For people living with young onset Parkinson’s in Australia (who must be under 65 to access the scheme), the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides vital support. A key part of staying on the scheme is the participant ‘check-in’. This guide explains what a check-in is and how to prepare for one to get the best results for your plan.

What is an NDIS ‘check-in’?

A check-in is a collaborative conversation between you (or your representative) and your NDIS contact. This contact might be a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or an NDIA planner. Unlike a full “plan reassessment”, which results in a brand-new plan, a check-in is a monitoring tool to see if your current supports are still working for you.

Why do check-ins happen?

The primary goal is to ensure your NDIS plan is helping you meet your disability-related needs and stated goals. Because Parkinson’s is a condition that can change, the check-in allows the NDIA to:

  • See how you are progressing toward your goals.
  • Check if your informal supports (care partners or caregivers like family or friends that provide daily support) are under too much strain.
  • Identify any “big changes” coming up, such as starting a new job or changes in your health.
  • Ensure your spending aligns with the official definition of NDIS supports.

When do they happen?

In most cases, check-ins are scheduled every 12 months. If you receive a call from the NDIS/NDIA make sure you ask if this is a check-in and reschedule a time if you cannot give the call your full attention.

n.b. If you are using the new PACE computer system, the system will trigger a check-in call approximately four months before your plan’s reassessment date.

Do you need to have a check-in?

Yes. The check-in is the standard method for the NDIA to verify that you are maximising your plan. It is the most reliable way to raise issues or seek small changes (called variations) before they become urgent.

What if they call while you are busy?

The NDIS contact should initiate communication about two months before the agreed check-in date to finalise arrangements. This gives you time to gather evidence. You can choose to have your check-in face-to-face, over the phone, or via a virtual meeting. If you haven’t heard from the NDIS six weeks before your plan is due to end, you should be proactive and call them on 1800 800 110.

Realising what a check-in could mean

The outcome of your check-in generally leads to one of three paths:

  1. Continuation/Duplication: If your Parkinson’s symptoms and life situation are stable, the NDIA may simply duplicate your current plan for another period.
  2. Plan Variation: If you need minor adjustments—like a one-off piece of assistive technology or a change in who manages your funding—the NDIA can vary your current plan without a full review.
  3. Plan Reassessment: If your functional capacity has changed significantly or you have had a major life transition, the check-in will trigger a full reassessment to create a brand-new plan.

Step-by-Step guide to the best ‘check-in’ outcome

Step 1: Start early. When you get your plan, make sure you add dates into your calendar to remind you when it started, when it ends and work backwards to schedule preparation with your care team and to start taking questionnaires and surveys in the YOPX app. Begin your preparation at least 6-8 weeks before your scheduled check-in.

Step 2: Gather your “Support Ecosystem” evidence. Collect Provider Progress Reports from your allied health professionals and others on your care team  (like OTs or physiotherapists) detailing your outcomes. Ask your family for a Carer Impact Statement if their ability to help you has changed.

Step 3: Track your own success. Keep a diary or log of your wins and challenges throughout the year. Clinical reports often miss the small, daily details of living with Parkinson’s that you can provide yourself. Use the YOPX app to take the WHODAS and PDQ-39, export pdfs and collect these to look at impact of PD on your daily life and your symptom progression over time.

Step 4: Use the “Magic Wand” exercise. Imagine what your life would look like if all barriers were removed. Work backward from that vision to identify the specific supports you need to get there.

Step 5: Bring a support person. You have the right to bring a family member, advocate, or support coordinator to the check-in. They can help you take notes and ensure you don’t forget to mention important changes in your health.

Step 6: Review your budget. Be ready to discuss if you are over-spending or under-spending. If you aren’t using certain funds, explain why—for example, if a specific provider was unavailable.

NDIS Check-ins Factsheets

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