NDIS in 7 easy steps

Step 1: Get Prepared

Learn how the NDIS works and what's expected of you.

• First off, check if you're eligible and apply direct from the NDIS website.
• Complete our Preparing for the NDIS Checklist, which helps you think about your life goals, so you’re all prepared for your first planning meeting.
• Your NDIS Planner will contact you to schedule your planning meeting.

Step 2: Your NDIS planning meeting

Go to your planning meeting prepared, so you get an NDIS plan that reflects your needs and goals.

• Bring your checklist and supporting documents to refer to them during your meeting.
• Ask a friend or family member to come along for support.
• Take notes to remind you what was discussed during your meeting.
• Be clear about your needs and goals, so your NDIS Planner understands what you want to include in your plan. If you choose to include plan management within your plan, it's best to ask about it in this meeting.

Step 3: Organise your NDIS finances

Over the course of your plan, it’s up to you to keep track of your spending and make sure service providers are being paid on time.

• If you asked for NDIS plan management during your planning meeting, it’s time to endorse a reliable plan manager. You can do this by calling the NDIA on 1800 800 110 (or your NDIS contact), advising that you have selected Plan Partners as your plan manager, you mean need the following details as well. Our full registered business name, Plan Management Partners, our NDIS number 4050002983, and our ABN 54 609 868 993.
• Set up a service agreement with your plan manager. This is a legal agreement which describes the services you'll receive and how they'll be delivered.

Step 4: Get to know your plan

Once you have a draft plan you will be allocated a 'My NDIS Contact' as the key person that you can communicate with at any stage if you have questions or need a plan reassessment.

• Check with your NDIS Planner if you have concerns. You can ask for a review if you don't believe it reflects your goals.
• Let your service providers know you’ve received your plan and all invoices should be sent to [email protected].

Step 5: Organise your supports

Choosing service providers who meet your needs, but also who you connect and get along with can motivate you to achieve your goals.

• If you have support coordination included in your plan, it’s time to pick a support coordinator.
• Spend some time researching service providers in your area and connect with the best ones for you.
• Set up service agreements with each of your providers to confirm their costs and the supports they’ll be providing.

Step 6: Track the progress of your plan

Now you’ve completed all the planning and organising, it’s time to receive your supports and start enjoying all the improvements they bring to your life.

Make sure you:

• Keep all your invoices, plus a record for the supports you receive and when you receive them (in case you get audited, but also to make sure invoices are correct).
• Throughout the course of your plan, keep track of your budget and spending to avoid underspending or overspending.

Step 7: Your annual plan review

Because needs and goals change over time, your annual plan review is an opportunity to check if your supports are still relevant to you.

It’s a good idea to:

• Prepare in advance. Make a list of anything you’d like to change and why. Feel free to use our preparing checklist.
• Express what you’d like to change clearly so your NDIS Planner understands your goals for your new plan.