What is the difference between a goal and a support?

A goal describes the outcome you want. A support is one possible way to help you move towards it. A measure helps you notice whether life is changing in the way you hoped.

The possible support still needs to meet the applicable NDIS rules and fit your plan. The example illustrates clear communication; it is not a funding recommendation for every participant.

A statement such as “I want weekly occupational therapy” describes a proposed service. Ask yourself what you hope the service will help you do, maintain or participate in. Keep both points for the planning conversation, but do not confuse them.

Use this four-part goal worksheet

Try completing these sentences in your own words. You can speak your answers, use an interpreter, communicate through an aid or ask someone to write down what you mean.

1. What matters: “I would like to…”
2. Why it matters: “This is important to me because…”
3. The barrier: “At the moment, I need help with…”
4. A sign of progress: “I would notice a difference if…”

For example: “I would like to take part in a local gardening group. This matters because I enjoy growing things and want to meet people. I need help organising the outing and communicating when I become overwhelmed. I would notice a difference if I could attend regularly and make more choices about what I do there.”

You do not need to put every sentence into the formal goal. The extra detail helps you explain the context and compare different ways of supporting the outcome.

Examples you can adapt, without copying someone else's needs

These are original examples, not required NDIS wording. Avoid adding a goal simply because a provider says it will unlock funding. Choose wording you understand and would be comfortable explaining.

How specific should an NDIS goal be?

The NDIA allows broad and specific goals. A broad goal can express an important direction; a small practical step can help you get started. You do not need to force every life goal into a rigid numerical target.

Compare “be independent” with “have more control over how I organise meals at home”. The second gives a provider something clearer to discuss, without assuming that independence means doing everything alone.

Useful measures might include greater choice, more confidence, maintaining a routine, participating more comfortably or needing a different kind of help. Ask how progress will be recorded in a way that is meaningful to you. Appointment attendance alone does not show whether the support is helping.

Do goals guarantee NDIS funding?

No. Goals inform planning, but funding decisions also depend on the relevant rules, disability-related support needs and evidence. A goal about travel, fitness or employment does not make every expense associated with it an NDIS support.

Before purchasing, ask two separate questions: “Does this help me work towards my goal?” and “Can this particular support be paid from my current plan under the rules?” A yes to the first does not answer the second.

Ask a proposed provider to explain how its service addresses the barrier you identified, what it would actually do, how much it would cost and how you will decide whether to continue. Be cautious about promises that a particular phrase will guarantee approval.

What if my goals change?

Tell your NDIS contact which wording you want changed and why. The NDIA’s current guidance says goals can be updated without replacing the whole plan; changing goals does not itself add funding. Once updated, check the wording in your plan and discuss any practical effect on existing services.

A change in goals and a change in disability-related support needs are different issues. If your needs have changed, explain that separately and ask which plan-change process applies.

Before your next meeting, use our planning meeting checklist to connect your priorities with clear examples from everyday life.