If you've recently received an NDIS plan, or you're preparing for one, you've probably come across the term "support coordinator." Many participants aren't sure exactly what this person does, whether they need one, or how to choose the right one. This guide breaks it down clearly.
What Is a Support Coordinator?
A support coordinator is a professional funded through your NDIS plan whose job is to help you understand, implement, and get the most out of your plan. They're not a support worker, they don't provide hands-on care. Instead, they help you navigate the NDIS system and connect you with the right services.
Think of a support coordinator as a knowledgeable guide who knows the NDIS landscape and can help you find the best path through it.
What Does a Support Coordinator Actually Do?
Support coordinators help with a wide range of tasks, including:
1. Helping You Understand Your Plan
When your NDIS plan arrives, it can be overwhelming. A support coordinator sits with you (or your family/carer) and explains:
- What each funding category covers
- How much funding you have in each area
- What you can and can't use it for
- When your plan review is scheduled
2. Finding and Connecting You to Services
This is one of the most valuable things a support coordinator does. They help you find and connect with:
- Support workers and care agencies
- Therapists (OTs, physios, speech pathologists)
- SDA providers for housing
- Community programs and social groups
- Equipment and assistive technology suppliers
They research options, contact providers on your behalf, and help you compare services so you can make an informed choice.
3. Setting Up Service Agreements
Once you've chosen a provider, a support coordinator helps you set up the right service agreement: a written document that outlines what services you'll receive, at what cost, and how often. This is an important step to ensure you're not overcharged and that providers are clear on their obligations.
4. Managing Your Plan Budget
Support coordinators help you track your spending and make sure your funding lasts until your next plan review. They'll alert you if you're underspending (so you can get more from your plan at review) or overspending (so you can adjust before running out).
5. Helping With Plan Reviews
Your NDIS plan is typically reviewed every 1–3 years. A good support coordinator will:
- Help you gather evidence from your providers and therapists
- Document what's working and what needs to change
- Advocate for increased funding if your needs have grown
- Prepare you for the review meeting
6. Problem Solving
When things go wrong, a provider cancels, a service isn't meeting your needs, or you're having trouble accessing funding, a support coordinator steps in to help resolve the issue.
Do I Need a Support Coordinator?
Not every NDIS participant has a support coordinator. The NDIS funds support coordination for participants who have more complex needs or who need extra help navigating the system.
You're more likely to receive support coordination funding if:
- You have a complex disability with multiple support needs
- You're transitioning from another system (hospital, youth justice, out-of-home care)
- You have limited informal support (family, friends)
- You're trying to access specialised supports like SDA housing or complex assistive technology
If support coordination is in your plan, it will appear as a line item under Capacity Building: Support Coordination.
What's the Difference Between Support Coordination and Specialist Support Coordination?
There are two levels:
Support Coordination is for participants with moderate complexity. The coordinator helps you find and implement supports across multiple providers.
Specialist Support Coordination is for participants with very high or complex needs, such as those with a history of mental health crisis, justice involvement, or who are at risk of homelessness. Specialist support coordinators have higher qualifications and experience.
How to Choose a Good Support Coordinator
Not all support coordinators are equal. Here are some things to look for:
- NDIS registered: always use a registered provider for peace of mind
- Local knowledge: a Perth-based coordinator who knows local services and providers
- Good communication: responsive, clear, and honest about what they can and can't do
- No conflict of interest: your support coordinator should be independent from the providers they recommend
You can search for registered support coordinators through the NDIS Provider Finder.
Support Coordinators and SDA Housing
If you're eligible for Specialist Disability Accommodation, your support coordinator plays a critical role in helping you find and access the right property. They can:
- Check which SDA design category your plan includes
- Research available properties in Perth that match your needs
- Contact SDA providers like Innogreen on your behalf
- Coordinate property tours and tenancy documentation
- Liaise with your OT to ensure the property meets your functional needs
For a full breakdown of the SDA search process, see our guide on how to find SDA housing in Perth.
If you're a support coordinator looking to refer a participant to Innogreen, visit our Support Coordinators page for more information on our referral process and current SDA vacancies.
Getting the Most From Your Support Coordinator
A great support coordinator can make a significant difference to your NDIS experience. To get the most out of the relationship:
- Be honest about your goals: the more they understand what you want to achieve, the better they can advocate for you
- Ask questions: there are no dumb questions when it comes to your plan
- Keep records: save emails and meeting notes so there's a clear trail of decisions made
- Review regularly: check in with your coordinator at least monthly to track your plan spending
If your current support coordinator isn't meeting your needs, you have the right to change providers at any time.