Preparing for your NDIS planning

To access supports under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) you need an NDIS plan. This plan is created together with the NDIS planner and yourself. To know what you need in your plan, you should have an idea of what type of support you need. Whether you’re a seasoned participant or new to the process, our useful resources can help you navigate, ensuring your plan aligns with your needs and goals.

Eligibility

The first step towards accessing support through an NDIS Plan is finding out if you are eligible.

The NDIS eligibility criteria includes:

- - Aged under 65
  - Living in Australia and be an Australian citizen or have Australian residency
  - Have a permanent and significant disability which impacts everyday activities
  - Early intervention

Discover detailed NDIS eligibility criteria directly from the NDIS website

If you meet these criteria and are therefore eligible for NDIS funding, you become a participant. If you do not meet these criteria, you can still receive help to access government and community services.

What is the next step after becoming eligible for NDIS?

Once your eligibility has been confirmed, the next step is to make an Access Request. You can do this by calling the NDIS on 1800 800 110 and either making a verbal request or filling out a paper form. And if you need help filling out that form or making that verbal request, you can get assistance from your nearest Local Area Coordinator, Early Childhood Intervention partner or your nearest NDIA office.

Find your nearest coordinator or office here or contact Independence Australia Services.

Planning for your NDIS meeting

Once your access request has been processed, the next step is creating your plan. Your NDIS plan outlines what your goals are and what kinds of help and supports you need. Whether you want to be more independent, go to university or get a job, NDIS plans are designed to help you achieve your goals.

To create your NDIS plan, you’ll meet with an Early Childhood Early Intervention Coordinator (ECIL), a Local Area Coordinator (LAC), or an NDIA Planner. During your planning meeting, your planner will ask you questions about your community supports, your day-to-day life and what you would like to achieve.

They will guide you through the process to access your NDIS funding. It is very important to prepare for your meeting with them – to help you feel ready for this we have also compiled a handy NDIS planning booklet.

Step 1 – Think about your life

Your first step should be to write down the ways in which your disability impacts your life, for example if you live with incontinence and it has an impact on your work or social life, it is important to include that.

Step 2 – Goals

Step 3 – Products and services

Next you should write down all of the products that you require; these could be products that you already use or products which you believe may enhance your life. You should also consider services and supports that you will need as well.

Step 4 – Budget

Try to figure out what twelve months of products would like for you – plan for your ‘worst case scenario’ week and then multiply that by a year. Similarly consider how many support hours you require per week and calculate that across the year.

Step 5 – Documents

There are number of documents that you will need to bring along to your appointment. You can find a full list of the suggested documents in our NDIS Planning Booklet – you won’t need all of these documents, just the ones that apply to your situation.

If you’re receiving disability services already, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) should contact you directly to schedule a planning meeting; this may have already happened.

If you’re not currently receiving disability services, you will need to make an access request in order for the NDIA to contact you.

Dive deeper into NDIS plan preparation

Creating an NDIS plan might seem tough. That’s why we have helpful articles for you. Read them to understand more about making your NDIS plan. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

Family involvement in NDIS plan creation

NDIS supporting evidence

NDIS service agreement