An NDIS local area coordinator is often the first person you meet when you deal with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). They can help you apply, explain how your plan works and point you to services in your community. They also have clear limits, and knowing where those limits sit saves a lot of frustration. This guide explains what a local area coordinator, or LAC, does, what they do not do, and how the role compares with a support coordinator.
What an NDIS partner is
NDIS partners are community organisations funded by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to work with people in their local area. There are two kinds. Local area coordinators work with people aged 9 to 64. Early childhood partners work with families of children younger than 9.
Partners are not NDIA employees. They work for the partner organisation in your region, under an arrangement with the NDIA.
What a local area coordinator does
A local area coordinator can help with several parts of the NDIS:
- explaining the NDIS and whether it is likely to suit you
- helping you apply, including gathering evidence and submitting your access request, a process the guide to NDIS eligibility and how to apply walks through
- linking you with community activities and other government services
- helping you understand and start using your plan once it is approved
An NDIS LAC can also help people with disability who are not NDIS participants. If you are not eligible, or you have not applied, they can still connect you with services in your area.
The NDIS uses the term my NDIS contact for the person who works with you on your plan. If you are not sure who yours is, ask at your next meeting.
What a local area coordinator does not do
NDIS partners do not approve plans. Decisions about access and about what your plan funds are made by the NDIA. A local area coordinator can help you prepare and can pass information on, but they cannot change a decision themselves.
They also do not provide your day-to-day supports, and they do not choose your providers for you. You make those choices, with help if you want it.
Local area coordinator vs support coordinator
The two titles sound alike, which causes a lot of confusion. They are different roles paid for in different ways.
- A local area coordinator works for an NDIS partner. You do not pay for their help from your plan. Their focus is access, your plan and community links.
- A support coordinator is a provider you engage, paid from your plan when support coordination is funded in it. They help you put your plan into action, find and work with providers, and sort out problems as they come up.
Not every participant has support coordination funded. If yours is, you can compare NDIS support coordination providers on the same basis you would compare any other support.
Early childhood partners for children under 9
Families of children younger than 9 work with an early childhood partner rather than a LAC. This includes children younger than 6 who have developmental concerns, with or without a diagnosis. They can talk through your child’s needs, link you with mainstream and community supports, and help with an NDIS application where that is the right step.
Getting the most from your meetings
You can meet your partner in person, by phone or online. A few habits make the meetings more useful:
- bring a support person, such as a family member, friend or advocate
- write your questions down beforehand and tick them off as you go
- bring your plan, or your draft goals if you are still applying
- ask who to contact between meetings, and note the name and number
- at the end, repeat back what was agreed and who will do each thing
If you are unsure how your plan budgets work, read the guide to understanding your NDIS plan before the meeting so you can use the time on your own questions.
Finding your local partner
The NDIS website has an office and partner locator that shows which partner organisation covers your area and how to reach them. Start on the NDIS page about partners, which links to the locator.
When you are ready to compare providers
Your LAC can explain what your plan funds, but the choice of provider is yours. Provider24 lets you search by support category and state, from daily living help to community access, and you contact each listed business directly.
This article is general information, not advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does a local area coordinator do?
A local area coordinator helps people aged 9 to 64 understand the NDIS, apply for it, start using an approved plan and connect with community and government services. They work for an NDIS partner organisation, not for the NDIA.
What is the difference between an NDIS support coordinator and a local area coordinator?
A local area coordinator works for an NDIS partner and helps with access, plans and community links at no cost to your plan. A support coordinator is a provider paid from your plan when support coordination is funded, and helps you put the plan into action and work with your providers.
Are NDIS support coordinators being phased out?
Support coordination is still funded in plans where it is reasonable and necessary. The way it is delivered can change over time, so check ndis.gov.au for the current position.