How can I use my NDIS funding to build social skills?

Using NDIS funding to build social skills

Social skills are important for everyday communication, and help us when interacting with other people.

Learning and maintaining social skills helps us with:
  1. Meeting new people and making friends
  2. Trying new things
  3. Maintaining relationships
  4. Getting out into the community
  5. Managing behaviours and emotions
  6. Building independence


Types of support that may be covered by NDIS and their costs:
  1. Therapies - Occupational therapy, Psychology & Counselling, Art/Animal therapy, Behavioural therapy
  2. Social skills groups - such as in person or online courses, classes & camps
  3. Parent & Carer training - training to support parents in building their child's social skills
  4. Support workers & mentors - Assistance in using these skills day to day when out in the community

The rate/hr depends on the type of therapy support, and your location. Not sure if you are considered non-remote, remote or very remote?
Click the link for MMM locator, select the checkbox next to 2019, type your address and search: MMM locator

To find the NDIS rate for each therapy support - search our easy NDIS price guide search

How is it funded in my plan?

The types of supports we listed above may be funded under one of the budget categories listed below. Please note not ALL supports are 
  1. Assistance with Social, Community & Civic Participation (CORE)
    • 04_104_0125_6_1 - 04_404_0104_1_1_T - Access Community Social and Rec Activ (standard to high intensity)
    • 04_102_0136_6_1 - 04_604_0104_6_1 - Group Activities (standard to high intensity)
    • 04_111_0136_6_1 - 04_184_0136_6_1 - Group Activities in the community or a centre (Standard - 1:1 - 1:5)
    • 04_116_0104_6_1 - 04_209_0104_6_1 - Group Activities in the community or a centre (High Intesity - 1:1 - 1:5)
    • 04_210_0125_6_1 - Community Social and Recreational Activities
  2. Increased Social & Community Participation (CAPACITY BUILDING)
    • 09_006_0106_6_3 - Life Transition Planning Incl. Mentoring PeerSupport And Indiv Skill Develop
    • 09_009_0117_6_3 - Skill Development and Training
    • 09_008_0116_6_3 - Innovative Community Participation
    • 09_011_0125_6_3 - Community Participation Activities
  3. Improved Daily Living (CAPACITY BUILDING)
    • 15_037_0117_1_3 - Skill Development And Training including Public Transport Training
    • 15_038_0117_1_3 - Training For Carers/Parents
    • 15_045_0128_1_3 - Community Engagement Assistance
  4. Improved Relationships (CAPACITY BUILDING)
    • 11_024_0117_7_3 - Individual Social Skills Development


What if I do not have enough funding for these supports or my plan doesn't include this goal?
If your plan has not included funding for these supports, and you feel this is reasonable & necessary for your disability needs, you will need to get in touch with your NDIA planner or LAC directly, or call NDIA on 1800 800 110 to discuss a plan review or your options for funding.

If requesting funding for social skill development (and this wasn't origianlly included in your plan funding), it is likely your will be required to submit evidence or documentation in the form of a written report form your therapist to show how these supports meet the NDIS reasonable & necessary guidelines for your disability needs. They will then review these documents to determine if they deem it appropriate to fund.