Free NDIS Support Plan Template 2026: Download

NDIS Support Plan Template: Key Points

An NDIS support plan is a participant-centered document that outlines goals, funded supports, budgets, and strategies for achieving desired outcomes.
Support plans should be co-designed with participants, reflecting their voice, choices, and aspirations for an ordinary life.
Plans must align with the participant’s NDIS plan budget across core supports, capacity building, and capital supports.
Regular reviews (at least annually) ensure the support plan remains relevant and effective as participant needs and goals evolve.

Download Our Free NDIS Support Plan Template

We’ve created a comprehensive, participant-friendly support plan template that puts choice and control at the center:

Download NDIS Support Plan Template (DOCX)

This template includes:

Clear participant information section
Structured goal-setting framework
Budget breakdown by support category
Provider contact details
Review and tracking sections
Accessible, participant-friendly language

What is an NDIS Support Plan?

An NDIS support plan (also called “My Support Plan” or “My Plan”) is a working document that translates a participant’s NDIS plan into actionable goals and support strategies. While the NDIS plan is the official funding document created by the NDIA, the support plan is a practical tool that guides day-to-day service delivery.

The support plan serves several important purposes:

Personalization: Makes the formal NDIS plan personal and meaningful to the participant
Goal clarity: Breaks down aspirations into achievable, measurable steps
Budget management: Tracks how funding is allocated across different supports
Communication tool: Helps everyone involved understand the participant’s goals and needs
Progress tracking: Provides a framework for monitoring and celebrating achievements

Who Creates an NDIS Support Plan?

Participant-Led Planning

The most empowering approach:

Participant drives the planning process
Family members or supporters provide input as requested
Support coordinator or plan manager facilitates if needed
Provider services align with the participant’s plan

Support Coordinator-Assisted

For participants who need help:

Support coordinator leads planning conversations
Participant shares goals, preferences, and priorities
Coordinator translates these into structured plan
Participant reviews and approves final plan

Provider-Developed

For service-specific planning:

Provider creates plan specific to their services
Must align with overall NDIS plan and goals
Participant reviews and provides input
Forms part of the broader support planning approach

Essential Elements of an NDIS Support Plan

A comprehensive support plan should include these key components.

1. Participant Information

Basic details to identify the plan:

Full name: Legal name and preferred name
NDIS number: Unique participant identifier
Plan dates: Current NDIS plan start and end dates
Plan management: Type (NDIA-managed, plan-managed, self-managed)
Contact details: Phone, email, address
Emergency contacts: Names and contact information
Key supports: Family, advocates, or support circle members

2. About Me Section

This personalizes the plan and helps supporters understand the participant:

My Story

Background and life experiences
What’s important to me
What makes me happy
My strengths and abilities
Things I need support with

Communication

How I prefer to communicate
Languages I speak
Communication aids I use
How to best understand me
When I need extra time or support

My Preferences

Activities I enjoy
Places I like to go
People I like to spend time with
Things that make me uncomfortable
My daily routines and habits

3. Goals Section

The heart of the support plan - where participants articulate their aspirations.

Goal Structure Each goal should follow the SMART framework:

Specific: Clear and well-defined
Measurable: Can track progress
Achievable: Realistic with available supports
Relevant: Meaningful to the participant
Time-bound: Has a target date

Goal Categories Typically aligned with NDIS outcome domains:

Daily living skills
Relationships and social connections
Home and living arrangements
Health and wellbeing
Learning and education
Work and meaningful activities
Community participation
Rights and advocacy

For Each Goal Include:

What I want to achieve (the goal itself)
Why this matters to me (motivation and meaning)
How I will achieve it (strategies and supports)
Who will help me (providers, family, friends)
When I want to achieve it (timeframe)
How I’ll know I’ve succeeded (success indicators)

Example Goal:

Goal: I want to catch public transport independently to visit my friends
Why: This will give me freedom and independence. I’ll feel more confident and less reliant on others
How: Practice routes with support worker, learn to use journey planner app, build confidence with familiar routes first
Who: Public transport trainer, support worker, friend who can practice with me
When: Within 6 months
Success indicators: Can catch bus to friend’s house twice a week without support, feel confident using journey planner

4. Budget Breakdown

Understanding how NDIS funding will be used.

