Support Coordination vs Plan Management: what's the difference?
They sound similar, but Support Coordination and Plan Management do very different jobs. Here's how to tell them apart, and why you might have both.
Two of the most commonly confused supports in the NDIS are Support Coordination and Plan Management. They both help you manage your plan, but in very different ways. Many participants are funded for both, and they work best together.
Support Coordination: the “what” and “who”
A Support Coordinator helps you understand and implement your plan. They:
- Explain your funding in plain language
- Help you find and choose quality providers
- Set up service agreements and bookings
- Coordinate your supports so they work together
- Build your confidence to direct your own supports over time
Think of your Support Coordinator as a guide and connector, focused on your goals, your choices and the bigger picture of your supports.
Plan Management: the “how it’s paid”
A Plan Manager handles the financial side of your plan. They:
- Pay your provider invoices from your NDIS funding
- Keep track of your budgets and spending
- Handle claims with the NDIA on your behalf
- Provide statements so you can see where your funding is going
A Plan Manager doesn’t choose providers or coordinate your supports. They make sure the money side runs smoothly so you have more choice in who you work with.
Can you have both?
Yes, and many people do. They’re separate budgets in your plan:
| Support | Budget category |
|---|---|
| Support Coordination | Capacity Building |
| Plan Management | Improved Life Choices (Capacity Building) |
Having both means you get a guide for your supports and someone to handle the invoices, leaving you free to focus on living your life.
Still not sure what you have?
Both supports appear in your NDIS plan if they’re funded. If you’re unsure, reach out to us and we’ll help you check. There’s no cost to ask.
