“Assistance with social and community participation” is one of the most under-used lines in many NDIS plans — partly because people are not sure what it is allowed to pay for. The short answer: it exists to get you out into the world and keep you connected.
What it funds
Community participation funding sits in Core Supports and pays for a support worker to help you take part in social, recreational and community activities. The activity can be almost anything that supports your goals — what is funded is the support to do it, not the activity's own costs.
- Getting to and joining social activities, clubs, classes or community events
- Recreation — the gym, the pool, a walk, the library, a hobby group
- Building confidence with public transport and being out in the community
- One-on-one outings, or joining a group like our Wednesday rec group
Group or one-on-one?
Both are funded, and many participants use both. One-on-one support suits people building confidence or with specific interests. A group brings energy, friendships and lower cost per hour. The right mix is whatever helps you get out and stay connected.
What it does not cover
It generally does not pay for the activity's own entry fees or your everyday costs — a movie ticket, a gym membership, your coffee. It funds the worker's support to help you participate. (There are limited exceptions; your plan or coordinator can clarify.)
How to make the most of it
The participants who get the most from this funding treat it as capacity-building: each outing builds a little more confidence and a little more independence. Consistency helps here too — the same worker who knows what you enjoy makes getting out feel possible instead of exhausting.
Tegrity provides social and community participation support across the Inner West and Inner City of Sydney — 1:1 community access plus a genuine, long-running weekly group.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between 'community access' and 'community participation'?
They're used fairly interchangeably. Both refer to support that helps you get out and take part in social, recreational and community life. Your plan may use either phrase under Core Supports.
Can I join a group without knowing anyone?
Yes. New participants are welcome to come along to our Wednesday rec group and see how it feels before committing to anything. You don't need to bring anyone or know anyone.
Does the funding pay for my entry fees or activity costs?
Generally no — it funds the support worker's time to help you participate, not the activity's own costs like tickets or memberships. There are some exceptions, so check your plan or ask your coordinator.
Let's get you out and connected
If you have community participation funding and want to actually use it, call us — or come along to a Wednesday outing before you commit.