Your NDIS plan meeting is the most important step of your NDIS application to help determine what your plan and funding will look like. In this resource we answer the 7 main questions about what to expect from your NDIS plan meeting, including:
- What is an NDIS plan meeting?
- Who runs the planning meeting?
- Where is the meeting held?
- How long is the meeting?
- What if I can’t attend the meeting?
- What questions will be asked at the meeting?
- What do I need to bring to my planning meeting?
What is a plan meeting?
A plan meeting is a conversation held between the participant (and/or their representative/nominee) and an NDIA representative (Local Area Coordinator or Planner) about current supports, goals and needs. This meeting takes place after your NDIS application has been approved and before you receive your actual plan and funding.
This step of the process is your opportunity to discuss what you would like to use your funding for, what goals you are working towards, and what supports can help you achieve those goals.
Who runs the plan meeting?
One of the following people (known as an NDIA representative) will run and manage your meeting:
- An Early Childhood Early Intervention Coordinator (ECEI Coordinator) – supports children with disability and their families (under the age of 9)
- A Local Area Coordinator (LAC) – helps people with disability find and use services and supports
- An NDIA Planner – makes and approves new plans
It is up to you if you would like another support person to attend the meeting with you. This can be helpful if you need support communicating your needs, and it can also be a tiring and overwhelming experience.
If you are not in a position to attend the meeting on your own (and you don’t have a support person who can attend), you may want to consider finding an NDIS advocate who can support you at this meeting.
Click here for more information on how to find an advocate.
Where is the plan meeting held?
Your NDIA plan meeting can be held over the phone, via Zoom, or in-person. Your ECEI Coordinator, LAC or Planner will advise this when the appointment is made.
It is up to you if you prefer a face-to-face or phone meeting. If the NDIA representative is organising something that doesn’t suit you, speak up and let them know what is best for you.
Tip: Record and save the details of your meeting and the person you will be meeting with, including their name, email and phone number.
How long is the meeting?
The plan meeting usually takes between 1 and 2 hours.
There is a lot to discuss during this time, so preparing your notes and documents beforehand (and writing down any questions you may have) can be really helpful. This is your opportunity to clearly explain how your disability impacts your day-to-day life, and what supports you need to help you work towards your goals.
What if I can’t attend the plan meeting?
If you are not in a position or are unavailable to complete your plan conversation over the phone or in-person, contact your ECEI Coordinator, LAC or Planner and the NDIA will make alternative planning arrangements.
What questions will be asked?
The NDIA representative will ask questions to build a clear picture of your needs, your goals, and what supports you might need. It can help to prepare some notes beforehand so you don’t miss anything important.
If there is something important you want to mention, write it down beforehand and bring it up during the meeting.
During your NDIS plan meeting you may be asked about:
- Personal details – name, age, address, primary disability, living arrangements, hobbies (this forms the “About You” section of your plan)
- Formal and informal supports – help you receive from family, friends, community, carers
- Day-to-day activities – how you manage everyday activities and what is needed to complete them (supports, services, technology, equipment, accommodation, products)
- Independence and safety – tasks you need help to do independently and/or safely (daily, weekly, monthly, yearly or as needed)
- How you want your plan to be managed financially – plan-managed, self-managed, or agency managed
- Your goals – what you want to achieve in the next 0–12 months
- Supports needed – what supports could help reduce disability-related barriers and support you to work towards your goals (services, supports, equipment, technology)
Tip: Write down the questions you want to ask. The plan meeting can be overwhelming, so having your questions written down helps you remember what you want to cover.
What do I need to bring to my plan meeting?
You can prepare these documents and send them to your planner or LAC before your meeting. Make sure you keep a copy of everything so you can refer back to it later.
- Someone to support you (if helpful)
- Any questions you want to ask
- Your NDIS participant booklet
- Any letters from the NDIA
- Your reports and assessments
- Your bank account details (if you are considering self-managing all or part of your funding)
- Your myGov login details (if you need help with this, talk to your ECEI Coordinator, LAC or NDIA planner)
