What is a Planning Meeting?
- A plan review meeting is a conversation with an NDIA planner or Local Area Coordinator to check that your current supports still match your goals and circumstances.
- Reviews usually happen every 12–24 months or earlier if you ask for one.
- Minor changes can be handled through a “plan variation,” while bigger changes trigger a full reassessment.
Ask yourself: What has changed in my life since my last plan?
What to Think About Before Your Meeting
- Collect progress reports, quotes and assessments 6–8 weeks before the review.
- List supports that worked well and why you want to keep them.
- Note any gaps—services, therapy hours or equipment you still need.
- Review each goal in your current plan. Decide whether to keep, revise or add new goals.
- Check how much funding you have used. Underspending or overspending can guide the planner on what to adjust.
- Decide how you want to manage funds next time—self-managed, plan-managed or NDIA-managed.
- Invite a support coordinator, therapist or friend if they help you speak up.
Think: If I had extra support tomorrow, what goal would I reach first?
Phone Planning Meetings
More reviews now happen by phone. Follow these tips:
- Find a quiet spot with good reception.
- Keep your phone charged and appointment time handy.
- Email copies of reports and quotes to the planner before the call.
- Have Booklet 2 (Planning) nearby for prompts.
- Take notes and ask for clarification whenever something is unclear.
- Confirm next steps before ending the call.
What to Expect During Your Meeting
Planners generally move through four topics:
- Your story – living situation, work, study, hobbies.
- Support needs – how easily you complete daily tasks.
- Goals – short-term (within 12 months) and long-term ambitions.
- Impact statement – how your disability affects you and the people who support you.
You can:
- Bring evidence, photos or a diary to show daily challenges or progress.
- Request plan management funding; if you ask, the NDIA must include it.
- Pause the meeting to gather thoughts—your pace matters.
Question to ponder: Which goal needs the biggest funding boost, and why?
What Happens After Your Meeting
- The NDIA must decide whether to create a new plan within 14 days of agreeing to review, and approve the plan within 28 days.
- When your plan arrives, read every budget line.
- If something is missing or incorrect, you can seek an internal review straight away.
- Share the new plan with service providers so they can adjust supports quickly.
- Save a digital copy; you will refer to it during future reviews.
Extra Supports to Discuss
Mobility Allowance
- Services Australia pays a fortnightly Mobility Allowance if you cannot use public transport and travel for work, study or job-seeking.
- You must be 16 or older, meet residence rules and need substantial help to travel.
- NDIS participants normally receive transport funding instead, but discussing travel needs ensures the right budget is included.
Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS)
- CAPS helps cover the cost of continence products for people aged 5+ with permanent and severe incontinence.
- You cannot receive CAPS if your NDIS plan already funds continence consumables.
- Tell the planner if continence products are a regular expense so the correct funding pathway is chosen.
Quick Checklist (Bring This to the Meeting)
- Appointment details and ID.
- Updated goals list.
- Progress reports and therapy outcomes.
- Quotes for new equipment or assistive technology.
- Budget usage summary from the NDIS portal.
- Questions you want answered.
- Support person’s contact details.
- Pen, notepad or digital device for notes.
Ready? Take a deep breath, trust your preparation and speak up for the supports that help you live the life you choose.
