Understanding Mainstream and Community Supports
Mainstream and community supports are services you can access outside of the NDIS. These are available to everyone — whether or not they have a disability — and include government-funded services and local community programs.
For people with disability, these supports can:
Help build independence
Increase community participation
Provide assistance in areas the NDIS may not fund
The NDIS is designed to work alongside these services, not replace them. This ensures you get the best outcomes by accessing the same supports available to all Australians.
What Are Mainstream Supports?
Mainstream supports are government services that everyone uses, such as:
Health services – hospitals, GPs, specialists
Education – school, vocational and higher education
Employment services – job seeking and workplace support
Example: All children are entitled to schooling, and hospitals must treat everyone. These services may need to make reasonable adjustments — like ramps or accessible equipment — to ensure people with disability can access them.
🔗 Learn more about the NDIS and other government services
What Are Community Supports?
Community supports are provided by:
Local councils
Non-government organisations (NGOs)
Sporting clubs
Charities
Church groups
Volunteer networks
These services might offer:
Social and recreational activities
Family and youth support programs
Community events
Practical help such as food relief or peer mentoring
Local area coordinators (LACs) or early childhood partners can help you find and connect to these services in your area.
Who Funds What?
The NDIS can only fund supports that meet the reasonable and necessary criteria and are classified as NDIS supports under legislation.
The NDIS cannot fund:
Services covered under other government responsibilities (e.g., schools, public hospitals)
Community supports it’s reasonable to expect local councils or community groups to provide
Services provided under universal service obligations
If another system should provide the support, the NDIS won’t replace it — even if that service isn’t currently meeting its responsibility.
Examples
Funded by Mainstream Services:
Surgery recovery physiotherapy (via Medicare)
School-based learning supports
Public hospital treatments
Funded by the NDIS:
Ongoing physiotherapy related to your disability
Communication and social skills development
Specialist disability equipment
Blended Supports
Some supports can be funded by both the NDIS and another service — but for different reasons. For example:
Physiotherapy – Medicare may cover post-surgery recovery, while the NDIS funds therapy for ongoing disability-related needs.
Mental health services – Medicare covers clinical treatment, while the NDIS may fund functional supports like community participation skills.
How We Can Help You Access These Supports
At Complete Money Management, we help NDIS participants:
Understand which services are funded by the NDIS vs. other systems
Connect with mainstream and community supports
Maximise the value of your NDIS plan by combining supports strategically
Your LAC, early childhood partner, or support coordinator can also help you find services, make referrals, and ensure your supports are coordinated.
What If You Disagree with a Funding Decision?
If a support is deemed not to be an NDIS responsibility, you will receive written reasons. You can:
Request an internal review within 3 months
Ask your planner or coordinator for alternative options
Seek help to connect with the appropriate service provider
🔗 Learn more about reviewing NDIS decisions
At Complete Money Management, we help participants maximise their NDIS funding, prepare strong applications, and manage their budgets for essential health supports.