Planning meeting

The conversation where you talk through your goals and support needs to help build your NDIS plan.

What it means

A planning meeting is the conversation where you sit down with an NDIS planner or a local area coordinator to talk through your life and what you want to achieve. During this meeting you discuss your goals, what a typical week looks like for you, the disability-related support you already have, and the support you feel you still need.

The information you share becomes the basis for developing your NDIS plan. It is not a test and there are no right or wrong answers. The aim is to build a clear picture of your situation so the funded and other supports in your plan actually reflect your life, your goals and the things that are important to you.

In practice

You can prepare beforehand to get the most from the meeting. It helps to think about your goals, both short-term and longer-term, and to jot down how a typical week runs, including where things are harder for you. Noting the supports you currently rely on, whether formal services or help from family and friends, gives the planner useful context.

You do not have to attend on your own. Many people bring a family member, friend, advocate or support worker who knows them well and can help explain their needs. The meeting can take place in person, over the phone or online, depending on what suits you. If something is unclear, you can ask questions, and you can ask for information to be explained again in a way that makes sense to you.

A real example

For example, Priya booked a planning meeting and spent the week before writing down her goals, including learning to catch public transport on her own and joining a local art group. She brought her sister along to help explain the support she needs in the mornings. Because she had prepared, the conversation felt clear and unhurried, and the plan that followed reflected what mattered most to her.

Planning meeting — FAQs

What happens during a planning meeting?
You talk through your goals, your daily life and the support you need with a planner or local area coordinator. They ask about your typical week, the disability-related help you already receive, and what you want to work towards. The information you share is then used to develop your NDIS plan, so the supports included reflect your real situation and priorities.
How should I prepare for my planning meeting?
Think about your goals and write down what a typical week looks like, including the times or tasks you find difficult. Note the supports you currently use, whether services or help from family and friends. Bringing these notes helps you explain your needs clearly and makes it more likely your plan will reflect what genuinely matters to you.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes. You can bring a family member, friend, advocate or support worker who knows you well. Having someone there can help you feel more comfortable, remember important details and explain your needs. You choose who comes along, and their role is to support you, not to speak for you unless you want them to.
How long does a planning meeting take?
There is no fixed length, as it depends on your situation and how much you want to discuss. Some meetings are shorter and others take longer, particularly if your support needs are complex. You can ask for extra time or a break if you need it, and you should not feel rushed through the conversation.
Does the meeting have to be in person?
No. Planning meetings can be held in person, over the phone or online, depending on what suits you best. If you have a preference or need particular arrangements, such as an interpreter or an accessible venue, let the planner or local area coordinator know beforehand so the meeting can be set up in a way that works for you.

Explore more NDIS resources

Official NDIS sources

Novida is an independent directory, not the NDIA. We explain each form in plain English and link you to the official copy — always download and submit the current version from the official website, as forms are updated from time to time.