Support Coordination Levels 1 to 3 on the Central Coast: What They Mean and How to Choose
Confused about Support Coordination Levels 1, 2 and 3? This guide explains the differences and how to choose the right support on the Central Coast, with local examples from Gosford, Wyong and Erina.
Support Coordination can be one of the most valuable parts of an NDIS plan, especially when you are trying to understand funding, connect with the right providers, and keep services consistent over time. If you are searching for an NDIS Provider Central Coast, it helps to know that Support Coordination can look quite different depending on the level funded in your plan.
This guide breaks down Support Coordination Levels 1, 2 and 3, with practical examples for people living in Gosford, Wyong and Erina. It is written to help participants, families, and carers make confident choices and understand what support might be right for your needs.
What is Support Coordination?
Support Coordination is an NDIS funded support designed to help you implement your plan. A Support Coordinator works with you to:
Understand your NDIS plan and budgets
Connect with Disability Support Services and allied health providers
Organise appointments and service agreements
Build your skills so you can manage supports over time
Reduce stress by helping you coordinate the “moving parts” of your supports
Support Coordination is different from Plan Management. Plan Management helps you manage invoices and payments. Support Coordination helps you choose supports, set up services, and keep your plan working in real life.
Coast Transitional Support provides Support Coordination as part of our inclusive disability services across the Central Coast. We focus on clear communication, local knowledge, and culturally respectful support.
Level 1: Support Connection
What it is
Level 1 is often called Support Connection. It is generally designed for participants who need short term support to connect with services, usually at the beginning of a plan or after a plan change.
What it usually includes
Identifying providers and local options
Helping you make first appointments
Sharing information about community supports and Community Access options
Basic guidance on how to start using your plan
Who it suits
Level 1 may suit you if your supports are fairly straightforward, you feel comfortable making ongoing arrangements yourself, and you mainly need help getting started.
Example on the Central Coast
A participant in Erina might use Support Connection to find a local occupational therapist, confirm availability, and set up one or two key services. Once those services are running smoothly, they may not need ongoing coordination.
Level 2: Coordination of Supports
What it is
Level 2 is the most common type of Support Coordination. It provides ongoing help to organise services, strengthen your ability to manage supports, and respond to changes.
What it usually includes
Coordinating multiple providers and appointments
Helping you compare service options and understand quotes
Problem solving when services do not work out
Building routines that support wellbeing and consistency
Supporting you to prepare for plan reviews and goal updates
Who it suits
Level 2 suits participants who have more than a few services involved, need regular help to keep supports consistent, or experience change in health, housing, or family circumstances.
Example on the Central Coast
A participant living in Gosford might have Support Coordination to help organise Community Access, psychology, and support workers. Their coordinator can help with scheduling, provider communication, and ensuring supports match plan goals.
Level 3: Specialist Support Coordination
What it is
Level 3 is Specialist Support Coordination. It is designed for participants with complex needs, high risk factors, or significant barriers to accessing services. It often requires specialised skills and stronger collaboration across multiple systems.
What it usually includes
Managing complex service environments and high risk situations
Coordinating across multiple sectors, including health, housing, justice, or child protection
Supporting crisis planning and risk management
Helping stabilise supports so they become sustainable long term
Strong provider collaboration and documentation
Who it suits
Level 3 may suit participants who experience significant complexity, including psychosocial disability with frequent crises, unstable housing, or high support needs requiring careful oversight.
Example on the Central Coast
A participant in Wyong might have Specialist Support Coordination if they are navigating mental health services, housing instability, and multiple providers. The Specialist Support Coordinator helps reduce risk and creates more stability across services.
How to know which level is right for you
Your plan will usually state whether you have Support Connection, Support Coordination, or Specialist Support Coordination. If you are unsure, you can ask your LAC, Support Coordinator, or Plan Manager to help you read the plan line items.
Here are practical questions that can help:
Do I have multiple providers to coordinate?
If yes, Level 2 or Level 3 may be more suitable.
Do I feel confident managing appointments, service agreements, and changes?
If you can manage most things independently but need help starting, Level 1 may fit.
Are there complex risks or urgent issues impacting my supports?
If there are significant risks, frequent crises, or complex systems involved, Level 3 may be appropriate.
Am I looking to build my confidence and capacity over time?
Level 2 often focuses on building your skills so you can make decisions with more independence.
How Coast Transitional Support helps participants across the Central Coast
As a Registered NDIS Provider, Coast Transitional Support offers Support Coordination with a strong focus on dignity, choice, and practical outcomes. Our team supports people across Gosford, Wyong, and Erina, and we understand the importance of local provider networks and community connections.
We aim to make Support Coordination feel steady and clear by:
Explaining options in plain language
Helping you choose providers that match your preferences
Supporting culturally safe communication, including for multicultural communities
Keeping your goals at the centre of decision making
Call to action
If you want Support Coordination that is local, organised, and person-centred, Coast Transitional Support is here to help. Speak with our team about Support Coordination levels and what is possible within your plan.