What does community participation funding cover?

Getting out into the world is a big part of a good life. Seeing friends, joining a club, going to the footy, trying a class, looking for work or simply getting to the shops on your own terms. The NDIS can fund support to help you do these things. This guide explains, in plain words, how that funding usually works.

It is general information only. Every plan is different, so check your own plan with the NDIA, your support coordinator or your plan manager.

What community participation means

In NDIS terms, community participation is about taking part in activities outside your home: social, recreational, cultural, learning, volunteering and work related. The funding pays for the support that helps you take part, such as a support worker who comes with you, or someone who helps you build the skills to go on your own.

There are two main places this funding can come from in a plan. They have long names, but the ideas behind them are simple.

Core supports: help to take part now

The first is in Core supports, under Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation.

Core supports are the everyday supports that help you with daily activities. This category pays for support that helps you take part in community, social and economic activities now, as you are.

Examples might include:

• a support worker who comes with you to a weekly art class
• support at a sports club, a place of worship or a community group
• help to go shopping, meet friends for lunch or visit the library
• support in a small group activity with other people who share your interests

This kind of support is about making things possible today. It can be one to one or in a small group.

Core budgets are often flexible, meaning funding can sometimes be used across different Core categories. That is not always the case, and some parts of a plan can be fixed. Check how your own plan is set out before you rely on moving funding between categories.

Capacity Building: help to do more yourself

The second is in Capacity Building supports, under Increased Social and Community Participation.

Capacity Building supports are about building your skills and independence over time, so you need less support in the future. This category pays for support that helps you learn, practise and grow in confidence.

Examples might include:

• learning to catch a bus or train to a regular activity
• building social skills and confidence in new situations
• practising the steps of joining a group, from making the first call to going on your own
• trying new activities to find out what you enjoy, with a plan to keep going independently

The difference is the goal. Core support helps you take part. Capacity Building support helps you build the ability to take part with less help later on.

Capacity Building funding is usually less flexible than Core. It is generally meant to be used for the purpose it was included for.

What is usually not covered

Community participation funding pays for support. It does not usually pay for the activity itself.

Things you would normally pay for yourself include:

• entry tickets, memberships and class fees
• food and drinks while you are out
• equipment for a hobby
• the everyday costs anyone would have when going out

The NDIS generally does not fund day to day living costs that everyone has, whether or not they have a disability. Before you start, ask any provider which costs are included in their price and which will be passed on to you. It is fair to ask for this in writing.

A word about transport

Transport is one of the most confusing parts of community participation, because it works differently depending on your plan and your provider.

Some things to know:

• Some plans include funding set aside for transport. How it is paid and how it can be used varies.
• When a support worker drives you or travels with you to an activity, a provider may claim for that travel from your plan. Providers do this in different ways.
• Public transport fares, taxis and rideshare costs may or may not be covered, depending on your plan.

Because it varies so much, ask two questions before you plan regular outings. First, ask your support coordinator or plan manager what transport funding your plan includes. Second, ask the provider exactly how they charge for travel, and get the answer in writing. That way there are no surprises on an invoice.

Setting goals that fit

The supports in your plan are linked to your goals. If you want to get out more, it helps to say so clearly at your planning meeting.

Goals do not need to be grand. They can be as simple as:

• “I want to see my friends every week.”
• “I want to get to the gym on my own.”
• “I want to find volunteer work.”
• “I want to feel more confident in new places.”

A clear goal makes it easier to explain why community participation support is reasonable and necessary for you. It also helps your provider plan support that moves you towards what you want.

Choosing a provider

When you look for a community participation provider, you might ask:

• Do you offer one to one support, small groups or both?
• How do you match support workers to my interests?
• Will I see the same workers most of the time?
• How do you help me build skills, not just keep me company?
• How do you charge for travel and activity costs?
• What happens if I want to change my activities or stop?

You choose your provider, and you can change your mind.

Where to get help

• The NDIA, for questions about what your plan includes
• Your support coordinator or local area coordinator, for help finding activities and providers
• Your plan manager, for questions about how funding is being used and paid

Manora Care provides community participation support, one to one and in small groups. If you would like to talk about what you want to do more of, contact us.