First Plan Support
About First Plan Support
A first NDIS plan can be a lot to take in. There is what is funded, a plan management option to choose, providers to find and supports to set up, often while you are still learning how the scheme works.
Support coordination, which is a funded support in many first plans, exists partly for this reason. It helps a new participant understand the plan, connect with providers and get supports running, not just approved on paper. Useful first steps are to read the plan carefully, or have someone read it with you, to find out which budget categories are flexible and which are tied to a specific support, and to decide on a management option before booking services. The NDIS “Getting started” resources and contact centre have current guidance.
At a glance
- Support coordination can help you put the plan into action.
- Read the plan, or read it with someone.
- Find out which budgets are flexible and which are fixed.
- Choose a management option before rushing to book services.
This is general information, not financial or funding advice. Program names, amounts and eligibility rules change over time. Always confirm current detail with the relevant official body before relying on it.
How to prepare before arranging support
- Read the plan carefully, or read it with someone.
- Find out which budget categories are flexible and which are tied to a specific support.
- Decide on a management option before booking services.
- Ask whether support coordination is funded in your plan, and use it to connect with providers and get supports running.
- Use the NDIS “Getting started” resources and contact centre for current guidance.
Information and records to have ready
- The current NDIS plan and implementation notes
- Service agreements, quotes and cancellation terms
- Invoices, budget statements and payment records
- Assessments, reports and evidence relevant to plan decisions
Questions to ask a provider
- Can you work with this plan-management arrangement, and must you be registered for this support?
- Which support item or budget do you expect to use, and why?
- What are your rates for sessions, travel, reports, cancellations and non-face-to-face work?
- How will you report progress, spending or concerns before the budget runs short?
- What happens if the NDIA rejects a claim or an invoice is disputed?
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming a funded category covers every service
- Using an outdated price limit or support-item description
- Starting without written rates and cancellation terms
- Waiting until the plan is nearly exhausted before reviewing spending
Frequently asked questions
What does support coordination do in a first plan?
It helps a new participant understand the plan, connect with providers and get supports running, not just approved on paper. It is a funded support in many first plans.
Who can confirm what First Plan Support means for me?
Ask the NDIA. A provider can explain its services and billing, but it cannot make a binding funding decision for the responsible body.
What if the rules or my circumstances change?
Check the current guidance with the NDIA, tell your providers promptly and update written agreements or approvals before relying on the changed arrangement.
Official sources
Other NDIS Plans topics
Browse providers or explore other funding topics.
Helpful reading
- NDIS jargon explained: the terms you will hear and what they mean: Plans, supports, coordinators, managers, registered providers: a plain-language glossary of the words that come up most often.
- NDIS or My Aged Care: which system supports you?: Two government systems support people with disability and older people. Here is how to think about which one applies and what to do if you are not sure.
- Keeping records of your NDIS supports: a simple system: Good records make plan reviews, claim queries and changes of provider far easier. Here is a light-touch way to keep them.