Community participation

Support to take part in social, recreational and community activities, funded within your Core budget.

What it means

Community participation is support that helps a person take part in social, recreational and community activities. This might mean joining a local group, attending a class, going to an outing, or being part of a club. The aim is to help people build connections, grow their confidence and skills, and feel included in the community around them.

In the NDIS, community participation is generally funded within the Core budget, under social and community participation. Because it sits in the Core budget, funding is usually flexible, which means a person can often choose how they use it across different activities that suit their goals and interests.

In practice

In everyday life, this support can look like a support worker helping someone attend a weekly art class, join a walking group, or go to a community event they would not manage on their own. The support might involve getting ready, travelling to the activity, and taking part while there.

The focus is on the person's own goals. Some people want to make new friends, others want to try a hobby, learn a new skill, or simply get out of the house more often. Over time, community participation can help build independence, so a person may need less support to take part in the things they enjoy. It is a good idea to talk about the activities that matter most to you when planning how to use this support.

A real example

For example, Priya wanted to meet more people her own age but felt anxious going to new places alone. Her plan included community participation support, so a support worker began going with her to a weekly craft group at the local library. After a few months, Priya felt confident enough to attend on her own and had made several new friends.

Community participation — FAQs

Which budget funds community participation?
Community participation is generally funded within your Core budget, under social and community participation. Core funding is usually flexible, so you can often decide how to use it across different activities that support your goals. If you are unsure how your funding is set out, check your plan or ask your planner or support coordinator to walk through it with you.
What kinds of activities can it cover?
It can cover a wide range of social, recreational and community activities, such as joining a group, attending a class, going on an outing, or taking part in a club or community event. The activity should connect to your goals, like building confidence, learning skills, or making friends. The focus is on helping you take part in things that matter to you.
Does the NDIS pay for the activity fees themselves?
Community participation funding is generally for the support you need to take part, such as a support worker, rather than the cost of the activity itself. Everyday costs like class fees or entry tickets are usually seen as ordinary living expenses that anyone would pay. It is worth checking with your planner or provider about what your funding can and cannot cover.
Can I use a support worker to help me get to activities?
Yes. Community participation support often includes help getting ready and travelling to an activity, as well as support while you are there. The type and amount of help depends on your needs and goals. Talk with your provider about what support would help you take part most comfortably, whether that is company, transport help, or assistance during the activity.
How can community participation help me become more independent?
By taking part in activities with support, many people build confidence, skills and connections over time. As you become more comfortable, you may need less help to attend the things you enjoy, and some people move on to taking part on their own. Setting clear goals when planning can help you and your provider track your progress toward greater independence.

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