Social and community participation funds a support worker to help you take part in community, social and recreational activities — joining a class, attending a group, going to events or building social confidence. It sits in Core supports (registration group 0125) and pays for the worker's time, not the activity entrance fees.
This support exists so disability is not a barrier to being part of your community. Where assistance with daily life keeps you going at home, social and community participation is about getting out: meeting people, learning, volunteering and enjoying recreation alongside everyone else.
It falls under Core supports, item area 04, registration group 0125. Because it is Core funding, you usually have flexibility to use it across different activities through the year as your interests and goals shift.
Funding pays for a worker to accompany, support or supervise you while you take part. The activity should connect to your goals, such as building independence, friendships or skills.
The NDIS funds the support, not the everyday cost of the activity itself. You are generally expected to cover the same costs anyone would — your own movie ticket, class enrolment or coffee.
However, the worker’s entry fee while they support you can sometimes be claimable, and group programs spread the worker’s cost across several participants, which changes the hourly rate you see.
Support can be one-to-one or in a group. Group ratios such as one worker to three participants reduce the hourly cost to your plan, while one-to-one suits people who need closer or specialised support.
Rates differ for weekdays, evenings, weekends and public holidays, and the NDIS maximum prices are refreshed each 1 July. Centre-based and community-based delivery may also be priced differently.
Find out how a support worker can help you take part in the activities you enjoy.
Explore community access →