In-Home Support vs Centre-Based: Which Suits You?
In-home vs centre-based support on the NDIS: what each involves, who each suits, the cost differences, and how to choose — or combine both.
When you use your NDIS support, one of the first choices is where it happens: one-to-one in your own home and community, or in a group at a provider's centre. Both are valid, and both are funded — they just suit different goals, budgets, and personalities. This guide explains what each involves, who each suits, and how to decide.
The basic difference
What in-home and community support looks like
What centre-based support looks like
In-home vs centre-based side by side
Who each one suits
Can you do both?
How to decide
Finding support on Novida
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between in-home and centre-based support?
In-home support comes to you, usually one-to-one in your home or community. Centre-based support happens at a provider's venue, usually in a group with structured activities. Both are funded from your Core budget; they simply suit different goals, budgets, and preferences.
Is centre-based support cheaper than one-to-one?
Often, yes. Group support at a centre is usually charged at a lower hourly rate per person, because the worker's time is shared across the group. That can stretch your budget further — but only if a group setting genuinely suits you and your goals.
Can I use both in-home and centre-based support?
Yes, and many people do. A common blend is one-to-one support for personal care and individual goals at home, plus centre-based programs for social connection and routine. Mixing the two can give you both personal attention and community, and helps your budget go further.
Which is better for making friends?
Centre-based support is usually better for social connection, because it brings people together for shared activities and regular contact. If reducing isolation is one of your goals, a group program can be especially valuable alongside any one-to-one support you receive.
Related guides
- NDIS vs Aged Care: Which One Are You Eligible For?
- NDIS vs CHSP: Which Support Program Should You Use?
- NDIS vs Insurance Schemes (iCare, TAC, Lifetime Support): Who Covers What?
- NDIS vs Medicare for Therapy: What's Covered by Which?
- NDIS vs Private Health Insurance: What Each One Pays For
- NDIS vs Support at Home: What Changes After You Turn 65 (2026)