Family members and carers play a central role in most NDIS journeys — from the initial access request through to everyday planning and decision-making — while the plan itself always belongs to the participant.
It helps to understand that a participant's NDIS plan belongs to them — decisions about goals and supports should be made with the participant, respecting their choice and control wherever possible, even when a family member is heavily involved.
Carers themselves may also be eligible for separate supports outside the NDIS, such as carer payments or respite services, which are worth exploring alongside the participant's plan.
Family members can be a valuable source of information during planning meetings, particularly around daily routines and support needs, but it's worth checking in with the participant about how much they want to lead the conversation.
Building a relationship with a trusted support coordinator or provider can take pressure off families, giving everyone confidence that the plan is being used well.
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Whether you're a participant, family member, or support coordinator, we can help you understand the next step.