Start early
Evidence takes time. A good report involves visits, assessments and writing, and therapists are often booked for weeks. Start thinking about evidence three to four months before your plan ends, or as soon as your circumstances change.
What the NDIA wants to see
- What has changed since your last plan, such as health, living situation, family supports or goals
- What progress you have made and what is still hard
- What supports have helped and what you need more or less of
- Clear links between your disability, your daily activities and the supports you are asking for
OT evidence that helps
Progress report
If you already see an OT, a progress report summarises goals, what you have achieved and what comes next. Reports the NDIA asks for directly are claimed under the report item code. See our item code explainer for how this works.
Functional capacity assessment
An FCA gives a detailed, objective picture of how your condition affects daily life, using scored tools and observation. It is particularly useful when you are asking for a significant change, such as more daily-living support, supported independent living or complex equipment. Read what an FCA is and what it costs in our funding guide.
Assistive technology and home modification reports
If you need equipment or changes to the home, OT reports explain why the item is reasonable and necessary and compare the options considered. See our guide to home modifications and assistive technology assessments.
Specialised assessments
Depending on your situation, this might include a sensory assessment or a home and living assessment.
A simple preparation timeline
- 3 to 4 months before: list what has changed and what you want from the next plan. Book your therapist to review evidence.
- 2 to 3 months before: complete any assessments needed, such as an FCA.
- 1 to 2 months before: gather reports, invoices and letters. Ask your support coordinator to review the pack.
- At the meeting: bring a short summary and be ready to explain how supports help you day to day.
Tip: keep a simple diary for a few weeks showing what a typical day looks like and where you need help. It gives your OT a real starting point and gives the NDIA a clearer picture than a list of diagnoses.
Plan your review evidence
Exercare's occupational therapists visit you at home across Melbourne, with no waitlist. One NDIS intake form gets you started.
Working with your exercise physiologist
If you also see an exercise physiologist, their reports on strength, mobility and fitness add to the picture. Our companion guide on preparing for a plan review with an exercise physiologist covers that side, and we can coordinate both reports so they tell one consistent story.
Funding
Under the NDIS, occupational therapy is usually funded from Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living Skills (Category 15). Equipment is funded from Capital – Assistive Technology (Category 05) and home modifications from Capital – Home Modifications (Category 06). Self-funded OT is limited to functional capacity assessments for people applying for the NDIS.
Evidence referenced in this article
- National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA): information for participants and providers.
- Occupational Therapy Australia.
Written by the Exercare allied health team. This article is general information only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Exercare provides mobile exercise physiology and NDIS occupational therapy across south-east and eastern Melbourne.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start preparing for my plan review?
Three to four months before your plan ends is ideal. That leaves time for assessments, reports and any follow-up questions.
Do I need an FCA for every plan review?
No. An FCA is most useful when you are asking for a significant change or your circumstances have changed. A progress report is often enough for a straightforward review.
Who pays for reports for my plan review?
Reports the NDIA requests are claimed under the report item code, and other assessments are usually funded from Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living Skills, if your plan has the budget.
Can my OT attend the review meeting?
Often yes, if you ask. Many therapists can join by phone or video, or provide a written summary.
What if my plan has already ended?
Contact your NDIS planner or support coordinator as soon as possible. Evidence can still be provided, and we can usually move quickly.