Let’s be honest: writing NDIS goals often feels like homework. It’s tempting to scribble down “be happy” and move on.
But in the new NDIS landscape, your goals are the most powerful tool you have.
Since the legislative changes in late 2024, the NDIS has tightened the link between Goals and Funding. Put simply: if a support doesn’t clearly link to a goal in your plan, the NDIS is far less likely to fund it.
Your goals are no longer just dreams; they are the “Golden Thread” that ties your budget together. Here is how to write goals that actually work for you in 2025.
The “Golden Thread” Rule
Imagine your NDIS plan is a legal contract.
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The Goal: “I want to learn to cook so I can move out of my parents’ home.”
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The Funding: A Support Worker to teach you cooking skills.
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The Link: The money is justified because it directly achieves the goal.
If your goal was vague (e.g., “I want to have a nice life”), a Planner might deny the cooking lessons because the link isn’t clear.
How to Write “Fundable” Goals (SMART vs. NDIS Smart)
You have probably heard of SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). That is a great start, but we need to take it a step further.
We need goals that speak “NDIS Language.”
The “Vague” Way (Avoid This):
“I want to be healthier.” The Problem: It is too broad. The NDIS could argue that joining a gym (which is usually an “Out” / non-funded cost) is the answer.
The “NDIS Smart” Way (Do This):
“I want to build the physical strength and motor skills required to shower independently by December 2026.” The Win: This is specific. It justifies funding for an Exercise Physiologist (Capacity Building) and potentially home modifications (Capital).
The “In and Out” List Connection
You might have heard about the new Section 10 “In and Out” lists—the strict rules on what the NDIS will and won’t pay for.
Strong goals are your best defence here. While the NDIS will never pay for things on the “Out” list (like rent or groceries), a strong goal can help you secure the supports on the “In” list that might otherwise be questioned.
For example, asking for Music Therapy (which is scrutinised) is much safer if you have a specific goal about “Improving verbal communication and emotional regulation strategies.”
Don’t “Set and Forget”
In the old NDIS portal, goals were often treated as a “nice to have.” You could set them once and mostly ignore them while spending your flexible budget.
In the new PACE system, that flexibility has changed.
PACE is designed to link every dollar of funding to a specific support category and outcome. If your life changes, for example, you want to use your Capacity Building funding for a new type of therapy to get a job, but your plan only has goals about “community access”, the system may flag this spending as non-compliant.
The Golden Rule: If your goal changes, your plan must change too. Under the new legislative framework, you can request a Plan Variation (a small update) to change your goals without triggering a full plan reassessment. This is a critical administrative step to ensure your funding remains safe and compliant.
We Speak “Goal” Fluently
At CoAbility, we don’t just copy-paste generic goals. We workshop them with you.
We ask the hard questions: “What does ‘independence’ actually look like for you?” and “What barriers are stopping you right now?” Then, we translate your answers into the professional NDIS language that Planners are looking for.
Ready to Upgrade Your Plan?
Don’t let weak goals hold your funding back.
If you are preparing for a Plan Reassessment, talk to a CoAbility Support Coordinator first. We can help you draft a set of goals that opens doors, rather than closing them.
Contact us today on 1800 262 245 or submit a Service Request.
Let’s turn your aspirations into approved supports.
