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1300 800 110

Automatic extensions? Not quite, NDIA’s plans for upcoming review period revealed

The NDIA has released more detailed information surrounding automatic plan extensions this week, including some eligibility guidelines, and a clearer definition of what an “automatic” plan extension is.

Eligible participants are those whose plans are due for review between April and Jun 30 2021, have a plan of at least 12 months, and are aged 7 years or older.

While the term “automatic plan extension” has been coined, it turns out the process won’t necessarily be an automatic one – participants can opt-in for the extension, or they can choose to conduct a plan review.

What factors should I weigh up when considering the options?

Extension Review
  • With an automatic extension, you will be able to continue your supports uninterrupted, knowing that your funding allocation will be the same as the year prior.
  • The plan extension means a 12-month plan becomes a 24-month plan with twice the funding and, as such, you can use the funding more flexibly across this period. This means you can continue to use funding you haven’t used in the previous plan for the next 12 months and will receive a top up for the categories you have exhausted or are likely to exhaust.
  • It’s important to note that by opting for an automatic extension, you are not foregoing your right to request a review later during the plan period if you need to.
  • If you request a review, the amount you receive will be based on a reassessment of reasonable and necessary supports for the next plan period which may be higher, equivalent, or lower than the previous 12 months.
  • If you choose to request a plan review, this will trigger a new plan. A new plan period for supports will commence moving forward. This means you will not be able to carry forward funding from your current plan, nor use funding from the extension to cover supports received prior to the new plan date.

What should I do next?

If you believe an automatic extension is suitable for your circumstances, contact the NDIA on 1800 800 110, or your Local Area Coordinator to request an automatic extension.

If you are unsure or would like further advice, your Support Coordinator or Plan Manager should be able to help you.

IDEAL Plan Management is open 8.30am-7pm AEST and our expert Plan Managers are here to talk to you and provide advice based on your individual needs.

Call 1300 800 110 or email manager@idealplan.com.au.

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