Applying for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can feel like a huge milestone. It can also feel overwhelming.
Many people worry they’ll say the wrong thing, forget something important, or end up with a plan that doesn’t meet their needs. Others aren’t even sure what an NDIS plan meeting involves.
The good news is that you don’t have to know everything before your first plan meeting.
This guide explains what usually happens, how you can prepare, and what to do once your first plan is approved.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
First of all—it’s okay to feel nervous
For many people, the NDIS process involves talking about some of the most difficult parts of daily life.
You may be asked about things you usually try to hide from other people.
- The tasks you struggle with.
- The support you need.
- The impact your disability has on your everyday life.
That can feel uncomfortable.
Remember, the meeting isn’t about proving your worth as a person. It’s about helping the planner understand your support needs so they can create a plan based on the information and evidence available.
What is an NDIS plan?
Your NDIS plan is more than a funding document.
It outlines:
- your goals
- the supports you’ll receive
- how your funding will be managed
- how long your plan lasts
- the funding available for different types of support
Think of it as a roadmap for the next stage of your NDIS journey rather than a permanent decision. Plans can change over time if your circumstances or support needs change.
What happens before your plan meeting?
Once you’ve been accepted as an NDIS participant, you’ll usually be invited to a plan meeting with an NDIA planner.
The meeting may happen:
- by phone
- via Microsoft Teams
- in person
You can also ask someone you trust to attend with you, such as:
- a family member
- a friend
- a support worker
- an advocate
- a support coordinator (if applicable)
Many people find it much easier having another person there to take notes or remind them of things they’d forgotten to mention.
What will they ask?
Every meeting is different, but you’ll usually be asked about:
Your daily life
- What does a typical day look like?
- What tasks are easy?
- Which ones are difficult?
Your disability
How does your disability affect:
- personal care?
- cooking?
- shopping?
- transport?
- communication?
- work or study?
- relationships?
- community participation?
Your current supports
Who helps you now?
This might include:
- family
- friends
- carers
- therapists
- community services
Your goals
Goals don’t have to be extraordinary.
They might simply include:
- becoming more independent
- improving communication
- finding employment
- studying
- managing your health
- joining community activities
- learning new skills
- reducing reliance on others
Your goals help explain why certain supports may be appropriate.
One of the biggest mistakes people make
Many people accidentally describe themselves on their best day.
Instead, describe what life is like most of the time.
For example:
Instead of saying:
“I can cook.”
You might explain:
“I can sometimes prepare simple meals, but on many days I struggle to stand for long periods, remember the steps or safely use kitchen equipment without support.”
The aim isn’t to exaggerate.
It’s to paint an honest picture of your everyday life.
Don’t assume the planner already knows
Even if you’ve submitted reports, don’t assume every detail is already understood.
Explain things in plain language.
For example:
Instead of saying:
“I have chronic fatigue.”
You could explain:
“After taking a shower I often need to lie down for an hour before I can do anything else.”
Real-life examples often help people understand the practical impact of disability.
Bring evidence if you have it
The NDIS makes decisions based on evidence.
This might include reports from:
- occupational therapists
- physiotherapists
- psychologists
- speech pathologists
- specialists
- GPs (where appropriate)
If new information becomes available before your meeting, let the planner know.
Sometimes additional evidence may be needed before certain supports can be included in your plan.
Write notes beforehand
Many people forget important things during the meeting.
It can help to write down:
- daily challenges
- questions you want answered
- supports you currently use
- supports you think would improve your independence
- important examples from everyday life
There is absolutely nothing wrong with reading from your notes.
It’s okay to ask questions
This is your plan. If something isn’t clear, ask.
Some useful questions include:
- Why has this support been included?
- How do I use this funding?
- What happens next?
- What if my needs change?
- How do I find providers?
- Can someone help me understand my plan?
The meeting should be a conversation, not an exam.
After your plan is approved
Once your plan has been approved, you can begin using it.
Many first-time participants are also offered a plan implementation meeting.
This meeting helps explain:
- how your funding works
- how to find providers
- how to start using your plan
- who to contact if you need help
If you’ve never used the NDIS before, this meeting can be incredibly valuable.
What if you think something is missing?
It’s common for people to feel that their first plan doesn’t cover everything they expected.
If that happens:
- read through your plan carefully
- ask questions if something isn’t clear
- speak with your NDIS contact or support coordinator (if you have one)
- gather additional evidence if needed
Many people’s plans evolve over time as better information about their support needs becomes available.
A few practical tips from people who’ve been through it
Across disability communities, people who’ve attended their first planning meeting often recommend:
- bringing someone you trust if possible
- writing your goals down beforehand
- using real examples from everyday life
- keeping copies of important reports
- taking notes during the meeting
- asking for clarification whenever something isn’t clear
One common piece of advice is not to rely on memory alone—having written notes can make the conversation much less stressful.
Remember…
Your first NDIS plan doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s the beginning of a journey, not the final destination.
The purpose of the meeting is to understand your situation, identify your support needs, and help you access the supports that will make everyday life easier.
Be honest. Be yourself.
Don’t minimise your challenges—but don’t feel you need to exaggerate them either.
Your lived experience matters.
We’d love to hear from you
If you’ve already received your first NDIS plan:
- What surprised you most?
- What do you wish someone had told you beforehand?
- What advice would you give someone who’s about to have their first planning meeting?
Your experience could make someone else’s first NDIS meeting a little less intimidating.
Helpful resources
If you’re preparing for your first NDIS plan, these official resources are a great place to start: