If you are new to the NDIS, or helping someone navigate it, the difference between a support worker and a support coordinator is one of the first things to get clear. They are funded from different parts of your plan, they do completely different jobs, and you can have both at the same time.
The short version
Support workers help you with daily life — getting up in the morning, community activities, appointments, personal care, social outings. They come to you. They are the person you actually spend time with.
Support coordinators help you manage your NDIS plan — finding providers, resolving problems, reviewing your budget, preparing for plan reviews. They are the person who works behind the scenes so your supports keep running smoothly.
Side-by-side comparison
| Support Worker | Support Coordinator | |
|---|---|---|
| What they do | Hands-on daily support — personal care, community access, social activities, skill building | Plan management — finding providers, monitoring budget, resolving issues, preparing for reviews |
| Where funded from | Core Supports (usually Social, Community & Civic Participation or Daily Activities) | Capacity Building — Support Coordination (separate budget line) |
| Who they work with | The participant directly, in person | The participant, their family, and providers on the participant’s behalf |
| How often | As often as your plan funds — could be daily | Usually a few hours per month |
| Can be the same provider? | Yes. Many providers offer both, though your coordinator should remain independent enough to advocate for your interests | |
Do I need both?
Not everyone has support coordination funded in their plan. Simpler plans with straightforward goals often don’t include it. More complex plans — or participants with multiple providers, challenging circumstances, or large support budgets — typically do.
If support coordination is not in your current plan and you think it would help, it is worth raising this at your next plan review. A support coordinator can write a letter to the NDIA supporting the request.
What Tegrity offers
Tegrity provides both support work and support coordination across Inner West, South Sydney and Canterbury-Bankstown. Our coordinators work with participants who have complex or high-need plans, and our support workers focus on community participation and daily support. They work together but are separate services funded separately.
Frequently asked questions
Can my support coordinator also be my support worker?
Technically yes, and some smaller providers do this. The NDIS Code of Conduct does not explicitly prohibit it. However it creates a conflict of interest — the coordinator’s job is to help you find the best available supports, which is difficult if they are also one of your providers. It also means a single point of failure if something goes wrong. We recommend keeping the roles separate, especially for complex plans.
What if I don’t have support coordination funded but want it?
You cannot add it mid-plan without an unscheduled review. However, if your circumstances have changed significantly — a new diagnosis, a crisis, a major change in living situation — you can request an unscheduled review and make the case for adding support coordination. A letter from a treating professional or existing provider supports this. Raise it at your next scheduled plan review if a crisis review is not appropriate.
How much does support coordination cost under the NDIS?
The NDIS price guide sets the maximum hourly rate for Support Coordination at $109.91/hr (Level 2, as of the current price guide). Specialist Support Coordination (for participants with particularly complex needs) is higher. Your plan will specify how many hours are funded. You can use those hours with any registered provider you choose.
Does Tegrity provide support coordination outside Sydney?
Our current service area is Inner West, South Sydney, and Canterbury-Bankstown — with regular work in Revesby, Bankstown, Padstow, Panania, East Hills, and surrounds. If you are outside this area, call us and we will tell you honestly whether we can help or recommend someone who can.
Not sure which service fits your plan?
Call us and we will work it out with you. No referral required to have a conversation.