Understanding NDIS Social and Recreation Supports
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is designed to help people with disability achieve greater independence, social inclusion, and economic participation. One key way it does this is by providing funding for social and recreation supports.
These activities are not just about fun — they are essential for wellbeing, skill development, and community participation.
What are Social and Recreation Supports?
Social and recreation supports provide the extra help you need to take part in activities that others may do more easily. Examples of funded activities include:
Visiting friends or family
Active hobbies like cycling, kayaking, or skiing
Playing team or individual sports such as basketball, tennis, or surfing
Going to movies, concerts, or community events
Relaxing activities like yoga or meditation
Creative hobbies such as dance, art classes, or pottery
Learning new skills like quilting or painting
You will always need to pay for the basic activity costs (like entry fees, equipment hire, or memberships). The NDIS may fund additional support you require because of your disability.
Short-Term vs Ongoing Support
Some people may need short-term support to start a new activity, while others may require ongoing support. For example:
Short-term: A support worker helps you build confidence to join a local art class.
Ongoing: You regularly receive support to participate in weekly sporting or music activities.
What the NDIS May Fund
The NDIS may provide supports such as:
Specialised equipment or modifications (e.g., adaptive sports gear)- A support worker to help you participate in classes or events
- Assistance with transport if public transport isn’t suitable
- Skill-building support to help you take part independently
Specialised equipment or modifications (e.g., adaptive sports gear)
A support worker to help you participate in classes or events
Assistance with transport if public transport isn’t suitable
Skill-building support to help you take part independentlyExample:
Emily wants to join a pottery class but needs help using the pottery wheel due to her disability. Emily pays for the class fee, while the NDIS may fund a support worker to assist her during the sessions.
What the NDIS Won’t Fund
The NDIS does not cover:
Entry or membership fees
Standard equipment (e.g., tennis racquets, soccer shoes)
Professional or elite-level competition costs
Support for children where parental supervision is normally expected
How Does the NDIS Decide What’s Funded?
All supports must meet the NDIS funding criteria. The NDIS will assess if the support is:
Related to your disability
Helping you achieve your goals
Value for money
Effective and beneficial
Safe and legal
Something reasonable for the NDIS to fund rather than family or community
Example:
Michael enjoys live music but needs help getting to concerts. His Local Area Coordinator connects him with a volunteer program so he can attend shows with a buddy. This arrangement is supported as it builds his independence and social connections.
Reasonable Adjustments
Community organisations must also make reasonable adjustments so you can access their services. These may include:
Accessible ramps and wide doorways
Rule changes to include participants (e.g., golf buggies in competitions)
Communication adjustments (e.g., visual cues instead of sounds)
Example:
Sofia, who uses a wheelchair, joins a robotics group at the local library. The library already has ramps as part of its accessibility commitment. The NDIS may also fund a support worker to help Sofia with tasks requiring movement in and out of her chair.
Social and Recreation Supports for Children vs Adults
Children: Parents are generally expected to provide transport and some supervision. The NDIS may fund additional supports if the child’s needs are much greater than peers.
Adults: Support is assessed based on independence, safety, and whether community or family support is reasonable.
Example:
Liam, age 14, attends dance lessons. His parents provide transport (as expected for his age), but the NDIS funds a support worker to help him follow instructions in class.
Example:
Nadine, an adult living with psychosocial disability, wants to return to yoga but lacks confidence. A support worker helps her reconnect with the activity until she builds independence to attend with a friend.
Accessing Social and Recreation Supports
To get these supports in your plan, you may need to provide evidence such as allied health reports that explain why you need the extra support. Talk to your NDIS contact or Support Coordinator for guidance.
Social and recreation supports are usually funded under your Core Supports budget.
If specialised equipment is needed, it may come from your Capital Supports budget.
Funding can be adjusted if your needs change.
Learn more: NDIS Social and Recreation Supports – Official Guide
What If Your Request is Denied?
If the NDIS decides a support does not meet funding criteria, they will provide written reasons. You can request an internal review within three months if you disagree.
Learn more: How to request a review of NDIS decisions
Final Thoughts
Social and recreation supports help you live a fuller, more connected life. Whether it’s learning a new skill, joining a club, or simply getting out into the community, these supports are designed to help you achieve your goals.
At Complete Money Management, we help you navigate your plan so you can use your NDIS funding effectively.
Contact us today to get the most from your NDIS plan.
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