Support Coordinator vs Local Area Coordinator: What's the Difference?
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Insight Description
Local Area Coordinators (LACs) and Support Coordinators sound similar, can both help you navigate the NDIS, and are often confused - but they have different roles and are funded in different ways.
The core difference
A Local Area Coordinator (LAC) helps eligible participants understand and navigate the NDIS, including supporting access, planning and plan implementation in some circumstances. LAC services are generally provided through NDIS partners in the community.
A Support Coordinator works with you to help put your NDIS plan into action. Support coordination must generally be included as funded support in your NDIS plan.
The biggest difference is that a Support Coordinator provides more ongoing, individualised assistance to help you coordinate and manage your supports.
Side by side
| Local Area Coordinator | Support Coordinator | |
| Who employs them | An NDIS partner organisation delivering LAC services | An independent provider or organisation |
| Do you need specific funding? | No separate Support Coordination funding is required | Yes — Support Coordination funding must generally be included in your plan |
| Main role | Helping people understand and navigate the NDIS | Helping you coordinate and implement your supports |
| When you'll deal with them | During access, planning and at other points throughout your NDIS journey | Ongoing, while implementing and using your plan |
| Choice of provider | LAC services are generally based on your location | You can choose the provider you work with |
What does an LAC actually do?
A Local Area Coordinator can help you understand the NDIS and navigate the process. Depending on your circumstances and how services are delivered in your area, they may assist with accessing the NDIS, preparing for planning conversations and understanding how to get started with your plan.
LACs can also help connect people with supports in their local community. You can learn more about Local Area Coordination through the NDIS.
What does a Support Coordinator actually do?
A Support Coordinator helps you get the most out of your NDIS plan once it's in place.
They can help you:
- Find and connect with suitable providers
- Understand and implement the supports in your plan
- Coordinate different services and appointments
- Negotiate service agreements
- Build your confidence and capacity to manage supports more independently
- Respond when your circumstances or supports change
You can learn more about Support Coordination through the NDIS.
Unlike an LAC, you can choose which Support Coordinator you work with and change providers if the relationship isn't working for you.
Do you need both?
You may interact with both at different points in your NDIS journey.
An LAC may help you navigate aspects of the NDIS, while a Support Coordinator can provide more dedicated assistance to help you implement and coordinate the supports funded in your plan.
You don't necessarily need to choose one over the other — their roles can complement each other depending on your plan and circumstances.
Finding the right Support Coordinator
If you have Support Coordination funding and are ready to find someone who understands your needs, browse verified Support Coordinators on MySolas or use MySolas Match to be connected with providers that may be the right fit.
