Your NDIS plan is approved—great! But now what? The first few weeks are crucial for turning that funding into proper support. From expert partners to specialist coordinators, here’s who can help you start using your NDIS plan—and how Advance Care Agency guides you every step of the way.
1. Your My NDIS Contact
Every participant is assigned a primary contact, often referred to as their NDIS contact. This could be:
Role: Who they usually support
Local Area Coordinator (LAC) Most participants aged 9+
Early Childhood Partner: Children under 9 and their families
NDIA Planner Participants in areas without LAC or complex situations
Your NDIS contact will hold an implementation meeting with you (in person, online, or by phone) to explain budgets, connect you with providers and show you how to use the portal and app.
2. Support Coordinators
If you have more complex needs or limited informal support, the NDIA may fund a Support Coordinator (or Specialist Support Coordinator). Their job is to:
1. Unpack the fine print of your plan
2. Link you with the community, mainstream and NDIS providers
3. Negotiate service agreements and book support
4. Build your skills so you can coordinate on your own in future
Advance Care Agency offers bilingual support coordination across NSW and QLD, specialising in healthcare transitions, mental health supports and rural access.
3. Psychosocial Recovery Coaches
For participants with primary psychosocial disability, a Recovery Coach can be funded instead of or alongside a support coordinator. They combine lived-experience mentoring with service coordination skills to help you manage challenges, set recovery goals and stay on track.
4. Plan Managers
If you opted for plan-managed funding, a registered Plan Manager handles payments, claims and monthly statements. While they don’t choose providers for you, they can:
1. Explain budget categories
2. Flag underspend or overspend early
3. Recommend value-for-money services
Advance Care Agency partners with leading plan managers so your invoices are processed accurately and on time—no hidden fees.
5. Informal Supports
Family members, friends and peer networks often play a huge role. They can join meetings, assist with research on providers, set reminders for reviews and advocate on your behalf if issues arise.
6. NDIS Providers Like Advance Care Agency
Once your budgets are unlocked, you’ll need quality service providers. As a registered NDIS provider, Advance Care Agency can:
1. Deliver Support Coordination and in-home supports
2. Run skill-building programs and capacity-building therapies
3. Provide Short Term Accommodation, ILO, SIL and nursing services
4. Offer free plan kick-off calls to map your first 90 days
Five Steps to Kick-Start Your Plan
1. Review Your Plan – Read each budget line and jot down any questions that arise.
2. Book Your Implementation Meeting – Meet your LAC, early childhood partner or planner.
3. Engage a Support Coordinator (if funded) – Contact the Advance Care Agency to initiate the process.
4. Choose Priority Supports – List the first services you need and request quotes.
5. Set Up the Portal & App – Track budgets, approve invoices and keep documents in one place.
Key Benefits of Getting Help Early
1. Avoid Underspend – Use funds promptly so they aren’t clawed back at review time.
2. Prevent Gaps – Coordinated supports reduce waitlists and service overlaps.
3. Build Confidence – Learn to self-manage parts of your plan with expert guidance.
4. Boost Outcomes – Early activation means faster progress toward your goals.
Ready to Launch Your NDIS Plan?
Whether you need a support coordinator, a plan start-up session or core supports delivered tomorrow, Advance Care Agency is ready. Visit the Advance Care Agency to book your complimentary plan kick-off call. Let’s turn funding into freedom—starting today.
