What Is a Change of Circumstance – and When Should You Submit One?

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.

🌀 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 review 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 new diagnosis (such as autism or a psychosocial disability)

• 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?

You can submit a COC through:

• Your MyGov account

• Calling the NDIS on 1800 800 110

• Emailing your local NDIS office

• With help from your Support Coordinator or Plan Manager

You’ll need to complete a Change of Circumstances form (also called an NDIS 102 Form). It’s helpful to include supporting evidence — like reports from therapists, hospital discharge summaries, or letters from informal carers.

If the NDIA agrees the change is significant, they may initiate a plan reassessment. This 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 LAC can assist in submitting and wording your request

✅ 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.