“Am I really ready for my NDIS planning meeting?” If that question has crossed your mind, you’re not alone and definitely in the right place. Whether you’re new to the NDIS or approaching your next plan review, preparing for your NDIS planning meeting can feel a little overwhelming. That’s completely normal. This meeting is a key moment in your NDIS journey—it’s your chance to shape the kind of support and services that’ll empower your everyday life. But how do you prepare? What should you bring, think about, or even ask? Let’s take the guesswork out of it.
Whether you’re a participant, carer, or family member supporting a loved one, preparing for your NDIS plan meeting isn’t just paperwork—it’s a step toward real, meaningful change. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting ready for your NDIS planning session. So grab a cuppa, get comfortable, and let’s dive in.
What Exactly is an NDIS Planning Meeting?
Before we talk about preparation, let’s get clear on what this meeting actually is.
Your NDIS planning meeting is where you and your planner (or Local Area Coordinator) sit down to talk about your current situation, your support needs, and your goals. This is your chance to shape your NDIS plan—the document that outlines the funding and support you’ll receive.
It’s not just paperwork. It’s your future.
Why Preparing for Your Planning Meeting Matters
Think of your planning meeting as a conversation—not an interrogation. It’s where your goals, challenges, and hopes for the future are discussed. This meeting helps the NDIS understand what support you need to live as independently and confidently as possible. And the better prepared you are, the more likely you’ll walk away with a plan that reflects your real life.
You don’t have to overthink it—but being ready can mean the difference between a plan that feels “okay” and one that feels exactly right for you.
Before the Planning Meeting: Know Yourself
Start by asking yourself simple but powerful questions: What does a good day look like? What’s hard right now? What goals do you want to achieve in the next year? Maybe it’s getting a new job, building social connections, or simply managing daily tasks with more ease.
Write these things down. Be honest and detailed. Bring in any documents that reflect your needs: medical reports, school or work assessments, therapy notes—even a diary of your day-to-day challenges and routines.
NDIS planning isn’t about what’s “wrong”—it’s about what’s possible. Your NDIS plan meeting is your opportunity to highlight your strengths and outline the supports that help you thrive.
What to Bring to Your NDIS Planning Meeting
Now, let’s get practical. Bring anything that gives a clearer picture of your life. That includes:
- Personal ID
- Your bank details
- Your MyGov login (if you’re managing your own plan)
- Letters from doctors, therapists, or support workers
- Past service agreements (if you’ve been receiving support already)
If you’re not sure whether something is useful, bring it anyway. It’s better to have too much than not enough.
Who Should Be at the Meeting?
You don’t have to go it alone. Bring a support person—someone who understands your needs and can help communicate on your behalf, if needed. This might be a family member, friend, support coordinator, or even your service provider like us at TCH Care.
Sometimes, participants feel more confident knowing someone has their back. And remember: you’re allowed to speak up, ask questions, or take a break during the planning meeting. It’s your time.
The Power of Speaking Up
This might be the most important part of all. Your NDIS planning meeting is about you. That means your voice matters. If you feel like you’re not being heard or something doesn’t feel right—say so.
Want to manage your own plan? Prefer someone else to handle it? Curious about how funds can be used for community activities or assistive technology? Ask! The more you understand your options, the more in control you’ll feel.
At TCH Care, we regularly support participants before, during, and after their NDIS plan meetings, helping them feel confident, prepared, and informed every step of the way.
After the Meeting—What’s Next?
Once your planning meeting is done, don’t stress if your plan isn’t active immediately. It usually takes a few weeks. When your NDIS plan arrives, read it carefully. If anything seems unclear or missing, you can request a review.
Also, this is where TCH Care steps in. We can help you unpack your plan, explain what each budget means, and work with you to get the right supports in place—from personal care to community access, therapy services, and more.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Getting ready for your NDIS plan meeting doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right preparation and support, it can be an empowering experience. Remember, you’re not alone in this—TCH Care is here to walk the journey with you every step of the way.
Ready for the right NDIS support? Call us at 1800 224 389 to get started!
Let’s turn your planning meeting into the beginning of something great.
