Support Coordination is probably something you’ve heard of if you’re an NDIS participant or a prospective NDIS participant. But do you know what a Support Coordinator’s function is, how they may help you, and how Support Coordination can be funded in your NDIS plan? We’re here to clear up any misunderstandings you might have about Support Coordination.

What is Support Coordination?

Support Coordination is a sort of Capacity Building support included in an NDIS plan. A Support Coordinator can help you with the following:

• Understand your plan and the NDIS, as well as how to execute it and how to use the NDIS portal
• Manage and connect you with supports
• Assist in developing your skills so that you can live more independently.
• Write to the NDIS on your progress, including any unmet needs or funding requirements.
• Prepare for plan reviews by gathering reports from your providers and organising them.

Unlike Plan Management funding, Support Coordination funding is granted on a case-by-case basis. This means that you can ask for Support Coordination to be included in your NDIS plan at your planning meeting, but the NDIA will determine whether or not you will get funding for Support Coordination in your NDIS plan.

Is Support Coordination accessible to me?

Support Coordination is only available to NDIS participants who meet the NDIA’s eligibility requirements. The NDIA considers the following factors when determining whether a participant would benefit from Support Coordination:

• If the participant is new to the NDIS and requires assistance in comprehending their plan.
• If they have complex needs.
• If they have recently had or are about to experience a huge life change.
• If they don’t have a local informal support network (family/friends) or if their informal network is unable to provide this type of support.

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If you believe Support Coordination will benefit you, meet with your Local Area Coordinator or NDIA planner and explain why you want Support Coordination included in your plan.

What’s the Best Way to Find a Support Coordinator?

You can locate Support Coordinators by searching online, asking friends, family, and neighbours for referrals, or speaking with your PSS Client Manager or our Support Team for recommendations.

It’s critical to choose the best Support Coordinator for your needs once you’ve received some recommendations.

Here are ten important questions to ask your potential Support Coordinator:

1. When did you start providing Support Coordination as a service?
2. How well do you understand the procedures and requirements of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA)? How successful have you been when negotiating service delivery, agreements, and rates on behalf of other participants?
3. Are you familiar with the NDIS’s application and document criteria and have experience with them?
4. How much do you charge? What method will you use to charge me? What is included in the package?
5. If I decide to change Support Coordinators, what is your notice period for terminating our service agreement?
6. Have you ever worked with people who are similar to me? (Goals, interests, family or living environment, age, disability type, support requirements, and so on.)
7. How successful have you been in assisting others in achieving their goal? Are you able to give some specific examples?
8. What suggestions do you have for achieving my goal?
9. How well do you know the supports and disability services available in my locality, as well as the providers and services I’m considering using?
10. How successful have you been when negotiating service delivery, agreements, and rates on behalf of other participants?

What makes a good Support Coordinator?

A good Support Coordinator will be familiar with all of the intricacies of your plan and how they can assist you in maximising it. They will also get to know you.

Your Support Coordinator should be able to direct you to local supports, specifically those that meet your needs and can negotiate with them to ensure you get the best bargain. It’s critical to communicate clearly with you and your support team, which includes support workers, providers, and your Plan Manager, to ensure that you’re getting the best care possible.

Finally, your Support Coordinator should assist you in feeling empowered and gaining independence.

Support from a team who cares

Are you feeling overwhelmed by your NDIS plan? Are you struggling to find the right provider for the disability services you need? Support Coordinators from Personalised Support Services can help clarify everything for you.

Our coordinators can connect you with any disability services and assist you with applying and understanding your NDIS plan. With a personalised schedule, you can be sure that our highly skilled and experienced Support Coordinators will help simplify the process no matter what your goals are.

Contact us, and our team would be happy to assist you!