Tip #49 Change of Circumstances

Ah, the dreaded "Change of Circumstances" – it sounds like something that happens in a Victorian novel, but it's actually NDIS speak for "your life has shifted and we need to talk about it." Don't panic! Not all changes are created equal.

What Actually Counts?

A Change of Circumstances isn't just deciding you prefer tea over coffee (though that's clearly life-changing). It's bigger shifts like:

• Leaving school and needing different supports
• Joining a community group and wanting independence skills
• Moving house or changing living arrangements
• New goals that don't fit your current plan

Think of it as life's way of saying "plot twist!"

The Great Goal Review

Before you rush to apply for changes, take a breath and ask yourself some detective questions:

• Are your current goals still relevant, or have you outgrown them?
• Could you shuffle your existing funding to meet new needs?
• Is this actually a new goal, or just a different way of achieving an old one?

Sometimes the answer is hiding in plain sight within your current plan.

The Funding Cut Fear

Here's the scary thought that keeps everyone awake: what if you apply for changes and they cut your funding instead? It's like asking for a bigger slice of cake and getting your whole plate taken away. This is why your regular Calendary reviews are pure gold – they help you spot gradual changes before they become sudden emergencies.

Your Calendary Crystal Ball

Regular reviews in your Calendary help you see changes coming like a weather forecast. Leaving school? You've been tracking that countdown. Want independence skills? You've noted that growing interest. Being prepared means you can plan changes strategically, not scramble reactively.