Navigating NDIS “Check-Ins”: Turning Frustration into Empowerment with the Right Support

For many participants, the NDIS Check-Ins with their my NDIS Contact are going through a restructure in the Scheme. These sessions are intended to be supportive touchpoints, accessible to the participant and their support networks in a format that is suitable to them. The NDIA have indicated that a check in is not necessarily a signal that changes will be made to the participant’s NDIS Plan.  

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Recent insights to the community indicate that a growing number of participants have experienced Check-Ins with their my NDIS Contact and left without a clear understanding of how funding decisions are made, or how recent pricing changes impact their supports. In some cases, participants are unaware of the implications of their funding categories until they’ve already run into problems accessing essential services. 

These issues are even more pronounced in regional areas, where travel, service availability, and cost pressures are already heightened. The lack of transparency in some discussions leaves participants feeling disempowered and unprepared. 

But there is a way forward. 

At First2Care, we provide a service we refer to as Plan Management Plus, aiming to build a participant’s capacity and understanding of their NDIS funding and how to use it appropriately. This additional support can further benefit our clients in their budget management and utilisation be confident before, during, and after their NDIS Check-Ins. Our team has developed resources to help participants understand what to expect, what questions to ask, and how to advocate for their needs confidently. 

Through Plan Management Plus, your Client Liaison can help with: 

• Pre-check-in preparation sessions to help participants review their goals, plan usage, and areas that may need attention. 

• Plain-English explanations of pricing updates, regional loadings, and how “reasonable and necessary” decisions are made via our regular newsletters, blogs and social posts. Alternatively, you can simply call or email our friendly team. 

• Responsive support after Check-Ins to help clarify changes, follow up with providers, and update documentation as needed. 

If you would like to request a utilisation summary, in addition to your monthly statements this is available to all our plan management clients. 

Our goal is simple: to ensure no one goes into a check-in feeling unprepared or comes away feeling unheard about their budget understanding and how their funds are utilised, or what is required to meet their goals in the future. 

With the right support, these Check Ins can become empowering moments, a step toward a stronger, more participant led NDIS experience. 

See our simple Preparedness Checklist for your upcoming LAC or NDIS discussions. 

 NDIS Check-In Preparation Checklist 

1. Review Your Current Goals 

• Look at the goals listed in your current NDIS plan. 

• Are they still relevant? Have your priorities or circumstances changed? Tip: Every support or funding request should relate clearly to one or more of your stated goals. 

2. Reflect on Your Progress 

• What supports have helped you work toward your goals? 

• Any wins (big or small) you want to share? Tip: This helps show what’s working and justifies continuing or increasing supports aligned with those goals. 

3. Identify What’s Not Working 

• Are there services or supports you haven’t been able to access? 

• Have you been underspending or had to pay out of pocket? Tip: Link these issues to how they’ve made it harder to reach your goals. 

4. List New or Updated Needs 

• Do you have new challenges or changed circumstances? 

• Are there new supports or equipment you now need? Tip: Explain how these needs directly support your progress toward a specific goal. 

5. Understand Your Budget (First2Care can help with this) 

• Know your current plan spend and balance. 

• Are you overspending or underspending in any category? Tip: Being informed shows you’re using your plan actively to achieve your goals. 

6. Prepare Your Questions 

• Do you need clarification on pricing updates or funding decisions? 

• Are you unsure how changes will affect your supports? Tip: Asking informed questions helps ensure your plan stays aligned with your personal goals