02/07/2026
What is Support Coordination?
Support Coordination under the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) is a funded support designed to help participants understand and use their NDIS plan effectively. Not everyone with an NDIS plan automatically receives Support Coordination—it's only funded if the NDIS deems it reasonable and necessary for the person’s situation.
Levels of Support Coordination
There are three levels, depending on a participant’s needs:
1. Support Connection
o Short-term, light-touch support.
o Helps participants connect with informal, community, and funded supports.
o Focus is on building confidence to manage the plan more independently.
2. Support Coordination (standard)
o The most common level.
o A Support Coordinator works with the participant to:
• Understand the plan.
• Choose providers.
• Set up service agreements and bookings.
• Ensure supports work together.
• Respond to changes or barriers.
3. Specialist Support Coordination
o For people with very complex needs or high risks (e.g., multiple services, safeguarding issues, crisis situations).
o Provided by a specialist with advanced skills, often from social work, psychology, or allied health backgrounds.
o Involves intensive coordination to reduce risks, stabilise the situation, and build long-term capacity.
What Support Coordinators Do
• Explain the NDIS plan and how the budget is structured.
• Help the participant prioritise needs and goals.
• Research and link to suitable service providers.
• Support participants to negotiate with providers and set up agreements.
• Monitor how the plan is being used and if it’s meeting the participant’s goals.
• Assist during plan reviews by preparing reports and evidence.
• Help resolve problems (e.g., service breakdown, provider issues, housing challenges).
• Encourage self-advocacy and build decision-making skills.
What Support Coordinators Don’t Do
• They don’t manage money (that’s Plan Management).
• They don’t provide direct supports like therapy or personal care.
• They don’t make decisions for the participant – instead, they support the participant to make their own informed choices.
Why It’s Important
• The NDIS can be confusing—lots of providers, services, and funding rules.
• Support Coordination gives people the confidence and skills to use their plan properly, avoid under-spending, and achieve their goals.
• It empowers participants to be more independent and in control of their lives.
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