Support coordination in practice: questions about your plan
Support Coordination: How can it work for you?
By VMCH · Originally published 5 October 2022
How participants can turn a coordinator’s role into agreed tasks
List the supports you want to organise and what is blocking them. Ask which tasks the coordinator will do, how you will remain involved and when progress will be discussed. Explain what information can be shared and which providers you want considered.
Ask how recommendations stay independent, especially when the organisation also delivers other services. Conflicts need to be identified and managed; a successful testimonial is not proof that the same arrangement will suit you.
Original article and dated context
VMCH works in partnership with people of all ages and abilities across Victoria to reach for their goals and dreams, and enjoy their independence. We offer early learning and therapy, specialist education, accommodation, help at home, support coordination and life and job skills programs, all geared towards helping people live their best lives, however they choose.
Anyone with a NDIS plan will understand the terms ‘complex’, ‘frustrating’ and ‘confusing’.
VMCH Support Coordinator Max Chen’s sole focus is to untangle the scheme for his clients, ensuring they find the services they need to meet their goals, and maximise their value for money.
“The NDIS is a maze. All the policies, procedures, and the funding, including what it can and can’t be used for, is really difficult for people to figure out,” Max says. “It’s almost a full-time job in itself.”
Max is among a team of professional and caring support coordinators who help individuals establish and organise the services they want as part of their approved NDIS plan.
In today’s post, he’s going to explain what support coordinators do – and how they could also help you make the most of your NDIS plan.
“Firstly, we help clients with an existing plan to understand what was actually written in there. Is there anything they need help with in their life that the NDIS can provide that’s not currently included? We research and provide unbiased options to choose from,” Max says. “We also offer specialist support coordination (the highest level available) for people who have more complex needs, such as those in a crisis situation or needing support from multiple organisations.”
“Then there’s a review process, as people’s needs change. Project planning is important; making sure you’re not falling short in funding towards the end of your plan. Explaining the pros and cons when people need to make a decision is a really a key part of support coordination.”
Max’s clients Ruth and Bart Hopkins can’t speak highly enough of his work to help them find the best support for their son and step-son, David, who lives at VMCH’s Carrum group home.
Organising and following up with health specialists, transport and equipment needs, liaising with David’s accommodation and day program managers, and remaining abreast of David’s complex and changing health needs are just some of the ways Max helps.
“Max is a dedicated, enthusiastic and caring professional,” says Ruth. “It needs to also be recognised that NDIS plan preparation and presentation in itself is time consuming, complex and demanding! Each plan Max has provided has been thorough, complete and on time, and all have been approved without any major queries or necessary changes.”
Max describes Ruth and Bart as “lovely people” who are full of appreciation, much like his other clients.
“I love my job,” Max says. “I’m very blessed because I’ve kept the same clients since I’ve started. Being able to get issues resolved for them brings you this huge sense of achievement. Empowering people with knowledge and information is very rewarding.”
What are a Support Coordinator’s top tips?
Now that we’ve covered what Support coordination is, we want to share our top tips for you. After all, we want you to get the best out of your NDIS plan! Here’s our tips to ensure you get the most out of your funded Support Coordination.
1. Put your plan into action
When you first meet your Support Coordinator, you will discuss what services you need. Your Support Coordinator will then contact providers for you, so you can decide which you want to use. Once you’ve made this choice, Support Coordinators will help you get your plan into action. This means you can ask your Support Coordinators to help you build your skills to negotiate with the NDIA and providers, complete paperwork, budget, and ensure your Plan matches your goals.
2. Problem solve and make changes
You may want to change your support provider or refocus where you spend your funds – we can help make change happen. If you have a ‘change of circumstances’, contact your Support Coordinator and ask for their support. They can support you in contacting the appropriate paperwork, so you can meet with the NDIA and get your Plan to suit those changes in your life. If you are also struggling with any aspect of your Plan, the same applies!
3. Get ready for your reviews
Support Coordinators can help with your plan review or prepare reports for your annual NDIS meeting. Together, you can build your confidence to help you get the funds you need. Keep your Plan end date on your calendar; a couple months before then, contact your Support Coordinator so you can get things moving – and do all the preparation you need!
[Clickability update, October 2026: Do not assume a universal annual meeting or fixed plan duration. Check your actual plan and the appropriate plan-change process.]
Want to know more?
To learn more about Support Coordination, or to investigate if it’s the right option for you, visit VMCH's Support Coordination on Clickability, where you can connect with us directly.
Clickability editorial update: October 2026
Keep service coordination connected to the person’s priorities
With permission, share relevant observations and clarify your role in appointments or follow-up. Ask how changing needs are escalated and who makes funding decisions. Avoid treating previous approvals as a promise about the next plan.
Does a coordinator’s previous success guarantee my plan approval?
No. Funding decisions depend on individual circumstances and applicable criteria. Official guidance
Should I ask about other services offered by the coordinator’s organisation?
Yes. Clarify relevant relationships and how conflicts are managed. Official guidance
Find coordination for the services you want to put in place
Tell Clickability which arrangements you need help organising. Compare profiles and reviews, then ask about agreed tasks, independence and progress updates.
