Why your planning meeting matters so much
Your NDIS planning meeting is arguably the most important conversation you'll have in your NDIS journey. The decisions made in that meeting determine how much funding you receive and what you can spend it on. Many participants walk out of their first planning meeting with less than they need — simply because they weren't prepared.
This guide will help you go in confident, clear and ready to advocate for what you genuinely need.
Before the meeting: do your homework
1. Write down your goals
The NDIS is goal-based. Before your meeting, think carefully about what you want to achieve — not just what support you need today, but where you want to be in 12 months and beyond. Goals can be practical (catch the bus independently), social (join a community group), health-related (improve mobility), or work-related (get a part-time job).
2. Document your current support needs
Make a list of everything you need help with across a typical week. Be specific and honest — this is not the time to downplay your needs. Include support from family members and unpaid carers, because the NDIS is partly designed to reduce the burden on informal carers.
3. Gather reports from your treating team
Reports from your GP, OT, physiotherapist, psychologist, paediatrician or specialist are powerful evidence. The more detailed and specific these reports are about how your disability impacts your daily functioning, the better. Ask your practitioners to be specific about the number of hours of support you need, not just a general statement about your condition.
4. Know your functional capacity levels
The NDIS uses functional capacity assessments to understand how your disability affects you. Be ready to discuss your capacity across six domains: communication, social interaction, learning, mobility, self-care, and self-management.
During the meeting
- Bring a support person. A family member, Support Coordinator or advocate can help you remember things, take notes and speak up if you're struggling.
- Be honest about your worst days, not just your best. Many participants describe how they cope on good days, which undersells their actual needs.
- Don't agree to anything you're unsure about. You can take time to think, ask questions or request a review.
- Ask about informal and community supports — but don't let the planner assume these replace funded supports if they don't.
After the meeting: reviewing your plan
If your plan doesn't reflect what was discussed, or if your funding feels inadequate, you have the right to request an internal review within three months. You can also escalate to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal if needed. Never simply accept a plan that doesn't meet your needs.
How Lyft Community can support you
If you have a Support Coordinator through your NDIS plan, they can attend planning meetings with you and help you prepare. Our team can also provide guidance on what to expect and how to present your needs effectively. Contact us to find out more.