Support Coordination vs Specialist Support Coordination: what's the difference?
Not sure which type of coordination is right for your situation? A plain-language guide to the difference and when each might appear in your plan.
If you’ve looked at your NDIS plan and seen funding for “Support Coordination,” you might have noticed there are actually two types: Support Coordination and Specialist Support Coordination. These are distinct supports, funded differently, and suited to different situations.
This is a general guide to both. Thrive Pathways does not provide Support Coordination — we deliver community programs and core supports directly. But we know many of our participants and their families have questions about how different NDIS support types work, so here’s a plain-language explainer.
Support Coordination
Support Coordination (also called Level 2 coordination) is designed to help participants:
- Understand and implement their NDIS plan
- Connect with providers and community supports
- Coordinate multiple services so they work together
- Develop their capacity to manage their own supports over time
- Prepare for plan reviews
It’s suited to participants who need help navigating their plan, finding providers, and staying organised across multiple supports.
Where it’s funded: Under the Capacity Building budget, in the Support Coordination category.
Specialist Support Coordination
Specialist Support Coordination (Level 3) is for participants who face more complex barriers to implementing their plan, for example, those with:
- Significant mental health needs alongside disability
- Complex family or living situations
- Risks that require a higher level of expertise to manage
- Multiple service systems involved (health, justice, housing, child protection)
Specialist Support Coordinators are required to have specialist qualifications in areas like social work, psychology, or allied health.
Where it’s funded: Also under Capacity Building, but under a separate line item: Specialist Support Coordination.
Which one do I need?
Most participants will benefit from Support Coordination (Level 2). If your situation involves significant complexity or risk, your planner or LAC may recommend Specialist Support Coordination.
It’s also worth knowing that you can have both — some plans include funding for both levels, with a Specialist Coordinator managing complex aspects while a Support Coordinator handles day-to-day plan implementation.
If you’re unsure what’s in your plan or which level is right for you, speak with your LAC, plan manager, or an NDIS Support Coordinator in your area.
Looking for community programs or core supports? Find out what Thrive Pathways offers.
Found this useful?
Subscribe to our newsletter and we'll send you NDIS updates like this straight to your inbox. No spam, just practical information.