Who local area coordinators are
LACs are not NDIA staff. They work for local organisations that the NDIA has partnered with to deliver local area coordination, under what it calls the partners in the community program. Each partner covers a set region, so which organisation you deal with depends on where you live.
LAC partners work with people with disability aged 9 to 64. Children younger than 9 work with an early childhood partner instead, and people usually need to apply for the NDIS before they turn 65.
What an LAC can help with
- Finding practical information about disability, your rights and local services
- Understanding the NDIS and whether to apply, including help with the access request
- Talking through your situation, supports and goals to help develop your plan
- Understanding your plan once it is approved, and starting to use it
- Connecting with community groups, sport, arts and social activities
- Linking with mainstream services such as health, education and transport
- Checking in on how your plan is going and helping you prepare for reassessment
What an LAC cannot do
An LAC cannot create or approve your plan, and cannot decide whether you are eligible. Those decisions are made by the NDIA. The LAC gathers information and passes it on, so it is worth being thorough and specific with them.
Since 27 August 2026 only you, your nominee or your guardian can request an unscheduled reassessment. An LAC can help you prepare the request and evidence, but cannot lodge it for you.
LAC or support coordinator?
LACs are funded separately and do not use your plan budget. They help a lot of people, so their time with you is limited. A support coordinator is a provider paid from your plan, who works more closely with you to find and manage providers, solve problems and build your ability to run your plan.
Many participants start with an LAC. If your situation is complex, or you find it hard to arrange supports, ask for support coordination to be included in your plan.
How to find your LAC
Your LAC partner is listed on the NDIS website by region. Search the NDIS site for your state's partner list, or call the NDIA on 1800 800 110 and ask who the LAC partner is for your postcode.
What is changing for LACs
The NDIA has extended its existing agreements with partners in the community to 30 June 2027, with no change to the services participants receive in the meantime.
From 1 April 2027 participants start moving to new framework planning, where your budget is set from a support needs assessment with a trained NDIS assessor. From 1 July 2028 a new support coordination and connection service begins. Both will change how people get help with their plans, so expect the LAC role to shift as these reforms roll out.
Getting the most from your LAC
- Write down your goals and a typical week before you meet, including the hard days
- Bring reports from your therapists and doctors
- Bring someone who knows you well, such as a family member, friend or advocate
- Ask what happens next and when, and get the answer in writing if you can
- If you are unhappy with your LAC, raise it with the partner organisation, or make a complaint to the NDIA