Support Coordination Explained
Understanding NDIS Support Coordination Services
NDIS Support Coordination is a service funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to help participants confidently navigate and implement their NDIS plans. The purpose of Support Coordination is to empower individuals to understand their funded supports, make informed choices about service providers, and build the capacity to manage their supports independently over time.
Support Coordinators work closely with you to ensure your plan is not just a document, but a practical tool that enhances your everyday life. They help you:
Understand your plan – breaking down the different budget categories and explaining what each one can be used for.
Explore your options – identifying a wide range of mainstream, community, informal, and funded supports that match your goals and preferences.
Connect with services – helping you find and engage with service providers, negotiate service agreements, and coordinate appointments.
Build your confidence and skills – so over time, you can take greater control over your supports and make decisions with more independence.
Manage challenges or changes – supporting you to handle service disruptions, address quality or safeguarding issues, or prepare for significant life transitions.
Understanding the Levels of Support Coordination
Support Coordination is not case management—instead, it is designed to promote your autonomy and increase your ability to navigate the NDIS and broader systems of support. It focuses on capacity building, meaning that the support is tailored to your unique circumstances, needs, and goals.
Level 1: Support Connection
Support Connection is designed to help you make the most of your NDIS plan in the early stages. It offers short-term assistance to help you understand your funded supports, connect with suitable service providers, and begin implementing your plan. The goal is to help you take the first steps with confidence and start building the skills to manage your supports more independently over time.
Level 2: Support Coordination
This is a more comprehensive level of support for participants who need ongoing guidance in managing their NDIS plan. A Support Coordinator works with you to strengthen your ability to coordinate and monitor services, resolve issues as they arise, and make informed decisions about your supports. They help you stay on track with your goals, explore new service options, and prepare for plan reviews or changes in your situation.
Level 3: Specialist Support Coordination
This level is intended for participants with more complex needs who may be facing significant barriers in accessing or maintaining supports. A Specialist Support Coordinator provides high-level support, often involving collaboration with multiple services or crisis planning. They help you manage complex challenges such as housing instability, mental health concerns, or involvement with the justice or child protection systems—ensuring your supports remain consistent, effective, and responsive.
How is Support Coordination Funded?
Support Coordination is not automatically included in every NDIS plan—it must be assessed and approved based on your individual needs.
If funded, it will appear in the Capacity Building budget under the line item called "Support Coordination." The budget is allocated specifically to pay for time spent by your Support Coordinator helping you implement your plan.
Important: Support Coordination funding does not reduce your funding for other services such as therapy, equipment, or community access.
How to Check If You’re Funded for Support Coordination?
To find out whether you are funded for Support Coordination, begin by carefully reviewing your NDIS plan. The key section to look at is called "Capacity Building Supports", which outlines funding intended to help you build skills and increase independence.
Within this section, check for a line item titled "Support Coordination" or "Coordination of Supports." If this appears in your plan, there should be a specific budget amount listed next to it. This indicates that the NDIA has approved and allocated funding for a Support Coordinator to assist you in implementing your plan.
If you're unsure how to interpret your plan or need help confirming your funding, you can speak with your Local Area Coordinator (LAC), Plan Manager, or reach out to an NDIS provider like us. We can guide you through the process and help you understand what supports are available to you.
How to Get Support Coordination If You Don’t Already Have It?
If your current NDIS plan does not include Support Coordination, you may still be eligible to receive it based on your circumstances. One way to apply is by requesting a plan review. This can be done by submitting a Change of Circumstances form to the NDIA if your situation has changed and you now need help managing your plan.
When applying, it’s important to provide supporting evidence that outlines why you require assistance. This may include documentation or reports from allied health professionals, general practitioners, social workers, or current service providers. The evidence should clearly describe the challenges you face in using your plan and how Support Coordination would help you overcome them.
Alternatively, you can request Support Coordination during your next scheduled plan reassessment. At this meeting, speak with your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) and bring along your supporting documentation. Be prepared to explain any difficulties you've had in implementing your plan, and how having a Support Coordinator would help you achieve better outcomes.
Need Help? We’re Here for You
Whether you’re new to the NDIS or looking to make the most of your current plan, our team of expert Support Coordinators is here to guide you.
Contact us today to find out how we can help you take control of your NDIS journey.
