Participant Enquiries
What Should Be in a Participant Support Plan (And Why It Matters)
Empowrd • January 9, 2026
If you are an NDIS participant, family member, carer or support provider, you may have heard of a Participant Support Plan, but not everyone is sure what it is, or why it matters.
While it is not an official NDIS document, a Participant Support Plan can be one of the most useful tools you have for ensuring your supports are safe, consistent, and aligned with your NDIS goals.
This guide explains what to include in a support plan, who should use one, and how it can support you during NDIS planning meetings, provider onboarding, or times of change.
What is a Participant Support Plan?
A Participant Support Plan is a practical, person-centred document that helps communicate:
- What your daily support needs are
- Your routines, preferences, and safety requirements
- Your current NDIS goals and how you are working towards them
- Medical or behavioural information relevant to support delivery
- Emergency contacts, support team details, and funding management information
It can be filled out by you, your local NDIS Support Coordinator, a carer, or someone you trust and then shared with support workers, therapists, or service providers to ensure they have the information they need to support you well.
Why a Participant Support Plan Is Important
The NDIS is designed to fund supports that help you pursue your goals, gain more independence through enablement and not just to complete tasks.
But when providers don’t fully understand your needs or preferences, it can lead to:
- Miscommunication or support gaps
- Missed opportunities to work towards your goals
- Safety risks or inconsistent care
- Extra time spent repeating the same information
By creating and sharing a Participant Support Plan, you help set your supports up for success from the start. It also makes NDIS planning meetings and reviews easier, because you have clear documentation of what works and why.
What to Include in a Participant Support Plan
Below is a breakdown of key sections your plan should cover.
1. Participant Details
Start with your name, date of birth, NDIS number, contact information, and emergency contact(s). This helps ensure the NDIS plan is easy to identify and use.
2. About You
Include details about who you are, who you live with, your routines, cultural background, pets, likes and dislikes, and anything else that helps providers understand you as a person, not just a participant.
3. Health and Safety
Clearly outline any health conditions, allergies, medications, seizure history, or behavioural support needs. If formal plans exist (e.g. a Behaviour Support Plan or Seizure Management Plan), note whether they are available and who holds them.
4. Daily Living and Support Needs
List the types of support you need throughout the day. This may include:
- Personal care (e.g. dressing, showering, grooming)
- Help with meals, cleaning, or household tasks
- Support attending appointments, shopping, or community activities
- Assistance with mobility, communication, or emotional regulation
5. NDIS Goals
List the current goals from your NDIS plan and explain how your supports help you work towards them. This section is especially useful during plan reviews to show progress and make a case for continuing or changing supports.
6. Preferences and Communication
Include your communication preferences, preferred types of workers (e.g. gender or support style), any sensory sensitivities, and how you like your support to be delivered. These small details can make a big difference in the quality of your experience.
7. Emergency Planning
Add instructions for what should happen in the event of a cancellation, illness, or emergency. This might include who to contact, what can or cannot be done, or preferences for backup workers.
8. Plan Management and Key Contacts
List the contact details of your Plan Manager, Support Coordinator, therapists, or other team members. You can also note how travel is claimed, whether you’re self-managed or plan-managed.
9. Provider Requirements
Use this space to outline what you expect from your support provider, such as:
- Worker screening checks
- Insurance
- Clear communication policies
- A signed service agreement
When to Use a Participant Support Plan
- When starting with a new support worker
- If you have rotating or casual providers
- During times of change, such as plan reviews
- When building a service agreement
- To support clearer communication across your team
- To record key needs in case of emergencies or transitions
Tools to Help You Get Started
At Empowrd, we’ve created a downloadable Participant Support Plan Template + Guide, designed to help you complete all of the sections listed above.
It is easy to edit, includes prompts and checklists, and can be filled out independently or with support.
Included:
- Editable Participant Support Plan Template (Microsoft Word + Google Docs)
- Step-by-step completion guide
- Designed for participants, families, and Support Coordinators
- Suitable for use during onboarding, plan reviews, or emergency planning
Final Thoughts
Your NDIS plan is there to support your goals, not just fund hours.
A well-prepared Participant Support Plan gives you the power to communicate clearly, advocate for your needs, and help your team support you better.
It’s not about doing more admin. When engaging with a NDIS support worker or new provider, it’s about making sure your supports reflect who you are, what matters to you, and how you want to live your life.
If you're preparing for a plan review, changing providers, or just want to make your supports stronger, a Participant Support Plan is one of the best tools you can use.
NDIS Plan Management and Support Coordination
At Empowrd, we are here to make your life easier. Based in Port Lincoln on the Eyre Peninsula, we offer a personal, accessible and holistic approach to NDIS Plan Management and Support Coordination.
We provide Plan Management services across Australia, assisting with financial administration, and offer Support Coordination to participants in Port Lincoln and Eyre Peninsula, connecting them with the right supports and providers. Our goal is to ensure your NDIS plan works for you, so you can focus on achieving your goals and doing what you love.
Want to Become a Support Worker?
Our Independent Support Workers Education Portal provides everything you need to navigate the NDIS, find work, and confidently offer services as an Independent Support Worker. For just $65, you will gain access to comprehensive guides, essential resources, and ready-to-use templates to streamline your work.
Inside, you will find:
- A clear breakdown of how the NDIS works
- Tips for finding jobs and delivering services
- Step-by-step guidance on invoicing and support planning
- Ready-to-edit templates for quotes, service agreements, invoices, and case notes
Need just the templates? You can also purchase them separately as standalone resources.
I hope you enjoy reading this blog post.
If you are ready to be Empowrd to live your life to the fullest, let us steer you on the right path.
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If you’re ready to be empowered to live life on your terms, we’re here to help guide the way. At Empowrd, we offer a personal, accessible, and holistic approach to NDIS Plan Management and Support Coordination. We’ll ensure your plan works for you, allowing you to focus on your goals and the things you love most.