Core Supports Budget

Assistance with Daily Life: Personal care, household tasks
Transport: Getting to activities and appointments
Consumables: Everyday items like continence aids
Assistance with Social and Community Participation: Engaging in community

For each category, note:

Total budget allocated
How funding will be used
Which providers will deliver supports
Expected frequency of supports

Capacity Building Budget

Support Coordination: Help connecting to supports
Improved Living Arrangements: Building independent living skills
Increased Social and Community Participation: Skills for engaging with community
Finding and Keeping a Job: Employment supports
Improved Relationships: Developing social skills
Improved Health and Wellbeing: Therapy and health supports
Improved Learning: Education supports
Improved Life Choices: Building decision-making skills
Improved Daily Living: Life skills development

Capital Supports Budget

Assistive Technology: Equipment and devices
Home Modifications: Changes to living environment
Specialist Disability Accommodation: Modified housing

5. Current Supports and Providers

List all supports currently in place:

Informal Supports

Family members providing assistance
Friends and community connections
Volunteer supports

Funded Supports

NDIS-funded providers and services
Frequency and type of support
Contact details for each provider

Mainstream Services

Healthcare (GP, specialists)
Allied health (not NDIS-funded)
Community services
Government services

6. Strategies for Success

Practical approaches that work for the participant:

What Helps Me

Environmental factors (quiet spaces, good lighting)
Communication strategies (visual aids, extra time)
Support approaches (step-by-step instructions, demonstrations)
Motivators and rewards

What Doesn’t Help

Things to avoid
Triggers or stressors
Approaches that haven’t worked

When I’m Having a Difficult Time

Early warning signs
Helpful responses
Who to contact
Strategies that calm or support me

7. Health and Safety

Important information for safe support delivery:

Medical Conditions

Diagnoses and how they affect me
Medication requirements
Allergies and adverse reactions

Risk Management

Identified risks (falls, wandering, etc.)
Strategies to minimize risks
Emergency procedures

Health Professionals

GP and contact details
Specialists and allied health professionals
Hospitals or clinics regularly used

8. Rights and Safeguards

Protecting the participant:

My Rights

Choice and control over my supports
Privacy and confidentiality
Safe, respectful treatment
Complaint and feedback processes

Decision-Making Support

Whether I have a guardian or decision-maker
Areas where I make my own decisions
How I want to be supported to make choices

9. Plan Review

Keeping the plan current:

Review date: When plan will be formally reviewed (at minimum annually)
Progress check-ins: Frequency of informal reviews
Triggers for review: Changes that would prompt an earlier review
Who’s involved: Participants, family, coordinator, key providers

How to Create an NDIS Support Plan: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare for the Planning Conversation

Before you begin:

Read the participant’s NDIS plan thoroughly
Understand budget allocations and funded supports
Gather information about current supports and services
Schedule enough time for a meaningful conversation
Choose a comfortable, private setting
Have the participant invite support people if they wish

Step 2: Start with Strengths and Aspirations

Begin positively:

Ask about strengths, interests, and what’s going well
Explore hopes and dreams for the future
Discuss what an “ordinary life” means to them
Identify natural supports and community connections
Understand what brings joy and meaning

Good Questions:

What makes a good day for you?
What would you like to do more of?
If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?
Who are the important people in your life?
What are you proud of achieving?

