Natural supports

The everyday help from family, friends, community and mainstream services that is not funded by the NDIS.

What it means

Natural supports are the everyday, unpaid kinds of help a person gets from the people and community around them. This includes family, partners, friends, neighbours, community groups, clubs, faith communities and mainstream services like schools, libraries and local sport. Because this help is offered freely rather than paid for, the NDIS does not fund it.

Natural supports are closely related to informal supports. The NDIS looks at the natural supports already in a person's life when it works out what funded supports are reasonable and necessary. The aim is for funded supports to fit alongside and strengthen these everyday relationships, not to take their place.

In practice

When planning, an NDIS planner will talk with a person about who is already in their life and what help those people give. A neighbour who drives someone to the shops, a friend who helps with cooking, or a local club that offers connection are all natural supports that matter.

At the same time, the NDIS should not assume that family and friends can provide unlimited help. It considers whether that unpaid help is sustainable, and whether it is fair and realistic for the people giving it. Where natural supports are stretched or not available, funded supports can fill the gap. Good planning keeps natural supports healthy while adding paid help where it is genuinely needed.

A real example

For example, Priya lives near her sister, who drops in most days to help with meals and shopping. When Priya's NDIS plan was developed, this natural support was noted, and funded support was added for the personal care her sister could not sustainably provide, so her sister was not relied on for everything.

Natural supports — FAQs

Does the NDIS fund natural supports?
No. Natural supports are the unpaid help from family, friends, neighbours and community, so the NDIS does not pay for them. However, the NDIS does take them into account when working out what funded supports are reasonable and necessary. The goal is for funded supports to complement natural supports rather than replace them.
What is the difference between natural and informal supports?
The two terms are very closely related and often used to mean the same thing: unpaid help from the people around a person. Both cover family, friends and community connections. Whichever word your planner uses, the point is the same: it is everyday support that is not paid for or funded by the NDIS.
Will having family support reduce my NDIS funding?
The NDIS considers natural supports when deciding what is reasonable and necessary, so support already provided at home is taken into account. However, it should not assume family can provide unlimited help. If unpaid support is not sustainable, fair or available, funded supports can fill the gap. Explain your real situation clearly during planning.
Why does the NDIS care about natural supports?
Natural supports often make the biggest difference to a person's life and wellbeing, and they help someone stay connected to family and community. The NDIS aims to work alongside these relationships and strengthen them, not weaken them. Understanding who already helps also allows planners to work out where funded supports are genuinely needed.
What if my natural supports become unavailable?
Let the NDIS know, because a significant change in your circumstances can be a reason to review your plan. If a family member who provided regular help moves away, becomes unwell or can no longer assist, funded supports may need to increase. Keep records of what has changed so you can explain the impact clearly.

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