Is Support Coordination Viable in 2026? The Business Reality
Is support coordination viable in 2026? An honest look at frozen rates, non-billable time, the 2028 commissioned model and what still makes a practice work.
The honest answer: viable, but on a clock
What you can actually bill: the frozen rate structure
The real killer: non-billable time
A worked example: what a solo practice actually keeps
Why employing staff on frozen rates is the hard mode
The 90-day claim window: bill promptly or lose it
Conflict of interest: the fastest way to lose viability
Registration: who must register, who is paused
The 2028 commissioned model: the real strategic question
Where viability actually works — and where it doesn't
Your decision aid: five checks before you commit
Frequently asked questions
Can you make a living as a solo support coordinator in 2026?
Yes, but it is a modest owner-operator income, not a high margin. A solo coordinator billing Level 2 at around $100.14/hr with a 65% billable ratio can gross roughly $110,000 before costs, then subtract insurance, software, travel, accounting and their own super. Viability hinges on keeping the billable ratio high and overheads low, not on the rate itself.
Why are support coordination rates frozen, and will they rise?
The price limits have been held flat for a seventh consecutive year, which is effectively a real-terms cut once inflation is applied. There is no confirmed increase, and the profession is moving to a commissioned panel from 1 July 2028 that may set pricing differently. Do not plan on a rate rise; plan on managing costs and hours. Confirm current figures in the live PAPL.
What happens to support coordination in 2028?
The open market is intended to be replaced by an NDIA-commissioned panel from 1 July 2028, with design consultation in the second half of 2026. This is the biggest structural change to the profession — you will need to be selected onto a panel rather than simply taking on participants. It depends on the Bill's passage and a Senate inquiry reporting on 14 August 2026, so treat the date as intent, not settled fact.
Do I have to be registered to work as a support coordinator?
For standard support coordination (group 0106), mandatory registration was paused in December 2025 with no new date, so most coordinators are not forced to register now. Specialist support coordination (group 0132) still requires registration, including Core Module and Specialist Module 4 audits. Check the current position at ndiscommission.gov.au.
How does the 90-day claim window affect my income?
From 1 December 2026 you must claim within 90 days of delivering a service, down from two years. Any claim missed inside that window is unrecoverable revenue you have already earned. Practices that batch invoicing quarterly will lose money, so move to at least fortnightly claiming and daily time recording.