Step 3: Develop Meaningful Goals

Co-create goals with the participant:

Listen to aspirations and priorities
Help articulate goals in specific terms
Ensure goals are participant-driven, not service-driven
Link goals to NDIS plan outcomes
Make goals SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)
Include both short-term and long-term goals

Focus on Outcomes, Not Services:

Good: “I want to make new friends and join a sports team”
Service-focused: “I want to access community participation support”

Step 4: Identify Supports and Strategies

For each goal, determine:

What funded NDIS supports will help
What informal supports can contribute
What mainstream services are available
What skills or resources are needed
Who will provide each type of support
When and where supports will be delivered

Step 5: Allocate Budget

Map supports to budget categories:

Review available funding in each category
Assign supports to appropriate budget lines
Ensure essential supports are prioritized
Check that budget is adequate for planned supports
Identify any gaps or shortfalls
Plan for flexible use of funding

Step 6: Add Health, Safety, and Communication Information

Include practical details:

Medical conditions and medications
Communication preferences and needs
Cultural or religious considerations
Risk management strategies
Emergency contacts and procedures
Preferred routines and approaches

Step 7: Document in Clear, Accessible Language

Write the plan:

Use first person (“I want” not “The participant wants”)
Use plain, simple language
Avoid jargon and acronyms
Keep sentences short and clear
Use headings and bullet points
Include pictures or symbols if helpful

Step 8: Review and Approve with Participant

Before finalizing:

Read through the entire plan with the participant
Check that it accurately reflects their words and priorities
Make any requested changes
Ensure they understand all sections
Get their sign-off and approval
Provide a copy in their preferred format

Distribute the plan to:

Participant (their copy to keep)
Family or support persons (with participant consent)
Support coordinator or plan manager
Key service providers
Others the participant wants to include

Step 10: Implement, Monitor, and Review

Put the plan into action:

Arrange or confirm provider services
Set up regular progress check-ins
Track goal progress and celebrate achievements
Adjust strategies as needed
Conduct formal reviews at scheduled times
Update the plan when circumstances change

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Creating Support Plans

Service-Driven Rather Than Person-Driven

Problem: Plan focuses on services to be delivered rather than participant’s goals
Solution: Start with aspirations and work backwards to identify needed supports

Vague or Unmeasurable Goals

Problem: Goals like “be happier” or “improve skills”
Solution: Use specific, measurable terms (“make 2 new friends,” “cook 3 meals independently per week”)

Overly Complex Language

Problem: Plan written in formal, professional language the participant doesn’t understand
Solution: Use plain language, first person, and accessible formats

Lack of Participant Voice

Problem: Plan written by professionals without genuine participant input
Solution: Co-design the plan with the participant, capturing their words and priorities

Unrealistic Goals

Problem: Goals that are too ambitious or not aligned with available supports
Solution: Balance aspiration with achievability, break big goals into smaller steps

Ignoring Informal Supports

Problem: Plan only lists funded services, ignoring family and community supports
Solution: Map all supports - funded, informal, and mainstream

No Review Schedule

Problem: Plan created once and never revisited
Solution: Set regular review dates and update as circumstances change

Missing Critical Information

Problem: No emergency contacts, medical information, or risk management
Solution: Include comprehensive health, safety, and contact details

NDIS Support Plan vs. NDIS Plan: Understanding the Difference

Many people confuse these two important documents.

NDIS Plan (Official Funding Document)

Created by the NDIA after planning meeting
Lists approved supports and funding amounts
Legally binding funding agreement
Outlines plan management type
Covers 12 or 24 months
Required for accessing NDIS-funded supports

NDIS Support Plan (Working Document)

Created by participant, coordinator, or provider
Details how funding will be used to achieve goals
Guides day-to-day support delivery
Can be updated anytime as needs change
More detailed and personalized
Working tool for participants and providers

Relationship: The NDIS support plan operationalizes the NDIS plan. It takes the approved funding and translates it into meaningful goals and support strategies.

Support Plans for Different Participant Groups

Different participants may need different planning approaches.

