Levels of NDIS Support Coordination: Connection, Coordination, and Specialist

The NDIS offers support coordination at three levels to match the needs of different participants. Each level is a capacity-building support designed to increase your ability to manage your plan, but with different intensity. The levels are:

• Support Connection (Level 1): Basic support to connect you with providers and the community. A coordinator at this level helps you understand your plan and links you with local services and informal supports. Over time, the goal is to increase your confidence so you can use your plan more independently. For example, a Level 1 coordinator in Melbourne might introduce you to a nearby disability support group and explain how your funded supports work together.

  
  

• Coordination of Supports (Level 2): More hands-on support to coordinate services.

  A Level 2 coordinator actively arranges and oversees a mix of supports (e.g., therapy, carer services, community programs) so they all work in harmony. They help you maintain routines, pursue goals, and build independence. In practical terms, this might involve negotiating with multiple therapists or setting up community activities. The NDIS describes this level as increasing your ability to live more independently and be included in the community.

  
  

• Specialist Support Coordination (Level 3): Intensive support for complex situations. A specialist coordinator has advanced expertise for participants with very high support needs or challenging situations. This could be due to behavioural challenges, health issues, or a high-risk environment. They focus on preventing crises, coordinating with multiple sectors (health, education, justice), and keeping services consistent. In Melbourne, a specialist coordinator might, for example, coordinate a complex Supported Independent Living arrangement and liaise with hospital services to ensure continuity of care.

Your NDIS plan will specify which level of support coordination is funded. You can only use that level (unless you get a plan review). If it’s not clearly stated, you can only choose the level that suits your needs. Each level is funded separately, so if you need higher intensity (like specialist support coordination), it must be approved. For official details on each level, see the NDIS provider information and our related article.

Want to learn more? See our Ultimate Guide to NDIS Support Coordination in Melbourne for information on providers, and What is NDIS Support Coordination? for definitions and roles. You can learn more about the NDIS support coordination levels on the official site.