Your first NDIS planning conversation sets the foundation for your whole plan. And now, with the new Participant Check-In model rolling out across Australia, knowing what to expect can really help you feel more confident, more organised, and more in control. No pressure, right? We get it, but you’re not alone in this.
At Achora, we help people prepare for their NDIS planning conversations every day. And honestly, most people tell us they feel so much better once they know what to expect. That’s why we’ve created this guide: to walk you through the new Check-In model in 2025, show you how to prepare, and help you make sure your goals and needs are clearly heard.
And if you’d rather talk it through with someone, we’re here. You can always book a free 15-minute consultation with one of our friendly Support Coordinators to get practical next steps.
What Is the New Participant Check-In Model?
The Participant Check-In is the NDIA’s updated approach to planning conversations. Instead of waiting years for one big, stressful “plan review” meeting, the Check-In model is all about having regular, shorter conversations that focus on how you’re actually going in day-to-day life. Think of it as the NDIA “checking in” with you, rather than “assessing” you.
It’s designed to:
- Understand your current supports
- Explore what’s working well
- Identify what feels difficult, tiring, unsafe or stressful
- Talk through changes in your life or needs
- Make sure your plan aligns with your goals
- Ensure you get funding that reflects your real lived experience
This approach should make these conversations more personal, more flexible, and far more about you. If you’re unsure what this means for you, you can use Achora’s Free Plan Check Tool to make sense of where your plan currently sits.
How to Prepare for Your NDIS Planning Conversation
Preparing well helps your conversation stay clear, calm and focused. Here’s how to get ready.
1. Reflect on What’s Working and What Isn’t
Think about your day-to-day life: what really helps, and what still feels hard, tiring, unsafe, or stressful. Write down real examples about your experiences in your own words, and if you’d like help working through this, Achora can walk you through it in a free 15-minute call.
2. Be Clear About Your Goals for the Next 12–24 Months
Your plan is built around your goals. Consider goals that reflect your life, and don’t worry if they feel small or big. What matters is that they’re yours. If you want to learn more about setting goals that reflect your lifestyle, follow this link.
3. Gather Evidence That Shows Your Current Support Needs
While the Check-In model is more about conversations of your experiences, good evidence still makes a big difference. If you have them, bring copies of things like: therapy reports or functional assessments, behaviour or safety plans, health summaries, school or workplace notes, and any assistive technology recommendations. These documents help the NDIA clearly see why you need certain supports, not just what you’re asking for.
4. Think About Any Changes in Your Life
The NDIA will ask about changes since your last plan. Make sure you let them know about:
- new diagnoses or health changes
- moving home or living arrangement shifts
- changes in family support
- new responsibilities
- upcoming transitions (school, work, adulthood, ageing)
5. Prepare Your Questions for the Planner
Before your Check-In, jot down a few you’d like to ask, such as: How will my goals be reflected in this plan? Which parts of my funding are flexible? How do I request more hours if my needs change? Do I qualify for assistive technology or transport funding? If you’re not sure where to start, a Support Coordinator can help you build a personalised question list so you go into the conversation feeling prepared.
What Happens During the Participant Check-In Conversation?
Your planning conversation will usually include:
A discussion about your daily life
You’ll talk through routines, mobility, safety, independence, and how disability impacts activities.
A review of your current supports
You’ll explore what helps, what doesn’t, and what you’d like to change.
An update on your goals
The planner will use your goals to guide funding decisions.
A chat about your future needs
This includes therapy, community access, transport, home support, rehabilitation, or equipment needs.
Opportunity to ask questions
This is where your preparation pays off.
If you’d feel more confident having someone guide you through the process, you can speak with an Achora Support Coordinator before your meeting.
After Your Conversation: What to Do Next
Once your Check-In is complete, your planner will review all the information you’ve shared and use it to create or update your NDIS plan. You’ll then receive a copy through the NDIS portal to look over. If something doesn’t seem quite right, or if something important feels missing, you have the right to ask questions or request changes. And if you’re unsure what to look for, Achora can review your plan through our Free Plan Check Tool and guide you on the next steps to make sure it truly reflects your needs.
FAQs About Preparing for an NDIS Planning Meeting (2025)
1. How long does an NDIS planning conversation usually take?
Most take 30–60 minutes, but it depends on your situation and support needs.
2. Do I need to bring evidence to my first planning conversation?
Not always. But any functional or clinical evidence strengthens your plan.
3. Can I bring someone to speak on my behalf?
Yes. You can bring a family member, carer, Support Coordinator, or advocate.
4. What if I forget something important during the meeting?
You can contact your planner afterward to clarify or add information.
5. Will the NDIA review every part of my plan at the Check-In?
They focus on the areas that have changed, your goals, and how well current supports are working.
6. Do I need to prepare goals before the meeting?
It helps. Clear goals guide funding and make conversations smoother.
7. Can I do the Check-In online or over the phone?
Yes, you can choose phone, video call, or face-to-face.
8. How can a Support Coordinator help with the Check-In?
They help you prepare notes, attend the meeting, explain the NDIA’s questions, and ensure your needs are clearly communicated.
Your Companion To Navigating The NDIS
Your first NDIS planning conversation is a big moment in your journey, but it can also be a calm, clear and empowering one when you know what to expect. With the new Participant Check-In model, the process is more flexible, more personal, and more focused on what actually matters in your life. If you’d like tailored support, Achora is here to be your companion on your NDIS journey. You can book a free 15-minute consultation, try our Free Plan Check Tool, or learn how our Support Coordination and Plan Management teams can make your NDIS journey clearer, simpler, and more empowering. You deserve a plan that reflects your needs and supports your goals, and we’re here to help you get there.