10 ways to keep your NDIS plan on track without a support coordinator

Support coordinators can be a guiding force in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). They’re there to help make your journey smoother by setting up supports, offering advice, and navigating the ever-changing rules so you can get the most out of your plan and reach your goals.

But the reality is, not everyone will have support coordination funded in their NDIS plan. And honestly, that’s totally okay.

Many people have the capacity to manage their plan themselves – and not just get by but thrive. With the right tools, a bit of preparation, and support from other sources, you can absolutely take charge of your NDIS journey. There are ways to build your own skills and knowledge, and plenty of people and resources out there to back you up when you need it.

It might feel a little daunting at first, but trust yourself, you’ve got this. Before long, you’ll be feeling like your very own support coordinator.

So, here are 10 practical ways to keep your NDIS plan on track, even without support coordination funding.

1. Become your own self advocate

Understanding the ins and outs of the NDIS, knowing your rights and where to seek help, communicating your needs, building a strong support network, and being actively involved in the planning and reassessment of your NDIS plan (by gathering evidence and setting up goals) can ensure your voice is heard and you receive the funding you need.

At My Plan Manager, we have a collection of informative articles from effective goal setting to the role of letters of recommendation to help you move forward in the Scheme. The NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits sets out what pricing providers can charge so you can find competitive pricing and make sure you’re receiving value for money, and we’ve created this simple explainer to help you do that too.

Click here to browse our full library of articles.

You can also sign up for NDIS news alerts, and the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) regularly holds online and in-person events where you can brush up on your NDIS knowledge to better understand different aspects of the Scheme. Each step you take builds your skills and confidence to advocate for your own needs and wants.

A number of organisations also hold live workshops and webinars or provide online courses too – some free and some paid – but be sure to check their credentials first. They can teach you the basics of the NDIS, how to manage your plan, how to budget your funds, how to understand your rights, and how to communicate effectively with providers.

You may be able to use some of your NDIS funding to attend paid training. If you’re unsure if you have the correct funding in your plan, contact us or ask the NDIA to check.

2. Understand your individual NDIS plan

Everybody's NDIS plan is different, so it's important you understand what's included in yours, and what supports it might fund.

Your plan includes information about your disability, goals, and the reasonable and necessary supports funded by the NDIS – broken down into Core Supports, Capacity Building Supports and Capital Support budgets – with specific rules about how to use your plan and your funding.

The NDIA’s created this web page about understanding your plan which breaks down the inclusions and what to know, and it provides these handy booklets and fact sheets about using your plan, changing it, and managing your funding.

It's also a good idea to request a plan implementation meeting with your NDIA planner whenever you get a new plan. Because whether it’s your first, second, or fifth NDIS plan, each one is a little different, and your planner can take you through it line by line.

3. Know where to locate providers

Support coordinators serve as crucial intermediaries in the NDIS by helping their clients to understand what their plan can fund, then helping them identify suitable providers who can offer those items and services. Once you understand what’s covered by your plan and who can provide it, it’s time to choose the providers you want to work with.

There’s a wide array of options when seeking providers – including provider directories, social media groups, and word of mouth referrals. The key is looking for people you get on with, and who have the skills and experience to provide the supports that you need. Clickability, Disability Support Guide, Karista, and My Care Space are just a few of the free online directories where you can search for NDIS providers, both registered and unregistered. You can choose the type of service or product you’re looking for and add in your postcode to see providers offering supports in your local area.

Hireup, Mable and Mobility are platforms where you can hire and manage your own support workers – the trick is to be specific about exactly who and what you’re looking for.

For many people, the best place to start is by talking to their community – including existing supports like their doctor or physiotherapist, or school staff, friends and family.

Remember, when searching providers in the NDIS, you have the right to ask questions and shop around to make informed choices.

4. Get family upskilled

If you have family members who assist you, consider getting them trained on how to manage NDIS-related tasks, of course in addition to you understanding them yourself! This can empower them to support you more effectively and ensure that everyone’s on the same page.

For example, your family members could learn how to manage your appointments by speaking with your providers and understanding the details in your plan by referring to the handy tools provided by the Agency, including its booklets and fact sheets.

5. Use a plan manager

While support coordinators help participants to implement their plans and connect them to providers, plan managers (like us) support participants to manage the funding in their NDIS plans.

That means the NDIS pays for our services and we work with you to process your invoices, manage and track your budget, deal with your providers, speak with the NDIA about your claims, and answer questions about the Scheme.

Working with a trusted plan manager is the fastest way to free up more time and have NDIS knowledge in your corner – which you can call upon from us whenever you get stuck. Not sure what your plan can fund? Want to know what evidence is needed when you request funding? We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

6. Using regular support hours

Did you know you can use some of your regular support hours to get help with NDIS-related tasks? This could include having a support worker help fill out forms, make phone calls or organise your schedule. It’s especially helpful if paperwork is daunting to you or if you need help to keep on track. Simply let them know where you’d like them to assist.

7. Tips from providers

Your occupational therapist or other allied health providers might be able to offer valuable tips on managing your NDIS plan. They might show you how to organise your supports more effectively or suggest tools that can help you stay on top of your plan. For instance, they could teach you how to use a planner to keep track of your appointments and tasks.

8. Support groups

Joining a support group can be incredibly beneficial. You can share experiences, learn from others facing similar challenges, and get emotional support. It’s a great way to bounce ideas off others and see what’s worked for different people.

There are plenty of in-person and online support groups, many run by disability-specific organisations, or through local carer networks. Ask your service providers if they’ve heard of any groups locally that might interest you too – often they’ll hear things from other clients.

Social media groups about the NDIS can also be a great place to ask questions and connect with others – just make sure you verify any answers with another trusted source.

9. Advocacy services

There are free advocacy services available to help you understand your rights and support you in dealing with the NDIA. These services can provide advice, represent you in meetings, and help resolve issues. For instance, if you’re having trouble getting the supports you need, an advocate can step in and help you make your case.

To search for an advocacy organisation near you, Ask Izzy is a great tool.

10. Apps and online tools

There are some great apps out there to help you manage your NDIS plan. Our client portal (web and app) provides a snapshot of your budget in real time, and lets you track spending down to the cent, submit invoices and claims for reimbursement, receive alerts when payments are processed, and more. If you self manage your funding, the NDIS has its own app, the My NDIS mobile app.

There are also apps and online tools that can help you keep track of different aspects of your support, such as appointments, paperwork and key dates in your plan.

If in doubt, contact the NDIA

The NDIA is the government agency that runs the NDIS, and it can help answer questions, explain rules, and point you in the right direction. You can reach out to the NDIA by calling 1800 800 110, visiting a local NDIS office, or using the contact options on the NDIS website.

Remember, you’re never alone in the NDIS. There are plenty of ways to grow your skills, build confidence, and take more control of your NDIS plan. Help is available – you may just need to seek it out. And if you ever have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help.