What the participant statement is
Under section 33 of the NDIS Act, every plan has two parts. The second part, the statement of participant supports, is about funding. The first part is about you. The Act calls it the participant's statement of goals and aspirations, and most people simply call it the participant statement.
The Act says you prepare it, not the NDIA. In practice your planner, local area coordinator or early childhood partner usually types it up during your planning conversation, but the NDIA's guideline is clear that your goals are written down in your own words and that it cannot change them or choose them for you.
What goes in it
The Act lists what the statement must cover:
- Your goals, objectives and aspirations
- Your living arrangements, such as who you live with and what kind of home you live in
- Your informal supports and other community supports, such as family, friends, neighbours, clubs and community groups
- Your social and economic participation, such as work, study, volunteering and social life
Why it matters
The participant statement is the context for everything else in your plan. Planners read it when deciding which supports are reasonable and necessary, and providers, support coordinators and therapists read it to understand what you are working towards.
It also records who already helps you. That matters, because the NDIA considers what family, friends and community can reasonably provide. If a parent who helps you every day is getting older or unwell, say so clearly, because that information shapes your funding.
Goals do not unlock funding on their own. The NDIA's guideline says more or bigger goals do not mean more funding, and you do not need a goal for every support. But supports that help you pursue your goals are easier to justify, so clear, honest goals help.
Writing a good participant statement
A few tips for the planning conversation:
- Describe a typical week, including the hard days, not only your best days
- Be specific about who helps you, with what, and how often
- Mix big and small goals, for example live independently and learn to catch the bus to work
- Mention big changes coming up, like finishing school, moving out or a carer's health
- Ask to read it back and fix anything that is wrong before the plan is approved
Changing your statement
You can update your goals and the information about you at any time, even after your plan is approved. The NDIA records the change and sends you a new copy of your plan with the same supports. A goals change usually does not need evidence, and it does not trigger a reassessment.
If the change in your life is bigger, for example your living arrangements or informal supports have changed in a significant and ongoing way, you may need a plan reassessment instead. Since 27 August 2026 only you, your plan nominee or your guardian can request one.
New framework plans
New framework plans, which participants start moving to from 1 April 2027, also include a participant's statement of goals and aspirations. What changes is how your budget is worked out: from a support needs assessment with a trained NDIS assessor rather than the current planning conversation. Your own description of your life and goals stays part of the plan.