Planning Tips for Your NDIS Plan

The “Worst Day” Approach

When you describe your support needs, think about what you need on your most difficult days, not just on a good day. Plans are designed to cover you when things are tough—so you have enough support when your disability or health is at its most challenging.

Explain to your planner or LAC what a bad day looks like: what you cannot do, what gets missed, and what would help. That way your plan can include enough funding for those times.

Setting SMART Goals

Goals in your plan work best when they are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound. Good goals help the NDIA understand what you want to achieve and how supports will help.

What SMART means

• Specific — clear and concrete (e.g. “prepare my own meals three nights a week”)
• Measurable — you can say when it’s done (e.g. “by the end of my plan”)
• Achievable — realistic with the right supports
• Relevant — matters to you and your life
• Time-bound — has a timeframe (e.g. “in the next 12 months”)

What to Bring to Your Planning Meeting

• Your current plan (if you have one) and any questions about it
• Reports or letters from doctors and allied health about your disability and needs
• A short list of your main goals and what support you need to work towards them
• Notes on a “worst day” — what you can’t do and what would help
• Details of supports you use now and what’s working or not working
• A support person or advocate if you want someone with you

Steps to Follow Before Your Review

• Write down 2–3 main goals in SMART form
• Gather up-to-date reports from your GP and therapists
• Think about your worst days and list the support you need then
• Book your planning meeting at a time and way (phone or video) that suits you
• Prepare any questions so you can ask them during the meeting