Whether you're supporting a partner, child, parent, or sibling through their first NDIS planning meeting, going in prepared makes a real difference to the outcome. Here's what's worth having ready.
Before the meeting
Write down a typical week — what support currently happens, what's missing, and where things are genuinely hard. Concrete examples ("can't shower without help three mornings a week") carry more weight than general descriptions.
Documents worth bringing
Any letters from doctors, allied health professionals, or specialists describing diagnosis and functional impact. Previous NDIS correspondence, if this isn't the first plan. A list of current supports and providers, if any are already in place.
Questions to ask
What happens if funding runs low before the plan year ends? How do we request a change if something isn't working? Who do we contact for day-to-day questions once the plan starts?
After the meeting
Ask for a copy of what's been discussed and when to expect the written plan. It's normal to follow up if it hasn't arrived within the usual timeframe.
Setting goals that actually mean something
Planners respond well to specific, personal goals rather than generic ones. "Improve independence" is vague; "learn to prepare three simple meals independently within six months" gives the planner something concrete to fund toward. If you're not sure how to phrase a goal, describe the outcome you actually want in plain language first — the specific wording can be refined together in the meeting.
Bringing the right people
You can bring a support person, family member, advocate, or support coordinator to the meeting — you don't have to attend alone, and for a first plan especially, an extra set of ears helps when there's a lot of information to absorb. If English isn't the first language for the participant or family, an interpreter can also be arranged in advance.
What first-time carers often don't expect
Many carers are surprised by how much the meeting focuses on function and impact rather than diagnosis alone — two people with the same condition can receive very different funding based on how it actually affects daily life. It also catches people off guard that funding categories (Core Supports, Capacity Building) matter for how flexible the plan will feel day to day, which is worth asking about directly if it's not explained clearly.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring someone else to the meeting?
Yes — a family member, support person, advocate or support coordinator is welcome and often genuinely helpful for a first meeting.
What if we don't have all the paperwork ready?
Bring what you have. Missing documents can usually be provided afterward, though having as much ready as possible helps the plan reflect real needs from the start.
How soon can we ask for changes after the plan starts?
If something isn't working, you don't have to wait for the next scheduled review — a change of circumstances request can be made at any time.
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