How do NDIS support coordinators get paid?

They help you manage your NDIS plan, connect with services, and navigate tricky funding rules—but how exactly do support coordinators get paid for all this? The answer: through your NDIS plan, not out of your pocket.

Let’s unpack how it works—because if you're a participant or a family member, knowing this can change how confidently you access support.

What does an NDIS support coordinator actually do?

Think of them as your NDIS co-pilot. They're not the service providers doing the therapy or support work, but the ones who help you find, organise, and make the most of those supports.

They:

• Translate NDIS jargon into plain English

• Help you connect with therapists, housing, employment, or social programs

• Build your ability to self-manage over time

• Help troubleshoot when things fall apart (and they sometimes do)

And crucially—they help ensure your funding is used effectively, so you’re not left short-changed by the end of the plan.

Who pays the support coordinator?

Here’s the short version: if your NDIS plan includes funding for Support Coordination, it’s the NDIS that foots the bill.

This happens under a specific budget category called Capacity Building – Support Coordination.

You don’t pay the coordinator directly. They claim their fee against this part of your plan. It’s pre-approved, assuming you’ve been assessed as needing it.

Behavioural tip: This taps into the “commitment and consistency” principle—once you’ve been approved for coordination support, you’re more likely to use it regularly if it’s seen as a budgeted part of your plan, not an optional extra.

How much do support coordinators charge?

Support Coordinators are bound by the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (formerly known as the Price Guide). As of the 2024–25 financial year, the hourly rate for a Support Coordinator (Level 2) is around $100–$110 per hour, depending on location and remote loading.

There are three levels of support:

• Support Connection (Level 1): For building basic capacity to connect with services.

• Support Coordination (Level 2): Coordination and troubleshooting across a range of services.

• Specialist Support Coordination (Level 3): For more complex situations, often involving risk.

Each has different pay rates, reflecting the skill required.

Real-world example: Jess, a 28-year-old participant in the Hunter region, had 40 hours of Level 2 Support Coordination in her plan. That equated to roughly $4,400 of NDIS-funded support—not a cent from her own wallet.

Do participants choose who gets this funding?

Yes—and no.

You can choose which NDIS-registered support coordinator to work with, but the amount of funding is decided by the NDIA during your planning meeting. Your plan might include:

• A set number of hours for Support Coordination

• Funding for Specialist Coordination if your circumstances warrant it

• No support coordination at all (in which case, you'll need to advocate for it)

If you self-manage or plan-manage your funds, you get greater flexibility in who you work with. If you’re agency-managed, you’ll need to choose from registered providers.

What if there’s no funding for a support coordinator in my plan?

This is one of those classic NDIS frustrations. Plenty of participants need coordination support but don’t get it funded.

In this case, you can:

• Request a plan reassessment and argue for its inclusion, based on your capacity and situation

• Lean on a Local Area Coordinator (LAC)—though they’re not a replacement for proper coordination, they can help bridge the gap

• Use advocacy organisations or your GP to back up your request

The behavioural nudge here? Scarcity. Many participants don’t know that support coordination is a time-limited budget item. Once it’s used up—or if it wasn’t included in the first place—you need to make a strong case to get it back.

Are there any risks or downsides in how they’re paid?

There are a few realities to consider:

• Conflict of interest: Some providers offer both coordination and support services, which can bias recommendations. It’s worth asking how they separate roles internally.

• Budget blowout: Coordinators are meant to help stretch your plan, but poor communication or unclear scope can chew through hours quickly.

• Over-servicing: Because they’re paid per hour, some less scrupulous coordinators may do unnecessary tasks to increase billable hours. This is why trust, transparency, and outcomes matter.

That’s where experience counts. A good support coordinator should be helping you build capacity—not create dependence.

📊 In a recent review by the Productivity Commission, participants who had regular contact with a dedicated support coordinator were 23% more likely to say they felt in control of their NDIS journey.

Can support coordinators charge for travel?

Yes, but with rules.

If your coordinator travels to meet you, they can charge for travel time, kms, and non-labour costs—but only within certain limits. These must be NDIS-compliant, and itemised clearly in your service agreement.

That’s why it's worth reading the fine print or asking upfront how they handle travel billing.

Are there different payment models?

Most coordinators work under the NDIS Pay-As-You-Go model—they do the hours, they invoice, they get paid.

But some may offer service packages or capped-hour support models, especially if you’re plan-managed or self-managed. These can offer more predictability, but watch for value: don’t pay for hours you won’t use.

The key here is transparency—a principle that underpins every effective provider relationship.

FAQ: Fast Answers to Tricky Questions

Can I switch support coordinators mid-plan?Yes. You’re not locked in. Just ensure your service agreement has a reasonable exit clause and notify your current provider.

What qualifications do they need?There’s no formal minimum—but most have backgrounds in allied health, social work, or disability services. Experience and values often matter more than credentials alone.

Does everyone with an NDIS plan get a support coordinator?No. It depends on your needs. Participants with more complex circumstances are more likely to be approved.

Final Thought

Getting paid through your plan, not your pocket, puts the power in your hands—if you know how to use it. The best coordinators don’t just claim hours; they build your confidence, your capability, and your future.

If you want to dig deeper into what the job involves behind the scenes, this guide to the NDIS support coordinator role breaks it down with clarity.