Improved Daily Living is a NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) support category designed to fund therapies, training and assessments to build independence over time.
Whether you’re new to the NDIS or looking to get more from your existing plan, here’s what you need to know about Improved Daily Living supports and how to access them.
What are NDIS supports?
NDIS supports are a range of funded services and resources to support the unique needs and goals of individuals with disabilities.
Depending on your NDIS plan, supports can cover a wide range of areas, such as health, education, employment, social activities, and improved daily living.
Each support category in a NDIS plan is targeted at specific goals, making the plan flexible and adaptable to meet your unique circumstances.
‘Improved Daily Living’, listed as ‘CB Daily Activity’ in the NDIS portal, sits within the Capacity Building budget of your NDIS plan. This category funds the therapies, training, and assessments that help you build skills for greater independence over time.
What is the ‘Improved Daily Living’ category under the NDIS?
NDIS supports that fall under Improved Daily Living are aimed at helping you build skills that boost independence, confidence and day-to-day capability.
This includes a wide range of services focused on strengthening physical, emotional, social, and psychological well-being, so you can work towards your personal goals in ways that suit your needs. If you are an NDIS participant you may receive funding for Improved Daily Living supports such as:
- Therapeutic support: Includes physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy to help you build functional skills, manage health, and achieve greater independence in daily routines.
- Psychological support: Designed to support mental health and psychosocial disability, these services provide counselling, behaviour management, and social skills training, which can be critical in managing daily challenges.
- Personal development programs: These programs focus on teaching life skills, such as managing finances, cooking, cleaning, and personal care, all of which are essential for living independently.
- Capacity building: For some, developing skills to improve time management, problem-solving, or self-advocacy can lead to improved daily living. NDIS-funded programs may include training or mentoring for these skills.
- Support coordination: You may also receive funding for NDIS support coordination, where an NDIS coordinator helps you navigate your plan, understand your options, and choose the best providers for your needs.
The common thread across all of these is skill-building. Improved Daily Living isn’t about temporary assistance it’s about lasting change.
Is Improved Daily Living the same as daily personal activities?
No. Daily personal activities (hands-on assistance with tasks like showering or dressing) fall under a different support category. Improved Daily Living is specifically about building skills and capacity over time.
Eligibility for NDIS and Improved Daily Living Support Services
To access Improved Daily Living supports, you first need to be a NDIS participant.
The general eligibility criteria are:
- Age requirement: NDIS support is available to individuals under the age of 65. Those over 65 may be eligible for other services, such as the aged care system.
- Residency requirement: Applicants must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or holders of a Protected Special Category Visa.
- Disability requirement: To qualify for the NDIS, individuals must have a permanent or significant disability that impacts their ability to perform daily tasks. This includes physical, intellectual, sensory, cognitive, and psychosocial disabilities.
- Functional impact on daily life: NDIS assesses the impact of an individual’s disability on their daily activities. The disability must require support from others or the use of assistive technology.
If you meet the criteria and think you’re eligible, you can start the application process by contacting the NDIS, who will connect you to your nearest LAC.
Applying for the NDIS and accessing Improved Daily Living supports
The application process is more straightforward than it might seem. Here’s how it typically works:
- Contact the NDIA: Call the NDIA on 1800 800 110 to discuss your eligibility for NDIS. If you may be eligible, they will send you an Access Request Form.
- Gather supporting documentation: You should collect relevant medical reports, assessments, and recommendations from healthcare professionals to provide evidence of their disability and the need for support.
- Complete the Access Request Form: This form includes sections on personal information, disability details, and specific support needs. The NDIS team will use this information to determine eligibility.
- Submit the application: The form can be submitted online or by visiting an NDIS Local Area Coordination (LAC) office. After submission, applicants may be contacted for further information or a follow-up assessment.
- Create an NDIS plan: If approved, you’ll meet with your LAC for a planning meeting to help you develop a personalised plan. This is your chance to discuss your goals and the kinds of supports that would help you achieve them. This may include Improved Daily Living supports if these clearly align with your goals. You may not qualify for every type of support but understanding what’s available can help you have informed and confident conversations during your planning meeting.
- Implement the plan: Once you receive your NDIS plan, you can start selecting service providers and accessing the supports outlined in their plan.
You can find more about NDIS eligibility and how to apply here.
How Improved Daily Living support can make a difference
The Improved Daily Living category empowers you by offering targeted assistance and resources that build the skills necessary for a self-reliant and fulfilling life.
Here are some ways that Improved Daily Living can make a tangible difference:
- Increased confidence: With the right support, you can feel more confident navigating daily tasks, from handling finances to organising their routines.
- Enhanced independence: Learning practical skills, such as managing personal care or improving communication abilities, allows you to enjoy more autonomy in their lives.
- Greater social interaction: Support for building social skills can lead to better relationships with family, friends, and the community, which improves overall well-being.
- Health and wellbeing improvements: Through physical and mental health support, such as therapy sessions, you can feel healthier and more resilient in the face of daily challenges.
MyIntegra is here to help you get the most out of your NDIS plan
MyIntegra provides comprehensive NDIS plan management and support coordination services, designed to help you understand your NDIS plan and make the most of your funding. Here’s how we can support you:
- Plan management: We handle the administrative side of your NDIS plan, from paying invoices on time to helping you track your spending. This ensures you’re making the best use of your budget and you focus on achieving your goals.
- Support coordination: Our experienced team helps you explore available services, select providers, and achieve your Improved Daily Living goals. We offer personalised guidance, so you can feel empowered in every decision.
Whether you’re just beginning your NDIS journey or looking to maximise your current plan, MyIntegra is here to support you.
To learn more about how we can help with plan management or support coordination get in touch with us today.
