There’s a lot of information surrounding the NDIS and some of it can be confusing. One area that can be hard to understand is the difference between a support coordinator and an NDIS local area coordinator (LAC). Both try to help you find the right support and support workers, but they work in different ways. So, what is the difference between them?

Local Area Coordinator:

• A Local Area Coordinator is an NDIS community partner who serves as a guide in comprehending and accessing the NDIS.
• Engaged in the planning, development, implementation, and review of your NDIS Plan, the Local Area Coordinator aids in understanding the plan and identifying suitable service providers.
• Additionally, the Local Area Coordinator may serve as your NDIS contact person, addressing any queries you have about your plan. It’s important to note that Local Area Coordinator services are offered free of charge, requiring no NDIS funding for the Support Connection services they provide.

Support Coordinator:

• NDIS-funded Support Coordinators assist participants with complex needs, coordinating services and enhancing support networks.
• Assists you in understanding and implementing your NDIS plan.
• Assists you to establish support and services in line with your goals and plan budget.
• Help you monitor your NDIS plan budgets.

Choosing between self-management and having the plan managed by a company like HAHS is an important step in beginning your support journey. Although there are many helpful guides and information pages on the web that can help you get started on your own, it’s smart to consider having your plan managed by professionals that have the contacts available and the experience to help you get the most out of your NDIS funding. It’s also helpful to note that plan management just makes life easier. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of both options:

Self-management advantages:

• Not being restricted to NDIS registered providers. This means that you can choose your own support workers and therapists and hire whoever you want.
• Be more innovative in what you spend your funding on, rather than following a preset plan.
• Participants in rural/remote areas have more provider options available.
• Employing your own support staff directly.
• Not restricted to NDIS price guide prices, meaning you can negotiate rates.

Self-management disadvantages:

• Not restricted to NDIS price guides, meaning providers can demand more than the NDIS rate.
• You’ll need to have the time to engage with providers, pay invoices, and schedule times.
• You’ll need to keep records of everything in case of an audit.

Plan management advantages:

• Plan managers take care of payments and invoices.
• They also keep comprehensive records in case of an audit.
• Good plan managers will help you get the most out of your NDIS funding.
• They know how to use the NDIS portal, which can be confusing to navigate, so that you don’t have to.

Plan management disadvantages:

• If you opt for a service provider with rates exceeding the NDIS Price Guide, you’ll be responsible for covering the additional cost, as plan managers are obligated to adhere to the price guide.
• Like any other service provider, you might encounter a Plan Manager delivering subpar service — delayed invoice payments, unresponsiveness to your requirements, and unhelpfulness. Therefore, as you would with any NDIS provider, seek recommendations or meet with potential plan managers before selecting.

Finding the right provider is an especially important part of the NDIS. Think about who you want on your team carefully and make sure that the provider is the right fit for you. It’s vital to ask if you’ve got funding for a support coordinator. If yes, then a support coordinator might be the best option for you, and we at Help at Hand Support can help you find the right person for you. We can help you select your service providers based on your needs and set up service agreements with your providers to ensure you have them locked in, thereby ensuring satisfaction for all our participants.