NDIS Support Coordination

The NDIS support coordination program was developed to help participants make the best use out of their NDIS plans. Through NDIS support coordination, participants are able to find a better understanding of what NDIS can offer them and how the NDIS can support their goals.  

 An NDIS support coordinator can help you connect with the right providers within your local community and government. Support coordination provides participants with the confidence and skills to efficiently address their needs. 

Types of NDIS Support Coordination 

 The NDIS enables varying levels of support coordination, consisting of the following three types:  

• Support Connection – At the preliminary level, support connection can assist participants in building connections through informal community resources and NDIS-funded support. 
• Support Coordination – At the secondary level, support coordination introduces skill-building exercises intended to help participants better understand the NDIS plans and their associated benefits. Your support coordinator will guide you in managing your relationships with providers, keeping track of service delivery tasks, and engaging with your local community outlets. 
• Specialist Support Coordination – At the highest level, your support coordinator can assess challenges and determine the best plan of action. This level of support is typically reserved for participants experiencing complex situations, requiring specialist support. A specialist support coordinator may also be able to assist participants in specific goals, such as finding a suitable home and/or living aids.

Participants are highly encouraged to utilize the support coordination function and funding to seek knowledge, manage challenges, and ensure swift resolutions to address specific needs. 

Related Articles:

• What is the NDIS? – National Disability Insurance Scheme
• NDIS Independent Assessment – Access & Eligibility Policy 
• NDIS Practice Standards, Quality Indicators, Your Rights & Responsibilities 
• NDIS Service Agreement: What They Are & Benefits
• NDIS Price Guide 2021/2022: Pricing Information & Changes 

How can I connect with an NDIS support coordinator?

 Support coordination providers can be either registered with NDIS or unregistered. There are a few different ways in which participants can get connected with a support coordinator. First, a participant can reach out to their planner who will be able to get them in contact with a support coordinator. If you do not yet have an NDIS planner, you can connect with a support coordinator through the provider tool on the NDIS website. 

To get started with the NDIS provider tool, review the guided steps below:  

1. Choose the registration group that best suits your search. Registration groups are based on support types: – For Level 1 and Level 2, Support Connection and Support Coordination respectively, choose the “Assistance in coordinating or managing life stages/transitions and supports” group. For Level 3, Specialist Support Coordination, choose the “Support Coordination” group. 
2. Create a request for service through any of the following channels: Request a registered provider through your MyPlace/NDIS Portal. Request an unregistered provider by emailing that provider’s support staff 

 Upon connecting with your support coordinator, it is important to establish a service agreement. Your service agreement should outline any and all services that will be provided by your support coordinator, how each communication will take place (e.g., in-person meetings, via phone call or video call), and the expected term in which your support coordinator will be assigned to you. Be sure to include information pertaining to resolution practices in the event of an issue. A service agreement should include who is authorized to view and share your plan, as well as procedural information for the scenario in which you may choose to change or cancel support coordination services. 

Related Categories:

• Living Aids 
• Mobility/Walking Aids 
• Specialty Seating 
• Bathroom Equipment
• Bedroom Equipment 
• Wheelchairs 
• Hoists/Slings 

How can I have support coordination included in my NDIS plan?

Funding for your NDIS support coordinator will be based upon what costs are deemed reasonable and necessary to support your goals. The funding for your support coordination will be included as a fixed amount within your plan’s Capacity Building Budget. 

Some plans may limit the level of support coordination that can be funded without additional financial input from participants. If your support coordination level is limited by your plan, you will have the option to contribute an additional amount towards a higher level of support coordination. 

Can I change support coordinators?

 Yes, participants can switch support coordinators at any time over the duration of your plan. If you are interested in changing your support coordinator, first reach out to your current support coordinator and notify them of your request to change. Your current NDIS support coordinator will provide you with further instructions guiding your transition, as outlined in your service agreement. 

 The current support coordinator is required to provide a report to the new support coordinator, outlining your history and specific needs. A copy of this report will also be provided to the NDIA. 

Additional Resources  

Patient Handling, Australia’s leading supplier of disability and mobility aids, is a registered NDIS provider. Patient Handling can help you understand the benefits of NDIS and connect you with an NDIS support coordinator. You can contact Patient Handling by calling 1300 734 862.  

Check out the Patient Handling blog to “Understand the NDIS and How You Can Benefit From It.” For more details on product coverage, read “What Mobility and Transfer Products Are Covered by NDIS.” 

Further Assistance

For more information about the NDIS support coordination, visit the NDIS Website or contact NDIS support at 1800 800 110 (Operating Hours: 8am – 8pm, Monday to Friday). If you require additional  assistance, please contact myGov support or call at 1300 169 486 (Operating Hours: 7am – 10pm, Monday to Friday and 10am – 5pm, Saturdays and Sundays AEST).