Frequently Asked Questions
Does everyone joining the NDIS receive a plan?
Yes. Every NDIS participant will have a plan.
What is the “First Plan”?
It’s the first plan an NDIS participant will receive, the beginning of your lifelong involvement with the NDIS. McCallum can help you prepare for your first plan so that you understand the process and the information you may need to provide to ensure you receive the correct supports.
I’ve heard it will include only the supports I’m getting now. Is that right?
This plan is about everything you need now. For some people the support they are getting now is all they need. For many others, they need more. If you need more supports than you are currently getting, ask for them. If they are deemed reasonable and necessary you will get them included in your first plan.
If you’re confused about the types of supports you may need please contact McCallum so we can assist you through the process.
What about my goals, will they be included?
While your first plan will focus on current need, goals will be included in your first plan and there is no limit to the number of short or long term goals. You might have already done a lot of thinking and planning about your goals.
If you haven’t, there’s no pressure to include all possible future goals at this stage. As you get more comfortable with your NDIS plan you may develop more future goals.
What if my needs change?
The NDIS provides lifelong support, so needs and goals will certainly change over time. There will be reviews each year, but outside of that if your needs or circumstances change dramatically before that yearly review you should contact the NDIS.
Do I get to choose who provides my services?
Absolutely. That’s a key part of the choice and control central to the NDIS.
In some cases agreements with state and territory government mean that specific providers may need to deliver some supports initially. You’ll find out if this affects you during planning.
I’m still not sure about the supports I might get. Can you clarify that?
The supports you get are the ones you need to live your life and achieve your goals. That will be different for everyone and it won’t be based on disability type alone. Supports do have to be deemed reasonable and necessary but there is no cap.
Who am I going to talk to about getting my first plan?
There’s a few ways this will happen. Some people will meet with an NDIS Planner, some with a Local Area Coordinator. Some meetings will happen over the phone and some face-to-face. What’s most important is that you will have the same access to the same supports and services, regardless of how your planning happens.
We recommend you meet with a McCallum representative prior to your planning meeting to ensure you understand the process and the types of supports you require moving forward.
I need more information, who can I contact?
That’s easy. You can contact a McCallum representative who can talk you through the process and provide you with the contact details for the NDIS. Alternatively, you can go to www.ndis.gov.au
What if my needs change?
The NDIS provides lifelong support, so needs and goals will certainly change over time. There will be reviews each year, but outside of that if your needs or circumstances change dramatically before that yearly review you should contact the NDIS.
Do I get to choose who provides my services?
Absolutely. That’s a key part of the choice and control central to the NDIS.
In some cases agreements with state and territory government mean that specific providers may need to deliver some supports initially. You’ll find out if this affects you during planning.
I’m still not sure about the supports I might get. Can you clarify that?
The supports you get are the ones you need to live your life and achieve your goals. That will be different for everyone and it won’t be based on disability type alone. Supports do have to be deemed reasonable and necessary but there is no cap.
Who am I going to talk to about getting my first plan?
There’s a few ways this will happen. Some people will meet with an NDIS Planner, some with a Local Area Coordinator. Some meetings will happen over the phone and some face-to-face. What’s most important is that you will have the same access to the same supports and services, regardless of how your planning happens.
We recommend you meet with a McCallum representative prior to your planning meeting to ensure you understand the process and the types of supports you require moving forward.
I need more information, who can I contact?
That’s easy. You can contact a McCallum representative who can talk you through the process and provide you with the contact details for the NDIS. Alternatively, you can go to www.ndis.gov.au