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.
Contact your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to schedule your planning meeting (face-to-face if possible).
Helpful reading:
Learn about NDIS funding and how it's organised into different categories.
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 LAC understands what you want to include in your plan.
Helpful reading:
Step 3: Get to know your plan
Once you get your draft NDIS plan, it’s up to you to check the details are correct, and you're happy with how the funds have been allocated.
Check with your LAC 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.
Helpful reading:
Step 4: 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 plan management during your planning meeting, it’s time to select a reliable plan manager.
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.
Helpful reading:
Why you should have service agreements in place with your providers.
PLAN PARTNERS
We're experienced plan managers
Up to date in all things NDIS, we'll help you get more out of your funding while taking care of your time-consuming NDIS admin. Talk to us about our plan management now.
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.
Helpful reading:
PLAN PARTNERS
We provide experienced, independent support coordination
We can help you get the best supports for you, your life and your goals. Talk to us today about our support coordination.
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.
Helpful reading:
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 LAC understands your goals for your new plan.
Helpful reading:
REMEMBER
To ask for plan management and support coordination
If you want to keep benefitting from these helpful services in your next NDIS plan, you'll need to remember to ask for them during your plan review.
Have questions?
We realise there’s a lot to think about, so feel free to get in touch if you have something you’d like to ask us.
Simply start a live chat (9am - 5pm AEDT weekdays) or give us call 1300 333 700 (9am - 7pm AEDT weekdays). Together, it's possible.
