If you or someone you support has an National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan, you may have seen funding listed for Support Coordination. But what does that actually mean? And what is the difference between Level 1 (Support Connection), Level 2 (Support Coordination), and Level 3 (Specialist Support Coordination)?

Understanding these levels is essential for participants, families, carers, and service providers — especially when trying to build capacity, increase independence, and get the most value from an NDIS plan.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down:

• What Support Coordination is
• The difference between Level 1, 2, and 3
• Who each level is suitable for
• Real-life examples
• How funding works
• When to request a change in level
• FAQs for participants and families

What Is Support Coordination in the NDIS?

Support Coordination is a capacity-building support funded under the NDIS. Its purpose is to:

• Help participants understand their NDIS plan
• Connect them with appropriate service providers
• Build confidence in managing supports
• Develop skills to increase independence
• Ensure services work together effectively

It is not direct support (like personal care or therapy). Instead, it focuses on organising, coordinating, and strengthening your support network.

Level 1: Support Connection

What Is Level 1?

Level 1, known as Support Connection, is the most basic level of coordination support.

It is designed to help participants:

• Understand their NDIS plan
• Connect with service providers
• Start implementing supports
• Build confidence in navigating the NDIS system

This level is generally short-term and focused on helping participants get started.

Who Is Level 1 Suitable For?

Level 1 is ideal for participants who:

• Have relatively straightforward support needs
• Have strong family or informal support networks
• Are confident making decisions
• Do not require complex service coordination
• Mainly need help finding providers

Example Scenario

Sarah receives a new NDIS plan with funding for therapy and community access. She lives with her parents, who are proactive and organised. Sarah just needs help:

• Finding a speech therapist
• Connecting with a local day program
• Understanding how to use her funding

A Level 1 Support Connection provider helps her get started, then gradually steps back as she becomes confident.

What Does Level 1 Include?

• Explaining plan budgets
• Connecting participants to providers
• Helping compare services
• Basic problem-solving
• Guidance on service agreements

It does not usually involve:

• Crisis management
• Complex stakeholder meetings
• Intensive coordination
• High-level risk management

Level 2: Support Coordination

What Is Level 2?

Level 2, commonly referred to as Support Coordination, is the most common level funded in NDIS plans.

This level provides more structured and ongoing assistance to ensure:

• Supports are implemented effectively
• Services communicate and work together
• Barriers are addressed
• Participants build independence over time

Who Is Level 2 Suitable For?

Level 2 is appropriate for participants who:

• Have multiple service providers
• Experience moderate complexity
• Need ongoing coordination
• May face barriers accessing services
• Need help navigating changes

Example Scenario

James has:

• Occupational therapy
• Psychology
• A support worker team
• Assistive technology funding
• Behaviour support

His parents work full-time and struggle to coordinate appointments and service agreements. James also finds change overwhelming.

A Level 2 Support Coordinator:

• Organises case meetings
• Ensures providers communicate
• Monitors progress
• Helps resolve service issues
• Supports plan reviews

What Does Level 2 Include?

• Developing a support implementation plan
• Coordinating multiple services
• Monitoring service delivery
• Crisis planning (non-specialist level)
• Supporting plan reviews
• Strengthening informal networks
• Building participant decision-making skills

Level 2 focuses on building long-term capacity, not creating dependency.

Level 3: Specialist Support Coordination

What Is Level 3?

Level 3, known as Specialist Support Coordination, is the highest and most intensive level of coordination.

It is designed for participants with:

• High complexity
• Significant risks
• Complex behavioural needs
• Safeguarding concerns
• Crisis situations
• System breakdown

Who Is Level 3 Suitable For?

Level 3 is generally funded when participants:

• Are at risk of homelessness
• Have justice system involvement
• Experience family breakdown
• Have complex mental health needs
• Require multi-agency collaboration
• Face high safeguarding risks

Example Scenario

Emma has:

• Complex trauma history
• Housing instability
• Multiple hospital admissions
• Behavioural support needs
• Limited family support

A Specialist Support Coordinator:

• Coordinates with mental health services
• Liaises with housing providers
• Facilitates case conferences
• Develops risk mitigation strategies
• Supports crisis management

This role requires advanced expertise and often a background in social work, psychology, or complex case management.

What Does Level 3 Include?

• Crisis intervention planning
• Risk assessment and mitigation
• Multi-agency coordination
• Safeguarding management
• Intensive stakeholder collaboration
• Addressing systemic barriers

Level 3 aims to stabilise complex situations and gradually reduce risk where possible.

Key Differences Between Level 1, 2, and 3

How Is Support Coordination Funded?

Support Coordination funding sits under the Capacity Building budget in an NDIS plan.

Funding amounts vary based on:

• Participant complexity
• Number of providers involved
• Level of risk
• Geographic factors
• Plan goals

Not every participant receives Support Coordination funding. It must be considered “reasonable and necessary” by the NDIS.

How Do You Know Which Level You Need?

During planning meetings, planners assess:

• Complexity of needs
• Family support strength
• Risk factors
• History of service breakdown
• Ability to self-manage

If a participant’s situation becomes more complex, they can request a review.

Can You Move Between Levels?

Yes.

You may request a plan reassessment if:

• Risks increase
• Support systems collapse
• Housing becomes unstable
• Mental health deteriorates
• Behavioural complexity increases

Likewise, if a participant builds capacity and becomes more independent, funding may reduce over time.

The goal is always increased independence, not permanent reliance.

Why Support Coordination Matters

Without proper coordination:

• Services may duplicate
• Funding may go unused
• Appointments may conflict
• Goals may not progress
• Families may burn out

With effective coordination:

• Supports align with goals
• Providers communicate
• Risks are managed
• Confidence increases
• Independence grows

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Support Coordination mandatory?

No. It is only included if deemed necessary.

Can I choose my Support Coordinator?

Yes. Participants have choice and control.

Can I change coordinators?

Yes, if you are not satisfied.

Is Specialist Support Coordination temporary?

Often yes — it aims to stabilise complex situations.

Does Support Coordination replace a Plan Manager?

No. A Plan Manager handles invoices and payments. A Support Coordinator helps organise supports.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the three levels of Support Coordination helps participants and families:

• Make informed decisions
• Advocate effectively
• Use funding wisely
• Build sustainable support systems

Whether you need basic connection, structured coordination, or specialist intervention, the right level of support can transform how an NDIS plan works in real life.

The ultimate goal of Support Coordination across all levels is the same:

Empower participants to build skills, increase independence, and live a more connected, meaningful life.