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 works for the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and helps you create your NDIS plan. Their job is to understand your goals, talk through the supports you need and make sure your plan reflects your individual situation.

During your planning meeting, your planner will:

Discuss your goals and daily support needs
Help you decide how you’d like your plan to be managed (self, NDIA or plan-managed)
Work with you to develop a funding plan that supports your independence and wellbeing

Once your plan is approved, you’ll receive a copy. That’s when you can choose your providers and start using your funding.

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?

After you’ve been found eligible for the NDIS, the NDIA (or your local area coordinator, known as an LAC) will contact you to book your planning meeting.

There’s no set timeframe. It usually depends on how busy your local area is and how quickly you can provide any extra information the NDIA requests. Most people have their meeting within a few weeks of receiving their eligibility letter.

You’ll get a call, email or letter with details about when and how the meeting will happen. It can be in person, over the phone, or online. You can also ask to reschedule if you need more time to prepare.

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.