What Is NDIS Support Coordination?
NDIS support coordination helps you turn your plan into practical support. Start here to understand the three levels, check what your plan includes and work out your next step.
Last reviewed: 21 September 2026
How support coordination works
A support coordinator can help you understand your plan, explore providers and connect with community and mainstream services. You stay involved in decisions about your supports. Read the NDIA’s explanation of the role.
Understand
Identify what you want to achieve and where arranging support is getting difficult.
Connect
Compare suitable services and agree on the next actions with the people you choose.
Build confidence
Decide which tasks you want help with now and which you would like to manage yourself.
For meeting preparation and practical examples, use our guide to working with a support coordinator.
The three levels of NDIS support coordination
Level 1: support connection
Help understanding your plan and making connections with services and your community.
Level 2: support coordination
Help arranging a mix of supports and building your ability to coordinate them.
Level 3: specialist support coordination
Specialist help addressing complex barriers to accessing support. Read our Level 3 guide for the practical differences.
The NDIA describes these as three different levels. Check the level included in your own plan rather than assuming you can choose any level from the same budget. See the official levels of support coordination.
How to check your support coordination funding
- Look for support coordination in your plan and note the level, budget and any stated conditions.
- Check the dates and any funding periods that apply. A total plan balance is not the same as the amount available for coordination now.
- Ask your my NDIS contact to explain anything unclear before you sign a service agreement.
- Ask a prospective coordinator for a written estimate showing how their work would use your available funding.
A useful question is: “After meetings, provider calls, reports and any agreed travel, how much time would remain for ongoing help?” An hourly rate alone does not answer that.
What if support coordination is not in your plan?
You can ask your NDIA planner about including support coordination. Explain the difficulties you face arranging and maintaining supports, rather than only asking for a particular service name. The NDIA explains how to discuss support coordination with your planner.
Prepare a short record of what is happening: services you could not arrange, communication barriers, gaps in support and the help you currently rely on. Ask your my NDIS contact which plan-change process applies to your circumstances and what information is needed. A request is not a guarantee of funding.
Example preparation note: “I contacted three providers but could not understand their agreements. My current support ends next month. I need help comparing options and organising a handover.” This is an illustrative way to describe a practical barrier, not a funding test.
Choosing a support coordinator: compare the working relationship
- Who would work with me, and who covers their leave?
- Can we communicate in the way I prefer, including accessible written information or an interpreter?
- What would we aim to complete first, and how will I see progress?
- What work is charged, how is time recorded, and what are the cancellation and notice terms?
- Will you explain alternatives if you recommend another service from your organisation?
Ask for an example of how they would approach your priorities. Public reviews can raise useful questions, but a star rating does not tell you whether a particular coordinator has capacity or experience relevant to you.
Is support coordination the same as plan management?
No. Coordination focuses on arranging and using supports; plan management focuses on payments, financial records and spending information. You may use both if those arrangements fit your plan and needs. Compare the two roles and who to contact for different problems.
Common questions about support coordination
Does every NDIS participant receive support coordination?
No. Check whether it is included in your plan. If you need help that is not funded, discuss your circumstances with your my NDIS contact.
Can I change my support coordinator?
You can choose another coordinator without waiting for your plan to end. Check your current agreement’s notice terms, outstanding work and charges, then agree on a handover.
Does a coordinator make decisions for me?
Their role is to support your understanding and choices. Agree on what they can do on your behalf and what information they may share.
Want to make a support coordination enquiry? Our existing enquiry form includes support coordination and specialist support coordination. It sits on our plan-management page: choose the service you need in the form. An enquiry does not guarantee a provider match or availability.
Tell us what support you need