Turning 18 is a big moment for any young person. More independence, more say and more decisions that are genuinely theirs to make, including decisions about their NDIS plan.
For families, it's also the moment one important role quietly changes.
Every month we hear from parents who find out about this just after their child turns 18, when they suddenly can't talk to us the way they used to. Preparing in advance means the birthday can just be a birthday.
What Happens to My Role as Child Representative When My Child Turns 18?
Before 18, most parents act as a Child Representative. This role lets you make decisions about the NDIS plan and speak with Provider Choice and the NDIA on your child's behalf.
That role ends automatically on the 18th birthday. From that day, the NDIS treats your son or daughter as the decision maker for their own plan.
This means we need their consent before we can share information with anyone else, including you. The NDIA works the same way.
The NDIA contacts families about three months before the birthday to explain this change. Even so, plenty of parents ring us just after, surprised that we can no longer talk to them. Many assumed they were already the nominee. It's an easy thing to miss, because nothing looks different until the day after.
What Are The Options at 18?
Your son or daughter keeps their NDIS support at 18. What changes is that if you were listed as their Child Representative before their birthday, they will now get to choose how that support works.
From their 18th birthday, they can:
- Manage their own NDIS plan and speak with the NDIA and Provider Choice directly.
- Give consent for a trusted person, like you, to keep being told about their plan and help them manage it.
- Ask for a nominee if they find decisions difficult, even with support.
If they've already turned 18, it's not too late. These options are still open, though there may be a short stretch where the NDIS deals with them directly until the NDIA approves anything new.
What Is an NDIS Nominee?
A nominee is different to a Child Representative. It's a role for participants aged 18 and over. The NDIA appoints a nominee when a participant needs extra support with decisions, even with help.
There are two types:
- A plan nominee helps manage the plan and funding and can make decisions on the participant's behalf.
- A correspondence nominee receives letters and notices and can ask for information on the participant's behalf.
Your son or daughter can have one type, both or neither if they're managing independently or with your help through consent.
Ready to request a nominee? If they've decided they'd like you to become their nominee, use our email template to ask the NDIA for the forms.
"It's Months Away." Here's Why It's Worth Starting Now
You don't need to sort everything out today. You just need one short conversation with your child before the NDIA gets in touch, so nothing catches either of you out.
How Can I Prepare Before the Birthday?
- Talk to your child about what's changing and what they'd like to happen. Ask whether they want to manage things themselves, involve you through consent or look at a nominee.
- Keep an eye out for the NDIA's contact around three months before the birthday and contact them directly if you haven’t heard from them.
- Talk it through with a Guru. They can go over the options with you both and help you understand what needs to be in place before the birthday.
None of this needs to happen in one sitting. A short conversation now means one less thing to think about when the day arrives.
One of the Easiest Changes to Miss and One of the Simplest to Prepare For
We work with families across the country and this comes up every month. A Guru can talk you through the options and help you get everything in place before the birthday.
References:
NDIS | What is a nominee
NDIS | How to complete an information access request
NDIS | OG Child representatives