Children and Young People

Involve the child in age-appropriate ways
Include family goals and priorities
Focus on development and learning
Plan for school and social inclusion
Consider transition planning (e.g., school to work)
Use visual and creative planning tools

People with Cognitive Disabilities

Use Easy Read formats
Include pictures and symbols
Break information into small chunks
Allow extra time for processing
Involve trusted supporters
Focus on concrete, observable goals

People with Psychosocial Disabilities

Recognize goals may change with mental health fluctuations
Include wellness and recovery planning
Build in flexible support arrangements
Identify early warning signs
Plan for both well and unwell periods
Connect to mental health services

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Participants

Provide translated documents if needed
Use interpreters for planning conversations
Respect cultural values and practices
Include cultural activities in goals
Consider family and community connections
Ensure cultural safety in service delivery

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Participants

Engage with community and family
Respect cultural protocols
Include connection to country and culture
Recognize importance of family and kinship
Work with Aboriginal-controlled organizations
Ensure culturally safe approaches

Reviewing and Updating Your Support Plan

Support plans are living documents that should evolve with the participant.

When to Review

Scheduled Reviews

At least annually
Mid-way through NDIS plan period
Before NDIS plan review meeting

Triggered Reviews

Participant circumstances change
Goals are achieved or no longer relevant
Supports aren’t working effectively
New needs or challenges emerge
NDIS plan is reviewed or renewed
Participant requests a review

What to Review

Progress towards each goal
Effectiveness of supports and strategies
Budget utilization and adequacy
Provider performance and relationships
Any barriers or challenges
New aspirations or priorities
Health or living situation changes

How to Conduct a Review

Prepare: Gather progress information, talk to providers, check budget
Reflect: What’s working well? What’s not? What’s changed?
Celebrate: Acknowledge achievements and progress
Problem-solve: Address challenges and barriers
Adjust: Update goals, strategies, or supports as needed
Document: Record review outcomes and changes made
Communicate: Share updated plan with support team

Best Practices for NDIS Support Planning

Make It Truly Person-Centered

Put the participant’s voice at the center
Use their words and language
Honor their choices and preferences
Build on their strengths
Respect their pace and readiness

Co-Design, Don’t Dictate

Plan with participants, not for them
Create collaborative, equal partnerships
Value lived experience expertise
Provide information without directing choices
Support decision-making without taking over

Think Beyond Services

Consider all life domains, not just where supports are needed
Include goals about relationships, community, and purpose
Recognize the importance of informal and mainstream supports
Plan for an ordinary life, not just service delivery

Keep It Accessible

Use plain language everyone can understand
Provide plans in multiple formats (print, digital, Easy Read, audio)
Make information visual and engaging
Avoid overwhelming detail
Focus on what’s most important

Build in Flexibility

Allow for goals and priorities to change
Plan for both predictable and unexpected needs
Create contingency approaches
Recognize that life doesn’t always follow a plan
Support participants to try new things and take positive risks

Connect to Community

Include goals about community participation and inclusion
Identify natural supports and connections
Link to mainstream services and activities
Build social capital and networks
Support belonging, not just access

Monitor Progress

Set up simple tracking methods
Celebrate small wins along the way
Adjust when things aren’t working
Keep participants informed and involved
Use progress to motivate and encourage

Frequently Asked Questions About NDIS Support Plans

Do I have to have a support plan? No, support plans are not mandatory. However, they’re highly recommended as they help you get the most from your NDIS plan and track progress towards goals.

Who keeps the support plan? The participant keeps their own copy. Copies should also be given to the support coordinator, plan manager, and key providers with the participant’s consent.

Can I update my support plan whenever I want? Yes. Unlike your NDIS plan which is set for 12-24 months, your support plan can be updated anytime as your needs, goals, or circumstances change.

What’s the difference between a support plan and a service agreement? A support plan outlines your goals and how supports will help you achieve them. A service agreement is a contract with a specific provider about the services they’ll deliver.

