Support Coordination vs Specialist Support Coordination vs Local Area Coordination: Your Guide to Navigating NDIS Supports

Navigating your NDIS plan involves different types of help, and understanding the distinct roles is your first step to getting the right support. Support Coordination is a funded capacity-building support that helps you use your plan. A Support Coordinator helps you understand your plan, find and connect with service providers, and build your skills to manage your supports independently over time.

Specialist Support Coordination is a higher level of support coordination for participants facing complex barriers. This includes situations with complex legal, health, or family dynamics, high psychosocial needs, or significant risk of harm. A Specialist Support Coordinator has specific expertise to manage these challenges and reduce complexity in your support environment.

Local Area Coordination (LAC) is not a funded support in your plan. LACs are Partners in the Community, employed by organisations contracted by the NDIA. Their role is broader: they help you access the NDIS, develop your plan, and connect you with both NDIS and mainstream community supports (like health, education, or housing). They do not help you implement your plan day-to-day.