Navigating the NDIS can feel overwhelming, especially when a plan includes multiple supports, providers, and obligations. NDIS support coordination exists to make this process clearer, calmer, and more manageable. It helps participants understand their plans, connect with the right services, and use their funding effectively—without losing independence or control.
What NDIS support coordination is
NDIS support coordination is a capacity-building support designed to help participants understand and implement their NDIS plan. It focuses on coordination, not direct care.
The role is to build skills, confidence, and knowledge so participants can manage supports independently over time. Importantly, support coordination must remain impartial and always act in the participant’s best interests.
Support coordination is commonly included in NDIS plans when participants have multiple supports, complex needs, or require help navigating the system.
What a support coordinator does
A support coordinator works alongside the participant to turn their NDIS plan into practical, everyday supports. While tasks vary depending on needs, a support coordinator typically helps with:
- Understanding NDIS plan goals and budgets
- Finding and connecting with suitable service providers
- Coordinating supports across different services
- Supporting plan reviews and reporting
- Resolving service issues or breakdowns
Rather than making decisions for participants, a good coordinator supports informed choice and independence.
Levels of NDIS support coordination
The NDIS recognises different levels of support coordination, based on the complexity of a participant’s situation.
Support Connection (Level 1)
Support Connection focuses on building basic connections with providers and services. It is usually short-term and suits participants with lower complexity needs.
Support Coordination (Level 2)
This is the most common level. It helps participants:
- Understand their plan
- Coordinate multiple services
- Build skills to manage supports independently
Level 2 support coordination is appropriate for participants with moderate or ongoing needs.
Specialist Support Coordination (Level 3)
Specialist Support Coordination is for participants with highly complex needs, such as significant psychosocial challenges or multiple service risks. It requires advanced expertise and often involves crisis management.
Who needs support coordination
Not every participant requires support coordination, but it can be highly beneficial in certain situations.
Support coordination is often recommended for:
- Participants with multiple funded supports
- People new to the NDIS
- Participants experiencing service breakdowns
- People with complex health or psychosocial needs
- Families who need guidance navigating providers
For many, support coordination reduces stress and prevents funding from being underused or mismanaged.
How NDIS funding covers support coordination
NDIS support coordination is funded under Capacity Building – Support Coordination. Funding levels depend on assessed need and plan complexity.
Key points to understand:
- Funding is time-limited and goal-focused
- It is separate from Core Supports
- It cannot be delivered by the same provider delivering direct support, to avoid conflicts of interest
Funding must be used to build the participant’s ability to manage supports, not to replace that independence long-term.
Choosing the right support coordinator
Choosing a support coordinator is about trust, experience, and communication. A reliable coordinator should:
- Be independent and impartial
- Understand NDIS rules and compliance
- Communicate clearly and respectfully
- Advocate for participant choice and control
Participants have the right to change coordinators if the service no longer meets their needs.
Frequently asked questions
No. It is only included in plans where the NDIS considers it reasonable and necessary.
No. Coordinators must remain independent from direct service delivery.
Yes. Participants can change coordinators at any time.
It may end once goals are achieved, or it may continue if ongoing coordination is required.
Yes, provided the coordinator operates within the participant’s region.
Ethical support coordination built on trust
At Bliss Disability Care Services, NDIS support coordination is delivered with professionalism, transparency, and respect. The focus remains on empowering participants to understand their plans, make informed choices, and build long-term independence.
Participants, families, and carers are supported through clear guidance, ethical practice, and a strong understanding of the NDIS—so support coordination works as it should.
