The aim of your NDIS funding is to help you provide complete support. Ensuring an increase in independence, for NDIS participants to achieve your goals. For those, who are new to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), your first plan is the start of your relationship with the NDIS scheme. Before a new participant, receives the NDIS funding they are required to go through a planning conversation with an NDIA planner. Your planner will be a representative from the National Disability Insurance Agency, who is also called a Local Area Coordinator or an NDIA Planner.

Before receiving any funding for the NDIS scheme, you are required to be well prepared for your planning phase. This phase is so important, that if not carefully planned, it can affect your funding and long-term future goals. Our experienced senior plan managers, who are also qualified chartered accountants, advise participants to think about the following areas in their life, to ensure they receive the best plan as possible.

What are current formal supports are you receiving?

Think about your daily life, do you need special equipment? Such as communication devices or a wheelchair? Or do you need counseling? or any assistive technology-based support such as rails or ramps around your home.

Make a list of all the support factors, you need. This will help you to make your life more convenient.

Our senior plan manager, Madeeha Usman says,

“We recommend a participant to take at least a week or few days, to think about their needs and support. This will help them to be on track with their financial NDIS support budget”.

Think about your living arrangements

Are you currently happy with your living arrangements? Or would you like to explore other options for more support? For example, if you are living with your parents, who can no longer support you, as they may eventually need support for themselves. This will help you to think about your long-term future living arrangements.

Think about your transport convenience

Are you able to drive or do you have a carer who can support you with your basic transport needs? For example, you may need transport assistance for daily necessities such as grocery shopping or travelling to work meetings.

What are some of the regular activities, that you like to engage in?

No matter how small or big, if you participate in these activities once a week or twice a month. It is always best to plan, the kind of activities you like to attend, such as painting, volunteering, or community-based group activities.

Speak to your family and friends.

Are you currently receiving any informal support from your family and friends? Speak to them about the type of support you may need, your short-term and long-term goals. This can help you make an informed decision on your goals.

Keep in mind, your NDIA planner will consider your current needs, living arrangements, formal and informal supports. It is best to plan in advance, to make the most optimal use of your plan meeting.

At the start of your planning meeting, your planner will ask you a lot of detailed questions to understand your current and future needs. There are also professionals such as support coordinators and plan managers who can help you set up your first NDIS plan.

Still, have questions?

Speak to our experienced plan managers, also qualified chartered accountants for any questions you may have. Feel free to call us on 08 7117 1409 or send us a message.