How to be prepared for an NDIS ‘Check In’

A check-in is a conversation between you, or your nominee or child representative, and your my NDIS contact.

Your my NDIS contact is the local area coordinator, early childhood partner or planner who is your main contact in the NDIS.

You can (and should) also bring a support person with you to your check-in.

The NDIS has regular check-ins with you to make sure your plan is working for you and that you have the right supports in place.

They want to make sure they understand your needs and situation, so they can help you manage any problems early and make the most of your plan.

At a checkin, you can also ask any questions you have about your plan or the NDIS.

Having a check in doesn’t mean your plan needs to change.

When will the NDIS ask you for a Check In?

The NDIS may schedule a check in:

at least 2 months before the reassessment date in your plan
if you have big changes coming up in your life that could impact your support needs. For example, if you’re finishing school, moving out, or starting a new job
if you have a complex plan. For example, if you have several new NDIS supports to implement or a variety of support needs
if it’s your first plan and you ask for more regular check-ins.
you ask for a check in. You can contact the NDIS to organise a check in at any time.
you’ve contacted the NDIS with an enquiry and they want to discuss it in more detail
there is a need to check on your safety, for example if there’s a natural disaster in your area

During a check-in, your my NDIS contact will ask you:

how you’re going
if you have any questions about your current plan
how you’re going with your goals
if you have any new goals, or want to change your goals
how you’re using local services in the community or other government services
how you’re using the NDIS supports in your plan
how your supports are helping you pursue your goals
if your supports meet your disability needs
if your situation has changed
if you need help with big changes coming up in your life, like starting or finishing school or starting a new job.

Although the NDIS won’t tell you this, you must expect to be asked for the following at your check in:

New information or new evidence related to your disability needs
Reports from your therapists, your support coordinator or other providers.
Responses to the questions above – best to think about and prepare them in advance so you don’t forget to say something

Based on the information you provide to the NDIS, they might:

make no changes to your plan
give you more support to implement your plan. For example, recommend more regular check-ins, or fund a support coordinator or recovery coach
make changes to your plan, if your support needs have changed and you need more, less or different supports
check your eligibility. Usually this is because you joined the NDIS to get early access to supports. If your capacity has increased and you no longer need NDIS supports, you might not need to be a participant anymore. If we need to check your eligibility, you’ll have time to give us more information if you feel you still need the NDIS.

BEWARE: Many participants have expected a casual ‘check in’ conversation, only to find themselves in a Plan Reassesment!
Be prepared for a Reassesment Meeting
If you get a call without warning – you can reschedule it! Don’t feel like you HAVE to take the call.
Have your evidence and reports ready
Bring a support person