hours to maintain your independence and safety.
• Insufficient funding for essential supports becomes apparent when your current budget consistently runs out before your plan period ends, despite careful management. This situation often occurs with first-time participants whose initial plans underestimated their actual support requirements. You might find that therapy sessions recommended by your healthcare team exceed what your current capacity-building budget allows, or that your core support needs are greater than originally assessed.
• Errors in your current plan allocation can also justify a funding review. Sometimes plans don’t accurately reflect the supports discussed during your planning meeting, or certain reasonable and necessary supports were inadvertently omitted. These administrative errors can be corrected through the review process.
• The NDIS also provides for emergency funding in crisis situations. If you face urgent circumstances—such as the sudden loss of a primary caregiver, a medical emergency requiring immediate additional support, or safety concerns in your current living situation—special provisions allow for expedited funding decisions.

Steps to Request Additional Supports or Plan Reassessment

Successfully increasing your NDIS funding requires a systematic approach that demonstrates your needs clearly and provides compelling evidence for additional support.

• Review your current plan and identify shortfalls by conducting a thorough analysis of your existing supports. Document where your current funding falls short of meeting your needs. Track your spending patterns to show consistent budget depletion in specific areas. Create a detailed list of supports you need but cannot currently afford within your plan. This foundation work strengthens your case and helps you articulate specific funding requirements.
• Gather evidence from healthcare professionals who understand your condition and support needs. Request updated reports from your GP, specialists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, or other relevant professionals. These reports should specifically address how your needs have changed since your last plan, why additional supports are necessary, and how they align with NDIS criteria for reasonable and necessary supports.
• Ask your current service providers to document any observations about unmet needs or recommendations for additional support. Their professional insights carry significant weight in funding decisions, as they witness firsthand how your current supports are—or aren’t—meeting your needs.
• Contact your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or NDIS planner to discuss your situation and formally request a review. Be specific about what type of review you need. A plan variation suits minor adjustments, such as adding a specific piece of equipment or increasing support hours in one category. A full plan reassessment is appropriate for more comprehensive changes involving multiple support categories or significant shifts in your circumstances.

During this conversation, clearly explain your reasons for needing additional funding and mention that you have supporting documentation ready to submit. Your LAC can guide you through the specific requirements and timeframes for your situation.

• Submit a Change of Circumstances form or request a plan review through the appropriate channels. You can initiate this process by calling the NDIS contact centre on 1800 800 110, submitting requests through the NDIS participant portal, or working with your LAC. Include all supporting documentation with your submission and clearly state how the additional funding will help you achieve your goals and maintain your wellbeing.

The NDIA has committed to processing plan variations within 21 days where possible, though complex reassessments may take longer. Stay organised throughout this period and don’t hesitate to follow up if you haven’t received acknowledgment of your request within reasonable timeframes.

Eligibility Checklist: Are You Likely to Qualify for More Funding?

Before submitting your request, assess your situation against key criteria that influence funding decisions. This checklist helps you evaluate the strength of your case and identify any gaps in your preparation.

✓ Have your needs changed significantly? Document specific changes in your condition, living situation, informal supports, or goals that require different or additional paid supports. The NDIA looks for clear evidence that your circumstances have shifted since your last plan.

✓ Do you have current supporting documentation? Gather recent reports (typically within the last 12 months) from relevant healthcare professionals, service providers, or other qualified assessors. Outdated documentation weakens your case, so ensure all evidence reflects your current situation.

✓ Are you requesting reasonable and necessary supports? Your additional funding requests must align with NDIS criteria. Supports should relate directly to your disability, represent good value for money, be likely to be effective, and take into account informal supports and mainstream services already available to you.

✓ Can you demonstrate that current funding is insufficient? Show evidence of consistent budget shortfalls, waiting lists for essential services due to funding constraints, or documented recommendations from professionals for supports you cannot currently afford.

✓ Have you explored all options within your current plan? Demonstrate that you’ve maximised flexibility within existing budget categories where possible. For core supports, show how you’ve reallocated funds between different areas to try to meet your needs.

✓ Do you have clear goals that additional funding will support? Connect your funding requests to specific outcomes and goals in your NDIS plan. The NDIA wants to see how additional investment will help you achieve greater independence, community participation, or wellbeing.

What If Your Request is Declined?

If the NDIA doesn’t approve your request for additional funding, you have several options to challenge the decision and advocate for your needs.

Internal review represents your first avenue for appeal. You can request that a different NDIA delegate review the original decision within three months of receiving the outcome. This process allows you to provide additional evidence, clarify information that may have been misunderstood, or address specific reasons given for the initial decline.

When requesting an internal review, carefully analyse the reasons provided for the original decision and address each point systematically. You might need to provide different types of evidence, clarify the reasonable and necessary nature of your requested supports, or better demonstrate how they relate to your disability and goals.

External review through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) provides an independent avenue if you remain unsatisfied after internal review. The AAT operates separately from the NDIA and can make binding decisions about your case. While this process takes longer and may require legal representation, it offers comprehensive review of both the facts and the law applying to your situation.

Throughout any review process, consider engaging advocacy services or disability rights organisations who can provide expert guidance and representation. Many services are available at no cost and have extensive experience navigating NDIS appeals.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Requesting additional NDIS funding might feel daunting, but remember that the scheme exists to provide participants with the supports they need to live their best lives. When your circumstances change or your current plan proves insufficient, seeking increased funding is not just your right; it’s a crucial step in maintaining your wellbeing and pursuing your goals.

The process requires patience, organisation, and persistence, but many participants successfully secure additional funding by following these systematic steps. Strong evidence, clear communication about your needs, and understanding of NDIS criteria significantly improve your chances of success.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of navigating plan reviews, gathering evidence, or advocating for your needs, professional support can make a significant difference. Meta Healthcare understands the complexities of NDIS funding and works with participants to gather compelling evidence for plan reassessments. Our experienced allied health professionals can provide the reports and assessments that strengthen your case for additional funding.

Contact Meta Healthcare today to discuss how our NDIS plan management support can help you secure the funding you need. Let us guide you through the process with confidence and expertise, ensuring your voice is heard and your needs are met.