Your first NDIS planning meeting is an essential step in accessing the supports you need to live a more independent and fulfilling life. It’s where you begin shaping your NDIS journey, outlining your goals, discussing your current situation, and planning for the future with a dedicated Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or NDIA planner.
If you’re preparing for your initial meeting, understanding the process can make the experience less stressful and more productive. In this guide, we explain what the meeting involves, how to prepare, and what happens next.
What Is an NDIS Planning Meeting?
The NDIS planning meeting is your first formal opportunity to sit down with a representative from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) or a partner organisation. The purpose is to develop a plan that reflects your goals, support needs, and aspirations. This plan will determine how your NDIS funding is allocated and what services you can access.
The meeting is designed to be a two-way conversation. It’s not a test or interview. It’s your chance to explain how your disability impacts your life and to make sure the planner understands your needs clearly.
Where and How Does It Take Place?
Planning meetings can happen in different ways. You can attend an in-person session at an NDIA office, have a planner visit you at home, or connect over the phone or via video call. If you have preferences, you can request your preferred format when the meeting is being scheduled.
You can also invite someone to attend with you, such as a family member, friend, carer, support coordinator, or advocate. Having someone by your side can help you remember important information and provide extra context.
What Should You Bring to the Meeting?
Preparation is key. To help your planner understand your situation, it’s a good idea to bring the following.
- Medical or therapy reports that explain your condition, diagnosis, or support needs.
- A list of current supports, such as personal care, transport, or therapy services.
- Any quotes for equipment or support services you wish to include in your plan.
- Information about your goals, whether they relate to housing, employment, relationships, or community involvement.
You don’t need everything to be perfect. Even a few notes can help you stay on track and express your needs confidently.
Talking About Your Daily Life
During the meeting, the planner will ask questions about your everyday routine. This helps them understand how your disability affects you and where support is needed most.
You may be asked to describe:
- What is your living situation like?
- How do you manage tasks like cooking, cleaning, or getting dressed?
- If you need help with mobility or communication?
- How do you currently participate in the community, work, or study?
Be open about what’s difficult or what you would like to change. Real-life examples, even small ones, can go a long way in showing the type of assistance that will make a real difference.
Setting Your Goals
One of the most essential parts of the meeting is discussing your short- and long-term goals. These goals will guide how your funding is allocated. A goal might be learning to use public transport, improving communication skills, joining a social group, or finding work.
If you’re not sure how to express your goals, your planner will help you shape them. What matters is that they reflect what you want to achieve, not what someone else thinks you should do.
How Your Plan Will Be Managed
Another decision you’ll make in the meeting is how your NDIS funds will be managed. You will have three main options.
- Self-managed, where you control the budget, pay providers, and keep records.
- Plan-managed, where a registered plan manager takes care of financial admin on your behalf.
- NDIA-managed, where providers claim payments directly from the NDIS portal.
You can also choose a combination of these. Your decision depends on how involved you want to be and whether you have the capacity or support to manage funds independently.
What Happens After the Meeting?
After your planning meeting, the NDIA will use the information you have shared to create your personalised NDIS plan. You won’t receive funding immediately. The plan needs to go through an approval process. This can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
Once your plan is approved, you will receive a copy either by mail, email, or through your myGov portal linked to the NDIS. The plan will outline your goals, budget categories, and the types of support you’re approved to access.
Making Changes and Reviews
Your NDIS plan is not set in stone. If your needs change, or if something doesn’t feel right in the final plan, you can request a reassessment. This is especially important if you didn’t receive the support you believe is essential.
Plans are typically reviewed every 12 months, but you can request an early review if your circumstances change or your goals evolve.
Helpful Tips for a Smooth Meeting
Here are a few simple suggestions to make your planning meeting more effective.
- Be honest and transparent about your challenges and support needs.
- Speak in detail about what makes daily life easier or harder.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions. This is your plan, and it should make sense to you.
- Take your time if you’re unsure about something during the discussion.
- Write things down ahead of time so you don’t forget any key points.
Final Thoughts
Your first NDIS planning meeting is a crucial step toward getting the proper supports in place. While it might feel formal at first, remember, this meeting is all about you. It’s your opportunity to share your story, express your goals, and start building a support plan that works for your life.
By taking some time to prepare, thinking about your daily routine and future goals, and bringing the proper documents, you can walk into the meeting with confidence.
Need Help Preparing for Your NDIS Meeting?
Alliance Multicare Services helps participants navigate the NDIS every day, from pre-planning support to ongoing care and service delivery. If you’re unsure about how to prepare or what to expect, our team is here to guide you. Contact us today at 1800 448 449 to get started.
