The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding to eligible Australians with disability, helping them access a range of supports that align with their personal goals.
One of the key support categories available under the NDIS is Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation (previously Assistance with Social and Community Participation). This support is designed to help participants engage in community, social, recreational and economic activities that promote inclusion, independence, and personal growth.
For many people, participation in the community is essential to leading a fulfilling life. Whether it’s joining a local club, attending events, finding employment or simply spending time with friends, being part of a community fosters connection and wellbeing. However, some people may require extra support to participate in these activities, which is where NDIS funding can help.
In this blog, we’ll explain what Assistance with Social, Economic, and Community Participation covers, how it differs from other NDIS supports (such as Assistance with Daily Life, which provides assistance with daily personal activities), and how to make the most of your NDIS plan.
What are NDIS supports?
NDIS supports are funded services that help people with a disability achieve their goals in various aspects of life, including daily living, health and wellbeing, employment, education, and social participation.
These supports are tailored to individual needs and fall into different budget categories, including:
- Core Supports – These help with everyday activities.
- Capacity Building Supports – These aim to help you maintain or build your skills and independence
- Core Supports – These provide funding for assistive technology and home or vehicle modifications.
- Recurring supports – Supports paid to you directly on a regular basis such as transport
What is ‘Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation’?
This support is designed to help NDIS participants access and engage in community, economic, social, and recreational activities. The goal is to encourage social inclusion, independence, and personal development.
Examples of activities covered
NDIS funding for social, economic, and community participation can support you to get involved in a wide range of activities, including:
- Attending and participating in social groups or hobby-based classes (e.g. art, music)
- Going to community events, markets, or religious gatherings
- Joining a sports team or taking part in fitness programs
- Learning new skills like cooking, using technology, or navigating public transport
- Gaining work experience or looking for a job
- Enjoying recreational outings like movies, concerts, or theatre
- Volunteering or engaging in structured community programs
It’s important to know that the NDIS does not cover the cost of the activities themselves. Instead, it may fund:
- The support of a worker to assist or supervise you during the activity
- Capacity building support to help you develop the skills and confidence needed to participate
To better understand what the NDIS will and won’t fund, you can visit the official NDIS Guidelines on funding.
How does this differ from ‘Assistance with Daily Life’?
While Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation focuses on participation in the community, Assistance with Daily Life is a separate support that falls under the Core Supports budget. It covers assistance with daily personal activities, such as:
- Personal care (e.g., showering, dressing, toileting)
- Household tasks (e.g., cleaning, laundry, meal preparation)
- Assistance using public transport or attending appointments
- Support to develop skills for greater independence
The main difference between the two is the focus of the support:
- Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation is about helping participants take part in social, economic, recreational, and community-based activities.
- Assistance with Daily Life is about supporting daily living needs to live more independently at home and in the community.
However, these supports can sometimes overlap. For example, a support worker may assist with dressing (a daily personal life activity) before supporting you to attend a community event (a social participation activity).
How to access Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation in your NDIS plan
If social, economic and community participation is important to you, you can request funding for it in your NDIS plan. Here’s how:
1. Identify your goals
The NDIS funds supports that align with a participant’s stated goals. If you want to participate in more social, economic or community activities, make sure this is reflected in your NDIS plan.
Examples of goals might include:
- “I want to join a local sports team.”
- “I want to participate in a community gardening program.”
- “I want to find employment.”
2. Discuss your needs at your planning meeting
During your initial planning meeting or plan review, discuss your interest in social, economic and community participation. Explain any barriers you face and what support you need to overcome them.
3. Understand how funding works
Funding for social, economic and community participation generally falls Core Supports, but may also be included under Capacity Building Supports in your NDIS plan. The difference lies in how the funding can be used:
- Core Supports funding is more flexible and can cover ongoing assistance, such as a support worker accompanying you to activities.
- Capacity Building funding is designed to develop long-term skills and may cover structured programs like social skill-building workshops.
4. Choose the right providers
You can choose NDIS-registered providers or non-registered providers, depending on how your plan is managed. Plan Management with MyIntegra allows you to use both registered and non-registered providers, giving you greater choice and flexibility.
How to make the most of your Community Participation support
Find local opportunities
Look for community programs, sports clubs, or social groups that align with your interests. Websites like Disability Gateway and Access Ability Australia offer useful directories of disability-friendly programs.
Consider peer support groups
Connecting with others who have similar experiences can be valuable. Organisations like Peer Connect offer opportunities to meet new people and share experiences.
Explore skill-building workshops
Many providers offer structured programs to develop social skills, independence, and confidence. Disability Gateway’s Life Skills page can help find programs in your area.
Use assistive technology
Technology can support social participation, from communication apps to transport assistance tools. The NDIS website has more information on its Assistive Technology page on how assistive technology can help people with disability in their everyday lives.
How MyIntegra Can Help
At MyIntegra, we provide NDIS Plan Management and Support Coordination, helping you make the most of your plan.
- Plan Management – We take care of your NDIS budget, process invoices, and give you access to spending insights so you can use your funding efficiently.
- Support Coordination – We connect you with the right services and providers to help you achieve your NDIS goals.
We ensure you have the choice and control to engage in the activities that matter to you, with proactive support and guidance.
Need support managing your NDIS funds and supports to get the most of your plan?
Community participation is an essential part of life, and the NDIS provides funding to support this in a way that is tailored to individual needs. Whether you need a support worker to accompany you to social events or funding for structured programs, Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation can help you achieve your goals.
At MyIntegra, we’re here to help you make your NDIS plan work for you. Whether you need plan management, support coordination, or simply guidance on using your funding, we provide the tools and expertise to help you navigate your plan with confidence.
For more information, get in touch with us today and take the next step toward an active, connected life.
