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Section 33 Changes: What Every NDIS Participant Should Ask Their Support Coordinator

October 29, 2025

Have you heard about the Section 33 changes to the NDIS and wondered what they actually mean for you? You’re not alone. Many participants are still trying to make sense of how these updates will affect their plans, funding, and day-to-day supports.

Let’s break it all down clearly, just what you really need to know, and the right questions to ask your Support Coordinator to stay ahead.

Section 33: What is it?

Section 33 of the NDIS Act 2013 is what gives the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) the power to create, review, and vary participant plans. It’s the legal framework behind how your plan is built,from setting goals to approving funding.

The recent changes to Section 33 aim to make this process more transparent and consistent. They focus on:

Making plan variation simpler and faster (so you don’t need a full plan review every time your needs change).
Improving how the NDIA responds to changing circumstances, such as new health needs or life stages.
Strengthening participant choice and control through clearer communication and decision pathways.

These updates are part of the Federal Government’s broader NDIS Review recommendations, designed to reduce red tape and make the Scheme fairer and more sustainable for everyone.

Looking for NDIS support coordination in Blacktown or Castle Hill? At Interaction, our expert Support Coordinators work closely with you to understand your goals, simplify your plan, and connect you to the services that matter most. Let us help you feel supported and confident every step of the way.

Why These Changes Matter to You

For participants, Section 33 affects how quickly your plan adapts to your life. Imagine your circumstances change: maybe you’ve started working more hours, moved into new accommodation, or need extra therapy sessions.

Under the new Section 33 process, instead of waiting months for a full plan review, your Support Coordinator can now help you request a plan variation. This means:

Quicker access to the supports you need.
Fewer administrative hurdles.
Less stress when your situation changes unexpectedly.

The Role of Your Support Coordinator Under Section 33

Your Support Coordinator is your bridge between you and the NDIA. They help you understand the language, paperwork, and decisions that come with your NDIS plan. With the Section 33 updates, their role becomes even more crucial.

Here’s what they can help with:

Identifying when a variation is needed: Not every change requires a full review. Your coordinator can guide you through what qualifies.
Preparing documentation: They’ll help gather the right evidence to justify the variation request.
Communicating with the NDIA: Coordinators can liaise directly with the Agency to make sure your application is accurate and timely.
Advising on next steps: If your request is declined, your coordinator can help you understand why and what to do next, including an internal review or appeal if needed.

If you’re unsure what your Support Coordinator can and can’t do, you might find this article helpful: What Your Support Coordinator Can Do for You in 2025.

How Section 33 Improves Choice and Control

One of the key aims of the NDIS has always been participant choice and control. Section 33 strengthens this by:

Allowing faster, more flexible changes when participants’ needs evolve.
Enabling clearer communication channels between the NDIA, providers, and coordinators.
Promoting transparency in how decisions are made and documented.

That means fewer delays, fewer surprises, and more control over how your funding supports your goals.

What Support Coordinators Need to Do Differently

Support Coordinators will now play a more proactive role. They’ll need to:

Stay updated with NDIA procedural guidelines.
Track and manage multiple plan variations simultaneously.
Communicate changes promptly with participants, families, and providers.
Document every step of the variation process for compliance and accountability.

Participants should expect their coordinator to walk them through each step, explaining how the change affects their goals, supports, and budget.

Practical Scenarios: How Section 33 Applies in Real Life

Example 1: Increased therapy needs
If your physiotherapist recommends an additional weekly session, your Support Coordinator can help you apply for a plan variation instead of waiting for your next review.

Example 2: Moving homes
When you relocate to a new area, your supports may need to change, for example, switching from in-home care to supported independent living. Section 33 makes it easier to update your plan accordingly.

Example 3: Employment changes
If you start working more hours and need transport or capacity-building supports, your coordinator can request a variation to reflect your new routine.

For a broader look at how housing and living supports tie into your NDIS journey, you can read How Does NDIS Housing Support Australians with a Disability?.

Common Concerns About the Section 33 Updates

“Will my plan budget decrease?”
No, variations are meant to adjust, not reduce, your plan unless there’s a major change in your circumstances.

“Do I need to reapply for the NDIS?”
Absolutely not. The changes apply to existing participants. You only need to request a variation through your Support Coordinator if necessary.

“Will this make things more complicated?”
Not at all, the goal is to simplify. The NDIA wants to reduce unnecessary reviews and paperwork so that participants get support faster.

How to Prepare for the Future

With Section 33 in place, now’s a good time to:

Review your goals and see if your current plan still supports them.
Discuss any recent life changes with your Support Coordinator.
Gather updated reports or recommendations from your providers.
Stay informed about future NDIA policy updates.Your coordinator can keep you in the loop.

Remember, understanding your rights and asking the right questions ensures you remain in control of your NDIS journey.

If you’re based in Windsor or Ryde, Interaction’s NDIS Support Coordination team offers tailored guidance to help you get the most out of your plan. Our local knowledge means we can connect you with the best providers and community activities—so your NDIS journey is easier and more rewarding.

Get the support you deserve with Interaction

The Section 33 changes mark a step forward for a more participant-friendly NDIS, one that’s flexible, transparent, and focused on real-life needs. With the help of your Support Coordinator, navigating these updates doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

The key takeaway? Don’t wait until a problem arises. Talk to your Support Coordinator today about how these changes could benefit you, and make sure your plan continues to reflect your goals, lifestyle, and future aspirations.

Need help understanding how the new Section 33 updates apply to your situation? Contact our team today. Our experienced Senior Specialist Support Coordinators and Support Coordinators across Sydney, Blacktown, Castle Hill, Parramatta, Penrith, and Windsor are here to guide you through every step, from plan variations to reviews and everything in between.

We’ll help you make the most of your NDIS plan, so you can focus on what really matters, feeling empowered to livelife your way.

What Every NDIS Participant Should Ask Their Support Coordinator

When the rules change, the best thing you can do is ask questions. Here are key ones to start with:

1. Will my current plan be affected by the Section 33 changes?

Some participants might see automatic updates during their next review period. Others might need to request variations if their circumstances have changed. Ask your coordinator to review your plan and see where adjustments could help.

2. How do I know when to request a variation?

A variation is suitable for small but important changes, for instance, needing extra hours for therapy or switching providers. Your coordinator can help you identify when it’s the right time to submit one, ensuring you don’t lose access to essential supports.

3. What evidence do I need for a plan variation?

Supporting documents like therapist reports, invoices, or letters from doctors can strengthen your request. Your coordinator should guide you on gathering and submitting the right evidence.

4. How long will the process take?

One of the biggest frustrations in the NDIS system has been long wait times. Section 33 aims to shorten these delays. Ask your coordinator for an estimated timeframe and regular updates while your request is being processed.

5. Can I appeal a decision if my variation request is rejected?

Yes. If the NDIA declines your variation, you have the right to ask for an internal review. Your coordinator can help you draft this request and ensure it meets NDIA guidelines.

6. Will these changes make it easier to access new supports?

In many cases, yes,especially for participants with changing needs. Section 33 gives the NDIA more flexibility to approve updates without restarting the entire plan process.

7. How can I prepare for my next plan review under the new rules?

Your coordinator can help you gather updated reports, outline your progress, and ensure your goals align with your supports. This preparation ensures your review, or variation, goes smoothly.

For more guidance on preparing for plan reviews, check out When Should You Upgrade from Level 2 to Level 3 Support Coordination?.