Mildura Disability Support Services is seeing an increasing number of participants receiving plans that do not reflect current clinical evidence, allied health recommendations, or documented safety risks. These decisions can leave vulnerable participants at risk, increase pressure on families, and create confusion about appeal rights.

If your NDIS funding has been reduced, your support ratios changed, or your plan no longer reflects your needs, you are not alone. There are steps you can take.

Recent examples include:

• An 18-year-old with severe autism and seizures whose supports were reduced, effectively forcing a move from his own home into shared accommodation despite clinical recommendations for 1:1 support
• A participant requiring 24-hour care whose funded supports were reduced from seven days to six, leaving exhausted family members to fill the gap
• A participant whose funding was reduced from 1:1 to 1:3 support despite an allied health report recommending 11 hours of 1:1 support daily

These types of decisions raise serious concerns about participant safety, carer burnout, and whether clinical evidence is being fully considered.

You may be able to challenge a decision. Options include:

If you believe your plan does not reflect your needs, you can request a review of a decision. This should be done as soon as possible.

Include:

• Occupational therapy reports
• Allied health assessments
• Risk assessments
• Behaviour support plans
• Medical reports

If the review does not resolve your concerns, your local MP may assist by raising the matter directly with the NDIA.

If the decision is classified as reviewable, you may be able to appeal to the Administrative Review Tribunal for independent consideration.

One of the challenges families face is that not all decisions are clearly identified as reviewable, which can make the process confusing and stressful.

Delays in appealing a decision can:

• Leave participants without safe supports
• Increase pressure on families
• Risk breakdown of care arrangements
• Delay access to appropriate services

Seeking advice early can help protect participant safety and ensure evidence is properly considered.

We support participants and families with:

• Understanding plan decisions
• Preparing evidence for reviews
• Advocacy and guidance
• Support coordination
• Linking with allied health professionals
• Navigating appeal pathways

Our focus is on participant choice, safety, and evidence-based planning.

If your NDIS plan has been reduced or does not reflect your needs, we encourage you to contact us.

Mildura Disability Support Services
Phone: 0497 173 572
Email: info@milduradisability.support
Website: https://milduradisability.support

Contact us today to discuss your situation and understand your options.