If you’re using the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), it’s important to understand how Support Coordination works and what it might cost you. With so much funding going into participant plans each year, knowing where your money goes and how to get the most out of it can make a big difference to the support you receive.
Support Coordination is one of the main services available through the NDIS. It helps participants make the most of their plan by linking them with the right services, speaking up on their behalf, and helping them build the skills to manage their supports.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the costs of Support Coordination in 2024–25, how it’s funded, how prices can vary, and share simple tips to help you get real value from your plan.
Understanding NDIS Support Coordination
What is Support Coordination?
Support Coordination is a capacity-building service that helps participants implement their NDIS plan, linking them with the right services and helping build the skills required to manage support independently in the future.
There are three levels of Support Coordination:
Level 1: Support Connection
This entry-level service helps participants build confidence and develop basic skills to connect with providers and understand their NDIS plan. Generally provided during early stages or for those needing minimal help.
Level 2: Coordination of Supports
This is the most common form of Support Coordination. It includes managing various service providers, ensuring service delivery aligns with the participant’s goals, and building capacity for independence.
Level 3: Specialist Support Coordination
Reserved for participants with complex or high-risk needs, this level requires experienced professionals (often allied health or mental health trained) to design service responses, manage crises, and navigate complex service environments.
Each level aims to empower participants, but the complexity of needs determines the appropriate tier and cost.
How NDIS Support Coordination Is Funded
Plan Budget Categories
Support Coordination sits within the Capacity Building budget, specifically under the “Support Coordination” line item. Unlike Core supports (which are often more flexible), funds for Support Coordination are typically fixed and itemised, and cannot be transferred from other categories.
Funding Mechanisms
- NDIA-managed: The NDIA pays providers directly. Participants have limited control over provider choice.
- Plan-managed: An intermediary (Plan Manager) pays invoices on the participant’s behalf, offering greater flexibility and support.
- Self-managed: Participants pay and claim funds directly, allowing maximum choice, but requiring more administration.
Plan Allocation
During your planning or plan review meeting, the NDIA determines the amount of Support Coordination funding based on your needs, goals, and risk profile. Evidence from therapists, GPs, or existing support workers can help justify the inclusion and appropriate level of Support Coordination.
How Much Does NDIS Support Coordination Cost in 2024–25?
Updated Pricing
For the 2024–25 financial year, the NDIS Price Guide has updated some rates:
- Level 1 (Support Connection): Increased to ~$77/hour (previously ~$74.63)
- Level 2 (Coordination of Supports): Remains ~$100/hour
- Level 3 (Specialist Support Coordination): Continues at ~$190/hour
These are national base rates for non-remote areas.
Location-Based Pricing
Participants in remote or very remote locations are entitled to higher hourly rates:
- For example, Level 3 in very remote areas can attract up to ~$285.80/hour, reflecting increased costs of service delivery.
Pricing source:
1. https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/pricing-arrangements
2. https://dhsdisabilityservices.sa.gov.au/about-us/ndis-schedule-of-rates-24
Additional Cost Components
Beyond hourly rates, providers may also bill for:
- Travel time: If visiting participants in-person (capped by geographic rules)
- Vehicle costs: Per kilometre vehicle reimbursement (varies by region)
- Scheduling/Admin: Some admin tasks are billable, though not all are claimable unless linked to direct participant benefit
Always check your Service Agreement to clarify what’s billable.
How Much Support Coordination Could Your NDIS Plan Cover?
For example, let’s say your NDIS plan includes 20 hours per week of Level 1 Support Coordination.
That’s:
- 20 hours/week × 52 weeks = 1,040 hours/year
- At $77/hour, that equates to $80,000 annually
However, most participants are funded for significantly fewer hours. For instance:
- Moderate needs may attract ~50–100 hours/year
- Complex plans may see ~150–200 hours/year
The actual allocation depends on the participant’s goals, functional capacity, living situation, and support network.
Is Your Support Coordination Worth the Cost?
A growing concern in the disability community is the proportion of NDIS funding allocated to administrative services, including Support Coordination and Plan Management. In 2023, reports suggested over $1 billion of participant funds went to so-called “middlemen.”
The Debate
Pros:
- Support Coordinators offer expert guidance, protect participants from fraud, and help avoid service duplication.
- They play a vital role in plan implementation, especially for people with limited informal support networks.
Cons:
- Some argue these services are costly and inefficient.
- There’s growing scrutiny about whether funds are best used on coordination or direct therapies/supports.