Do all my providers need a copy of my support plan? Only if you want them to have one. Share your plan with providers who need to understand your goals to deliver effective supports.

Can my family help create my support plan? Yes, family members can provide input and support the planning process, especially if you request their involvement. However, the plan should reflect your goals and choices.

What if my goals change? Update your support plan to reflect your new goals. This is normal and encouraged - it shows you’re growing and evolving.

How will the new National Framework Plans affect my support plan?

The NDIA has confirmed new National Framework Plans will begin rolling out from mid-2026, representing one of the most significant changes to NDIS planning since the scheme began. The new framework aims to make plans fairer, more consistent, and easier to understand.

Key changes announced in March 2026:

New assessment process:

A new support needs assessment tool called I-CAN (Instrument for Classification and Assessment of Support Needs) for participants aged 16 and over
Developed by the University of Melbourne and Centre for Disability Studies
Person-centered approach focusing on what you can do and what disability support you need
Aims to provide more consistent assessments across similar support needs

Planning improvements:

Longer plan periods - Reducing the frequency of plan reviews and administrative burden
More flexibility - Greater choice in how you use funding within plan categories
Greater transparency - Clearer links between assessment outcomes and funding decisions
Phased rollout - Starting mid-2026 with participants aged 16+ having plan reviews

Timeline:

Mid-2026: Initial rollout begins for participants aged 16+ with scheduled plan reviews
2026-2027: Phased expansion to more participant cohorts
TBA: Framework expansion to younger children (using different assessment approaches)

What this means for your support plan:

Your support plan should still align with your NDIS plan regardless of which planning framework is used. The core principle of goal-based support planning remains unchanged - your plan should:

Reflect your goals, preferences, and aspirations
Show how NDIS funding will be used to achieve meaningful outcomes
Guide day-to-day support delivery
Be reviewed and updated as your circumstances change

If you have a plan review scheduled:

Before mid-2026: You will be assessed under the current planning system
Mid-2026 onwards: You may be assessed using the new I-CAN tool (if aged 16+)
Children under 16: Different assessment approaches will be developed in later phases

Considerations and concerns:

While the new framework promises improvements, participants should be aware:

Internal NDIA staff have warned that the automated “budget model engine” algorithm is at “critical risk” (reported by Crikey, March 2026)
NDIA delegates will have limited ability to override computer-generated funding decisions
Appeal rights may be more restricted under the new framework
The rapid rollout timeline raises questions about system readiness

How to prepare:

Document your support needs thoroughly and maintain detailed records
Work with experienced Support Coordinators who understand the new framework
Stay informed about rollout progress and any delays or modifications
Join advocacy efforts calling for transparency and participant protections
Keep your support plan updated and aligned with your current NDIS plan

Sources:

NDIS.gov.au framework update: https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/11024-update-new-way-planning
Connecting Families analysis: https://connectingfamilies.com.au/ndis-changes-2026-what-it-means-for-families/

For the latest updates on these changes and other NDIS news, see our NDIS news page.

How detailed should my support plan be? Detailed enough to be useful, but not so detailed it’s overwhelming. Focus on what’s most important to you and what providers need to know to support you effectively.

What’s Changing: New Support Needs Assessment Confirmed for Mid-2026

Update March 2026: The NDIA has confirmed the new planning framework will launch from mid-2026, with the I-CAN support needs assessment tool at its center. This represents the most significant structural change to NDIS planning since the scheme began.

The New I-CAN Assessment Tool

The Instrument for Classification and Assessment of Support Needs (I-CAN) was developed by the University of Melbourne and the Centre for Disability Studies to provide more consistent, transparent support needs assessments.

