Applying for Specialist Support Coordination

October 11, 2021

At Disability Plan Services, we offer a range of different supports to suit all types of needs, no matter what your circumstances may be. If you or your child is experiences barriers to accessing support, either caused by your living arrangements or mental wellbeing, then you may be eligible for our complex case management program. 

For people living with high or complex needs, our team of experienced Specialist Support Coordinators can help you to overcome your barriers to accessing support and work with you to achieve your goals.

Keep reading to discover whether you are eligible for this type of support and how you can apply. 

What is Specialist Support Coordination? 

Specialist support coordination, also known as Complex Case Management, is a higher level of support coordination. The NDIS describes support coordination as a support that “assists you to build the skills you need to understand, implement and use your plan.” 

Specialist support coordination is often carrier out by a specialist with NDIS support coordinator qualifications and experience in a range of health sectors that may include:

• Accreditation with Registration body for Social Work (AASW), Psychology (AHPRA) or other related field
• Mental health training
• Occupational therapy qualification

A capacity-building support, specialist support coordinators help by building capacity and resilience for when stress levels rise and communication breaks down, and are experienced in responding to crisis situations. As part of our complex case management program, at Disability Plan Services our specialist support coordinators will work with you, your client, or your loved one to help you achieve your goals. 

To find out more about the different categories of support coordination, read our blog. 

Am I eligible for Specialist Support Coordination? 

Specialist support coordination qualifications is designed for participants with complex or high care circumstances. If you have more complex care needs, such as mental health concerns, or barriers with your living arrangement that prevent you from achieving your goals, then you may be eligible for specialist support coordination. 

A funded category within the capacity building budget of the NDIS, it’s important to understand the eligibility requirements to know whether you can access funding. 

If you are experiencing one or more of the following then you may be eligible: 

• You live at home with parents or guardians who also have a disability
• You suffer from one or more mental health illness
• You live in supported independent living NDIS with complex or high needs
• You experience a crisis or a time-sensitive situation 

For more information on whether you are eligible for specialist support coordination, talk to your local area coordinator or give our friendly team a call on 1800 312 870 or email info@disabilityplanservices.com.au. 

How can I apply for Specialist Support Coordination?

If you believe you are eligible for specialist support coordination, then you can apply for funding to be included in your next NDIS plan. If you, your client or your loved one is already receiving NDIS funding but believe you need to have additional funding allocated for specialist support coordination then you will need to request an early plan review. 

You can request a plan review at any time by completing the change of circumstances form. Click here to read more on the NDIS website. 

If you are new to the NDIS and are yet to apply to join, follow these steps:

1. Confirm your eligibility here
2. Once you are confident you are eligible, make an Access Request by calling 1800 800 110 or click here to complete the form and email it to NAT@ndis.gov.au  
3. Compile and present relevant supporting information about your disability

Read our full guide to applying for NDIS funding here.

Our Complex Case Management Program 

Once you have been granted funding from the NDIS with allocated supports for specialist support coordination, you can now begin your journey with the team at Disability Plan Services.   

At Disability Plan Services, our experienced team of specialist support coordinators take the time to know you and understand your barriers. This expertise ensures we can connect you with the best possible disability support services to reach your goals.

If you have a disability that affects your ability to reach us, or are living in supported independent living NDIS, our team can come to you! Alternatively, if you are experiencing an urgent crisis, our team can act quickly to connect you with the specialist support you need.

By developing a complex case management program to suit your individual situation and needs, we can identify the actions and supports required to help manage your barriers and achieve your goals. Our complex case management process always puts your health and wellbeing first.

For more information on specialist support coordination and our complex case management program, get in touch with Disability Plan Services by calling 1800 312 870 or email info@disabilityplanservices.com.au.