Everything you need to know about NDIS Support Coordination

December 9, 2020

So you have funding for Coordination of Supports? Here’s what you need to know! 

If you have received funding for ‘Coordination of Supports’ in your first NDIS plan but aren’t sure what it means, then you’ve come to the right place! In this blog we’ll take you through the ins and outs of disability support coordination so you can go into your plan with confidence.

Disability support coordination is a NDIS support that is carried out by a Support Coordinator. Unlike funding for Plan Management, which can be requested by anyone, NDIS funding for support coordination is provided on a case by case basis, often only for temporary periods of time when you first start your plan or go through a significant change in circumstances. 

Here are some things you need to know about support coordination. 

What does a Support Coordinator do?
The primary role of an NDIS Support Coordinator is to help you understand how your NDIS plan works and put your supports into action. 

Support Coordinators are NDIS plan experts, making them the best people to speak to about your plan. Their job is to make your plan as easy to understand as possible and connect you with service providers to deliver the supports you need, in a way that works for you.

The role of a Support Coordinator is not to take away your independence, but to assist you in developing the skills you need to understand and make decisions about your plan. Receiving assistance from a Support Coordinator helps to build your independence and achieve your long-term goals. 

Another role that a Support Coordinators plays is helping you connect with the right disability support services in your local area. This is an important role as they can help to ensure that you are receiving the right disability support services for your needs.  

I have funding for Coordination of Supports, but how do I know if it’s right for me? 

There are many benefits of having access to personalised support from a qualified NDIS Support Coordinator. If you have been allocated funding for Coordination of Supports (Support Coordination) within your NDIS plan, that means your local area coordinator or NDIA representative considers this support important to help you achieve your goals. 

At Disability Plan Services, our experienced team of Support Coordinators believe that everyone has the right to make decisions about their life. Our experienced and qualified NDIS Support Coordinators care about connecting you with the best disability support services and providing you with support throughout your NDIS journey.  

Our Support Coordinators will help bring you closer to achieving your goals by ensuring your negotiating the best arrangements with your service providers, preparing you for upcoming plan reviews, and assisting you in times of need. 

To get the best out of your NDIS plan, you need to be able to understand it. That’s why Support Coordinators will communicate with you in a language that you understand, so that you make decisions about your plan.  

How can I receive NDIS funding for Support Coordination?  

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, temporary changes were made to the way NDIS funding works. These changes were implemented in March 2020 and include more flexibility with funding to make it easier for participants to access support coordination. While this temporary change is active, anyone with an NDIS plan and funding in their Core budget can access funding for support coordination. 

Normally, funding for NDIS support coordination is provided if it is deemed ‘reasonable and necessary’ to meet your goals. To be able to access the funding, NDIS participants usually must meet the following criteria: 

• You are new to the NDIS and need help understanding your plan
• You have high or complex needs
• You have just gone through or are expected to go through a considerable life event such as moving out of home for the first time
• Many of the people in your immediate family also have disabilities
• You don’t have family support nearby

For help accessing your Core budget to pay for support coordination, talk to our team today. 

The difference between Support Coordination and Plan Management

It is a common misconception that NDIS plan managers and support coordinators provide the same service. Although ultimately their objectives may be the same, how plan managers and support coordinators work with you to help achieve your goals is different.

Although plan management and support coordination is both within the category of capacity building supports, funding is allocated differently based on your needs. 

Ultimately, plan management is all about how you choose to look after your NDIS plan funding, and support coordination is getting help to put your plan into action with the right service providers. To learn more about the differences between plan management and support coordination, read our blog. 

Whether you’re looking to ask a question, request information or get some independent, honest advice – the team at Disability Plan Services is always happy to have a chat! Get in touch with our friendly team on 1800 312 870 or email info@disabilityplanservices.com.au.