How I-CAN works:

Assesses support needs across multiple life areas (not just functional capacity)
Person-centered approach focusing on what you can do and what disability support you need
Strengths-based rather than deficit-focused assessment
Aims to link assessment outcomes more transparently to funding decisions
Used for participants aged 16 and over (different approaches for younger children)

Testing and refinement: As announced by Senator Jenny McAllister in February 2026, participants have been testing support needs assessments as part of the new NDIS planning rollout. Early feedback from testing participants has been mixed, with some reporting the process is clearer and more transparent, while others express concerns about algorithmic decision-making and reduced human oversight.

Internal NDIA staff have warned managers that the automated “budget model engine” underlying the new framework is at “critical risk,” according to investigative reporting by Crikey in March 2026. These warnings raise questions about implementation readiness and accuracy of automated funding decisions.

Key Changes to Planning

Assessment approach:

New I-CAN tool for consistent support needs evaluation
Focus on disability-related support needs, not just impairment
Clearer links between assessed needs and funding allocations

Plan structure:

Longer plan periods (reducing frequency of plan reviews)
More flexibility in using funding within budget categories
Simplified budget categories for easier understanding
Greater transparency in funding decisions

Rollout approach:

Phased implementation starting mid-2026
Initial focus on participants aged 16+ having plan reviews
Gradual expansion to more participant cohorts through 2026-2027
Different approaches for children to be developed in later phases

Concerns About the New Framework

While the framework promises improvements, significant concerns remain:

Algorithmic decision-making:

Computer algorithm generates funding allocations with limited human override
NDIA staff flagged the budget model engine as being at “critical risk”
Reduced ability for delegates to modify computer-generated budgets
Questions about algorithm accuracy and fairness for diverse support needs

Limited appeal rights:

Administrative Review Tribunal cannot directly change plans under new framework
Can only send decisions back for reassessment (not modify funding)
Reduced participant protections compared to current system
Concerns about correcting algorithmic errors

Implementation timeline:

Rapid rollout despite ongoing technical concerns
Limited time for participant advocacy and system refinement
Risk of rushing implementation before issues are resolved

What This Means for Your Support Plan

Your support plan remains important: Regardless of how your NDIS plan is developed (current system or new framework), your support plan is still the practical working document that:

Translates your NDIS funding into actionable goals
Guides day-to-day support delivery
Reflects your personal priorities and preferences
Tracks progress and outcomes
Communicates your needs to providers

Preparing for the new framework:

Document your support needs thoroughly - The I-CAN assessment relies on accurate information
Work with experienced coordinators - Find Support Coordinators who understand the new framework
Keep detailed records - Maintain your own documentation of support needs and outcomes
Stay informed - Monitor rollout progress and any delays or modifications
Know your rights - Understand the new appeal and review processes
Advocate for yourself - Join advocacy efforts calling for transparency and fairness

Timeline for transition:

Before mid-2026: Current planning system applies
Mid-2026 onwards: New framework for participants aged 16+ having plan reviews
Exact timing varies: Depends on when your individual plan review is scheduled

Have Your Say

While formal consultation on the framework closed in early March 2026, participants can still provide feedback:

Share experiences through disability advocacy organizations
Report concerns to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
Connect with peer support groups to share information
Stay engaged with ongoing framework refinement

More information:

NDIS.gov.au framework update: https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/11024-update-new-way-planning
Connecting Families analysis: https://connectingfamilies.com.au/ndis-changes-2026-what-it-means-for-families/
Department of Health resources: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/ndis/planning-framework

Key Resources for NDIS Support Planning

Summary

An NDIS support plan is a powerful tool for turning your NDIS funding into meaningful outcomes. By clearly articulating your goals, preferences, and support needs, you create a roadmap for achieving the life you want.

Key takeaways:

Support plans are participant-driven, focusing on goals and aspirations
Co-design your plan with people you trust
Include goals across all life domains, not just where you need support
Map your budget to your goals and priorities
Use clear, accessible language and formats
Review and update your plan regularly
Share your plan with providers who need to understand your goals
Celebrate progress and adjust when things aren’t working

Download our free NDIS support plan template to create a person-centered plan that puts you in control.