An NDIS guide for parents: six easy steps

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) opens a new world of possibilities for families of children with a disability by giving you more control and choice over your child’s supports.

Because navigating this new system can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming we’ve created this simple, step-by-step guide to help.

NOTE: this guide applies to children over 7 years of age. If your child is younger than this, they might be eligible for the NDIS’s ECEI program.

STEP 1: GET PREPARED

It’s important to prepare well for the NDIS. Here’s how:

• Check your child’s eligibility at www.ndis.gov.au and apply.
• Learn the basics about how the NDIS works and what it funds.
• Create a preplanning checklist (or use the handy one on Plan Partners’ website) that includes what you want to get out of the NDIS.
• Organise a planning meeting with your Local Area Coordinator (LAC).
• Ask questions – either online or to an expert – to ensure you’re ready.

STEP 2: YOUR NDIS PLANNING MEETING

Your planning meeting will examine your child’s needs and what’s included in their NDIS plan, so it’s important to get it right. Here’s how:

• Bring any supporting documents that will help you, such as your preplanning checklist.
• Bring a friend or someone you trust for moral support.
• Take plenty of notes throughout the meeting so you can
• refer to them later.
• Express your child’s needs and goals clearly. For example,
• if you’d like to include Plan Management (support with managing your NDIS funds) or Support Coordination (support with finding and connecting you with the right service providers), make sure you specifically ask for it.
• Ask questions! Don’t be afraid to speak up if you don’t understand anything or need some clarity.

STEP 3: GET TO KNOW YOUR NDIS PLAN

After your planning meeting, you’ll receive your NDIS plan. If anything’s incorrect, now’s the time to get it fixed, so as soon as you get it:

• Check all the details to make sure everything’s correct and you’re happy with how the funds have been allocated.
• Contact your Local Area Coordinator and ask for a review if there are any issues.

STEP 4: ORGANISE YOUR SUPPORTS

Now you have your NDIS plan, it’s time to put it into action by finding the right service providers for your child’s situation and needs. It’s important to get this part right so here are some handy tips:

• Support coordination can make finding the perfect provider a lot easier. If this is included in your child’s plan, contact a support coordinator, to talk about how they can help.
• Select your service providers but be sure to do some research online or contact them first to see if they’re a good fit.
• Set up service agreements with your service providers. These are basically a simple contract confirming when the supports will be delivered and at what cost, ensuring you’re protected.

STEP 5: MANAGING YOUR FINANCES

Once you’ve selected your service providers, your child can start receiving their supports. You’ll need to ensure their service providers are paid and manage your budget, so here’s some things to keep in mind:

• Plan Management can help you bring your child’s plan to life by taking care of the administrative burden and much more.

• Keep a record of all the supports your child receives.

• Track your budget to ensure you don’t overspend.

STEP 6: YOUR ANNUAL PLAN REVIEW

Each year, your NDIS plan will be reviewed to ensure it’s still suited to your child’s needs. As with your initial planning meeting, make sure to:

• Prepare in advance by making a list of the services your child has received, along with anything you want to change, and why.

• Be clear and explain the reasons behind your requests for the upcoming year.

NDIS guide written by Plan Partners, for more information and independent advice, contact Plan Partners on 1300 333 700 or visit www.planpartners.com.au