Assessing Value
To determine whether your Support Coordinator is providing real value:
- Are they actively helping you achieve goals?
- Do they offer transparent communication and clear reporting?
- Can they justify their hours?
If not, consider reviewing your provider or level of coordination.
How to Apply for NDIS Support Coordination If It’s Not in Your Plan
Support Coordination isn’t included in every NDIS plan — you need to ask for it and show it’s needed. Here’s a quick guide to help you access it:
Be an NDIS Participant: You must have an approved NDIS plan to request Support Coordination.
Explain Why You Need It: At your planning or review meeting, tell the NDIA why you need this support.
Reasons may include:
- Complex needs
- Limited informal supports (e.g., no family help)
- Multiple services to coordinate
Provide Evidence: Bring letters or reports from your GP, therapist, or support worker that explain your situation and why coordination would help.
Ask for it in the Meeting: Clearly request Support Coordination during your plan or review meeting. The NDIA will decide based on your goals and needs.
Check Your Plan: If approved, Support Coordination will be listed under your Capacity Building – Support Coordination budget.
Choose a Provider: You can find a registered NDIS Support Coordinator through the NDIS website or get help from your LAC or Plan Manager.
Sign a Service Agreement: Before starting, sign an agreement that outlines what the coordinator will do and their rates (within NDIS price limits).
Start Support Coordination: Once agreed, your coordinator can help you connect with services, manage your supports, and build your confidence over time.
How Can You Make the Most of Your NDIS Support Coordination?
Choose the Right Level
Don’t overfund for complexity you don’t have. Level 3 should only be used for very high-risk needs. If you’re mostly independent, Level 1 or 2 is more appropriate.
Compare Providers
Interview multiple providers. Ask:
- What’s your experience with participants like me?
- Can you provide examples of past success?
- What are your billing practices?
Negotiate Rates
Providers can charge under the capped rate. Especially in metro areas where competition is high, some are willing to offer discounts.
Plan Effectively
At your NDIS planning meeting:
- Provide letters of support (e.g., from a GP or psychologist)
- Explain why you need coordination
- Be specific about the level and hours you require
Consider Self-Management
If you’re comfortable managing invoices, self-management avoids fees from Plan Managers and gives you direct control over who provides your coordination services.
Choose SafeLane Healthcare for NDIS Support Coordination
We understand that every NDIS journey is unique, and so are the challenges that come with it. As a trusted provider of Disability Support Coordination in Melbourne, our mission is to walk alongside participants with empathy, clarity, and unwavering support.
Our dedicated team is here to ensure you receive the right support at the right time. We take the time to understand your goals, advocate on your behalf, and connect you with quality services that align with your values.
Safelane Healthcare supports NDIA-managed, Plan-managed, and Self-managed participants, offering transparent, compassionate coordination that puts your well-being first. Contact us for NDIS Support Coordination, or call us on 13 0010 9333 for inquiries.
How You Can Stay Up to Date With NDIS Pricing and Changes
NDIS pricing and policies are updated annually on 1 July. For 2024–25, the NDIA has made moderate adjustments but has flagged more substantive reforms in 2025 to improve scheme sustainability and eliminate inefficiencies.
To stay up to date:
- Visit ndis.gov.au regularly
- Subscribe to NDIA updates
- Review your plan annually and request a review if your needs change
Common Questions About NDIS Support Coordination
Can I negotiate prices?
Yes. While there are upper limits, providers can offer services at lower rates, particularly relevant for self-managed or plan-managed participants.
What happens if travel costs exceed my plan?
Travel must be pre-approved in your Service Agreement. If not covered, you may be liable for the excess.
Is Level 3 always justified?
No. Level 3 is for high complexity cases. Over-allocation could lead to waste and undersupply in areas of real need.
Can Support Coordination be funded from the Core Budget?
Partially, yes—but only under specific circumstances, such as urgent or one-off needs. Most funding comes from the Capacity Building category.
Wrap-up
Support Coordination is a key NDIS support that helps participants connect with services and build their capacity. It’s funded under the Capacity Building budget and offered in three levels, depending on individual needs. For 2024–25, hourly rates range from $77 to $190, with higher pricing in remote areas.
To get the best value from your plan, choose your provider carefully, understand your funding, and don’t hesitate to ask questions or negotiate where possible. Whether you’re new to the NDIS or preparing for a plan review, taking an active role in your supports can help you make the most of your funding.
