How does the planning process work?

NDIS planning starts when you become an NDIS participant. A participant is someone who uses the NDIS. You'll meet with a planner who will work with you to make a plan based on your goals. You'll then talk to your supports and make service agreements with them.

After 12 months you and your planner, often a different planner, will talk about what worked for you and what you want to change in your plan. We can help you get the most out of the planning meeting if you use our pre planning tool https://preplanning.providerchoice.com.au or contact us at hello@providerchoice.com.au.

What is the role of a planner?

An NDIS planner will help you make your plan. They'll talk with you about the goals you have, the supports you need and how you want to manage the plan. Then they'll try to make sure that the plan happens exactly as you discussed.

What qualifications do planners have?

NDIS planners come from backgrounds like social work, early childhood education and speech therapy. Almost all have worked with people with disabilities before and they understand that every person's situation is different. However, there can be a difference in quality and we can help you get the most out of the planning meeting if you use our pre planning tool https://preplanning.providerchoice.com.au or email us at hello@providerchoice.com.au.

When will my planning meeting take place?

Your planning meeting should happen 4 weeks after you've gotten an eligibility letter telling you that you're joining the scheme. But it can take some months, we can help guide you if you want, get in touch on 07 5660 6267 or email hello@providerchoice.com.au.

How long does the planning meeting and entire planning process take?

Your planning meeting will take about an hour and half but can take as long as three hours. After your meeting your planner will research your plan, and work out what changes need to be made for it to be reasonable and necessary, that means that your plan has to be fair and have things you need in it. This should take 2-8 weeks. Once your planner has approved your plan, you'll have a plan handover meeting where you'll talk about how your plan works.

Why do I get conflicting answers from different planners?

Unfortunately, planners may provide different and conflicting answers from each other because of differences in their training or their perception of the situation.

But the NDIS understands how important it is that all planners are following the same steps and so the NDIS has made guidelines for them to follow.

You can find them at the NDIS Operational Guideline page: https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/operational-guidelines.

There are also other safeguards for you.
• You can ask for a review if you don’t think your plan is working well
• If you have just had your planning meeting but feel it didn't meet your needs, get in touch with your local NDIS office, LAC (local area coordinator) or early childhood organisation immediately and let them know. In many cases they will organise a new planning meeting with a new planner.

Can I provide more information to the planner after the planning meeting?

Yes, you are able to provide documents after the planning meeting such as quotes for equipment, assistive technology, and services. You can also send in any health reports you might not have shared in the meeting.

You should send these documents through to your planner.