Support Coordination… What You Need to Know

If you are an NDIS participant or a potential NDIS participant, chances are you’ve heard of Support Coordination. But do you know what the specific role of a Support Coordinator is, how they can help you, and how you can be funded for Support Coordination in your NDIS plan? We are here to give you the lowdown on Support Coordination and dispel any misconception you may have.

Young woman with disability in meeting on her laptop

What is Support Coordination?

Support Coordination is a type of support that can be included in an NDIS plan under Capacity Building supports. A Support Coordinator can assist you to:

• Understand your plan and the NDIS, including how to implement it and navigate the NDIS portal

• Manage and connect you with supports

• Help to build your skills to live more independently

• Write progress reports to the NDIS, including if you have needs that are not being met or funding needs

• Prepare you for plan reviews, including organising reports from your providers

However, unlike funding for Plan Management, Support Coordination funding is provided on a case-by-case basis. This means that you can request that Support Coordination be included in your NDIS plan during your planning meeting, but it is up to the NDIA to decide whether you will receive funding for Support Coordination in your NDIS plan or not.

Am I eligible for Support Coordination?

Support Coordination is only funded for NDIS participants who meet the NDIA’s criteria for Support Coordination. To determine whether a participant would benefit from Support Coordination, the NDIA consider the following:

• If participant is new to the NDIS and needs help understanding their plan

• If they have high or complex needs

• If they have recently gone through or are expected to go through a significant life change

• If they don’t have an informal support network (family/friends) nearby or it is not reasonable or possible for their informal network to provide this type of support

If you believe that you would benefit from Support Coordination, speak with your Local Area Coordinator or NDIA planner and explain to them why you would like Support Coordination included in your plan.

How Can I Find a Support Coordinator?

There are plenty of Support Coordinators to choose from, which you can find by searching online, asking friends, family and your community, or by speaking with your First2Care Client Manager or our Support Team for recommendations.

When you do have some recommendations, it’s important to choose the right Support Coordinator to suit your needs.

Here are 10 key questions you may consider asking your potential Support Coordinator:

1. How long have you been offering Support Coordination as a service?

2. How well do you know the National Disability Insurance Agency’s (NDIA’s) systems and requirements?

3. Have you worked with people similar to me before? (Goals, interests, family or living situation, age, disability type, support needs, etc.)

4. How much success have you had helping people achieve their goals? Are you able to provide some examples?

5. What ideas do you have around how we would achieve my goals?

6. How well do you know the supports and services in my local area, and the providers and services that I’m thinking of using?

7. What success have you had in negotiating service delivery, agreements, and prices on behalf of other participants?

8. Are you experienced in, and know the requirements for applications and documents within the NDIS?

9. What are your prices? How will you charge me? What is included?

10. What is your notice period for ending our service agreement, should I wish to change to another Support Coordinator?

What Makes a Great Support Coordinator?

A great Support Coordinator will know all the details of your plan, how they can help you maximise your plan, and they will get to know you as well.

Your Support Coordinator should know where to find supports in your area, specifically supports that suit your needs, and can negotiate with them to ensure you are getting the best deal. Being able to communicate clearly with you as well as your support team, including support workers, providers and your Plan Manager, is very important to help ensure that you are getting the best support possible,

Ultimately, your Support Coordinator should help you to feel empowered and guide you to building your independence.

Read more about the benefits of working with an independent, professional Plan Manager. Alternatively, contact our friendly team on 1300 322 273 or support@first2care.com.au.