You’ve received your NDIS plan. It has budgets, codes and funding amounts – but what now? Who do you call, which providers are any good, and how do you make sure the funding lasts the whole plan? This is exactly where a support coordinator comes in.
Support coordination in one sentence
A support coordinator helps you understand your NDIS plan, find and connect with the right providers, and build your own ability to manage your supports over time.
Support coordination is a capacity building support. If it’s in your plan, you’ll see it in the Capacity Building – Support Coordination budget. The NDIA decides whether it’s funded and at what level, but you choose who your coordinator is – and you can change if it isn’t working.
What a support coordinator does day to day
- Explains your plan: walks through each budget in plain language, including whether it’s NDIA-managed, plan-managed or self-managed.
- Finds providers: helps you compare options that suit your goals, culture, language and location.
- Sets up service agreements: makes sure you understand what you’re agreeing to, including costs and cancellation terms.
- Connects you with mainstream services: health, housing, education and community groups – not just NDIS providers.
- Tracks your funding: helps you keep an eye on spending so supports don’t run out early.
- Solves problems: when a provider cancels, a support stops working or your situation changes.
- Prepares for your reassessment: gathers reports and evidence and writes a progress report so your next plan reflects your needs.
The three levels of support coordination
Level 1: Support Connection
Short-term help to connect with informal, community and funded supports and to start using your plan.
Level 2: Coordination of Supports
Ongoing help to understand and implement your plan, choose providers, set up service agreements and build your skills. This is the level most people mean when they say “support coordinator”.
Level 3: Specialist Support Coordination
For people whose situations involve high complexity or risk – for example, involvement with the justice or health systems, a housing crisis or complex behaviour support needs. You can read more about it on our specialist support coordination page.
What a support coordinator doesn’t do
It helps to know the limits, too. A support coordinator:
- doesn’t decide what’s in your plan – that’s the NDIA
- isn’t the same as a plan manager, who pays invoices and manages the money side
- doesn’t provide day-to-day care – that’s your support workers and other providers
- shouldn’t steer you only towards their own organisation’s services – your choice comes first
Do you need a support coordinator?
You might benefit from support coordination if:
- this is your first NDIS plan and you’re not sure where to start
- you’re going through a big change – such as leaving school, moving out of home or leaving hospital
- you have several providers and need someone to keep everything working together
- your funding isn’t being used, or is running out too quickly
- you or your family don’t have the time or energy to manage it all alone
If support coordination isn’t in your plan and you think you need it, you can ask for it at your next plan reassessment, or ask about a plan change if your circumstances have changed.
How to choose a good support coordinator
- Do they know the providers and services in your local area?
- How quickly do they respond to calls and emails?
- Will they explain things in a way that works for you and your family?
- How do they avoid conflicts of interest if they also provide other services?
- Can they support you in your language or understand your culture?
Support coordination at Beyond Limits
Beyond Limits is a registered NDIS provider offering Level 2 support coordination and Level 3 specialist support coordination across Sydney – from our head office in Bankstown – and Melbourne’s south-east. Our coordinators take the time to understand your goals, explain your plan in plain language and help you make informed choices. Learn more on our support coordination page.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get support coordination in my NDIS plan?
The NDIA decides whether support coordination is funded. You can ask for it at your planning meeting or reassessment, and explain why you need help to put your plan into action.
Can I change my support coordinator?
Yes. You choose your support coordinator and can change providers if it isn’t working for you. Check the notice period in your service agreement.
What’s the difference between a support coordinator and a plan manager?
A support coordinator helps you use your plan and connect with providers. A plan manager handles the financial side – paying invoices and tracking your budgets.
Is support coordination available in Melbourne?
Yes. Beyond Limits provides support coordination in Sydney and Melbourne’s south-east, including Dandenong, Frankston, Cranbourne, Pakenham and Berwick.
Related reading
Talk to the Beyond Limits team
We’re a registered NDIS provider supporting participants across Greater Sydney and Melbourne’s south-east. Call 1800 920 600 (Mon–Fri 8am–5pm, Sat–Sun 8am–1pm) or send us a referral and we’ll call you back.