What Is a Change of Circumstance – and When Should You Submit One?
Updated: Sep 22
If you or your child has an NDIS plan, life doesn’t have to stay the same for it to work. In fact, it shouldn’t. Life changes, and when it does, the NDIS needs to know. That’s where a Change of Circumstance form comes in.
But what does it mean? And when is it actually worth submitting one?
Let’s break it down.
Important update (27 August 2026): the way you tell the NDIS about a change has changed. There is no longer a single change of circumstances form. For smaller changes, you ask for a plan variation using the Plan Variation Request Form. For significant and ongoing changes, you ask for a plan reassessment using the Plan Reassessment Request Form, with evidence. Once the NDIA has the information it needs, it decides within 90 days whether to reassess your plan, not reassess it, or vary it. You can read more on the NDIS page What is a plan reassessment, and in our guide Before You Ask for an NDIS Plan Reassessment.
🌀 What Is a Change of Circumstance?
A Change of Circumstance (COC) is a formal way to tell the NDIA that something important in your life has changed, and that it might affect the supports you or your loved one needs.
It’s your chance to say, “Hey, things are different now. Can we take another look at the plan?”
You don’t have to wait until your next scheduled plan reassessment to raise these changes. A COC helps the NDIS keep your plan relevant, safe, and useful.
📋 What Kind of Changes Count?
Not every life change needs to be reported, but here are some examples of situations where a COC should be considered:
🏡 A Change in Living Arrangements
Moving house (especially if supports are tied to the location)
Moving into supported accommodation
Leaving the family home
A change in who the participant lives with (e.g. new housemate, parent separation)
🩺 A Change in Disability-Related Needs
A significant and ongoing change in how your disability affects daily life (a new diagnosis on its own isn't enough; it's the impact that counts)
Increased support needs due to physical or mental health decline
New or worsening behaviours of concern
Major change in communication, mobility, or self-care abilities
🧠 A Change in Informal Supports
A carer or family member is no longer able to provide care
Informal support breaks down (e.g. a relationship ends, someone moves away)
A parent becomes unwell and can’t provide the same level of help
🏫 Education or Employment Changes
Starting or leaving school
Transitioning to a new education setting
Losing or gaining employment
Starting or finishing a supported work program
👩⚕️ Big Life Events
A hospital admission
Changes to legal guardianship or care orders
Experiencing homelessness or domestic violence
🕒 When Not to Submit One
Sometimes changes feel big but don’t actually affect your plan or funding. Here are some examples where you probably don’t need a COC:
Your support worker takes leave or changes provider
You’ve spent more or less than expected, but your funding still works for your goals
You move to a new suburb but nothing else changes
You’ve built new capacity, but it hasn’t changed your support needs yet
When in doubt, ask your Support Coordinator or Plan Manager if the change actually impacts your support needs. If it does, it might be time to submit a COC.
📝 How Do You Submit a Change of Circumstance?
Since 27 August 2026, you use one of two NDIS forms:
The Plan Variation Request Form, for smaller changes to your current plan
The Plan Reassessment Request Form, for significant and ongoing changes
Both forms can be downloaded from the NDIS website, and you can call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 for help
Your support coordinator or plan manager can help you prepare, but only you, your nominee or child representative can submit a reassessment request
For a reassessment, you must include evidence showing a significant and ongoing change, like reports from therapists or your GP, hospital discharge summaries, or letters from informal carers.
Once the NDIA has the information it needs, it will decide within 90 days whether to reassess your plan, not reassess it, or vary it. A reassessment could mean a completely new plan with updated supports.
💡 Top Tips Before You Submit
✅ Gather evidence – Reports from professionals will strengthen your case
✅ Explain clearly – Use plain language to describe what changed and how it affects you
✅ Get help – Your support coordinator or my NDIS contact can help you prepare your request and evidence, but only you, your nominee or child representative can submit it
✅ Don’t wait too long – Especially if someone’s health or safety is impacted
🤝 Still Unsure?
If you’re not sure whether your situation counts, don’t stress. It’s common to feel confused, the NDIS isn’t always straightforward.
👉 Speak with a Support Coordinator or Plan Manager for guidance. You can also check out our NDIS Provider Directory to find someone experienced who can help walk you through the process.
📍 Based on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast
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