Two of the most commonly confused roles in the NDIS are Support Coordinator and Plan Manager. While both help you use your NDIS plan, they do very different things.
What Does a Support Coordinator Do?
A Support Coordinator helps you understand and implement your NDIS plan. They connect you with service providers, help you navigate complex situations, and work to build your independence over time. Support Coordination is funded separately in your plan under Capacity Building.
What Does a Plan Manager Do?
A Plan Manager handles the financial administration of your NDIS plan. They pay your service providers on your behalf, keep track of your budget, and send you regular statements. Plan Management gives you access to both registered and unregistered providers. It’s funded separately in your plan and doesn’t come out of your other support budgets.
Do You Need Both?
Yes — many participants have both a Support Coordinator and a Plan Manager. They serve completely different functions and are funded separately, so having one doesn’t reduce your funding for the other.
Self-Managing vs Plan Managing
Alternatively, you can self-manage your plan, which means you pay providers directly and claim reimbursement from the NDIS portal. This gives you maximum flexibility but requires more administration.