Changes to Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation funding in the NDIS

One of the biggest recent changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is affecting participants across the country, with funding for Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation being significantly reduced.

From 1 October 2026, as plans are created or reassessed – or from 1 February 2027, as plans are renewed – funding in the category is being reset. These changes are not a ‘reviewable decision' under the NDIS Act, however participants can still request plan changes, including a plan reassessment or plan variation if their circumstances change.

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has clarified that essential day-to-day supports will not be affected by the changes, and it says people who need 24-hour disability support will soon have access to a new plan variation pathway to maintain their support needs and their safety.

You can learn more from the NDIA here.

We know sweeping changes like this often bring with them uncertainty for participants and their support networks – and you may be wondering what it all means for you and whether you’ll still be able to do the things that matter most.

In this article, we’ve kept things practical. We’ve put together a list of actions you can take to help you get an understanding of how your current supports may be affected and suggested some real-world ways you can soften the impact that the funding reductions may have.

Social, economic and community participation is still a vital support

While the NDIA’s funding rules are changing, the importance of staying connected to your community isn’t. Social, Economic and Community Participation is a category of funding that sits within the Core Supports budget of many participants, alongside Assistance with Daily Life, Consumables and Transport. Core Supports funding is generally flexible, unless its otherwise stated within your plan.

How Social, Economic and Community Participation funding is used changes from person to person. For some people, being part of the community is about volunteering, taking an art class, joining a sports club, or catching up with friends. For others, it can be showing up for and participating in community events, having a haircut, attending an appointment, or just getting out of the house to connect with people who have the same interests.

Whatever is important to you, it’s these everyday activities that help us build relationships, learn new skills, gain confidence, and feel like we belong – and for many NDIS participants, Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation funding helps to make that possible.

Start by understanding how you're using your funding

One of the most useful things you can do is look at how much Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation funding you've used during your current and previous plan periods.

Do you regularly use all of it? Have you been using this category of funding to boost supports in other areas? Are you on track to fully use your Core Supports budget before your current plan period ends?

Looking at your spending can help you understand where your funding is going and whether any changes might be useful.

Seven ways to make the most of your funding

If your budget is reduced, here are some ways you may be able to stretch your funding further – without compromising on the quality or impact of your supports. 

1. Look closely at non-face-to-face charges

Some providers may claim for activities that happen outside of direct support hours, like report writing or administration. This is allowed if they follow the NDIA’s rules.

It can be helpful to ask your providers:

• What’s this charge for?
• Is there another way to provide this service?
• Is there a more affordable option?

For example, consider asking your provider if they can bundle your therapy and report writing costs to maximise your funding.

2. Is travel taking things further than necessary?

Some community participation activities incorporate a travel cost. These costs, while entirely legitimate, can eat up budgets quickly. To make sure you’re getting the mileage from your money it can be helpful to consider a few things:

• Have all provider travel costs been explained to you in detail?
• Are there extra costs involved in travel, like tolls, parking and vehicle costs that can be reduced or removed?
• Is there a similar option closer to home?
• Can you access the supports at the provider’s premises, to eliminate travel costs entirely?

While it may not be an option for some supports, choosing a provider or an activity closer to home could reduce travel-related costs.

3. Think about which supports matter most to you

When funding is tight, it becomes even more important to think about whether your supports are helping you achieve your goals. Not every support has to be structured or outcome-focused, and you don’t necessarily need to stop participating in activities you enjoy, it’s just worth considering your options so you can make sure your funding is being used where it helps you most.

Check in with yourself by asking:

• Is this activity important to me?
• Does it help me stay connected with other people?
• Am I learning, building confidence, or becoming more independent?
• Is this the best use of my funding right now?

4. Talk to your providers about pricing

The NDIA sets maximum price limits for many supports, but providers don't always have to charge the maximum amount. Some may be willing to negotiate their rates, adjust your support arrangements, and work with you to find efficient and cost-effective ways to deliver ongoing supports.

Not every provider will be able to change their prices, but many will be happy to talk through different options if it helps you continue receiving the support you need.

5. Be aware of higher-rate support times

Hourly rates change for many supports depending on when services are delivered, with higher rates applying in the evenings, on weekends, and during public holidays.

If your schedule is flexible, moving some supports to weekdays or daytime hours may help your funding last longer.

6. Understand when cancellation fees do and don't apply

Some participants are surprised to learn that providers can’t charge for every cancelled support.

Whether a cancellation fee can be claimed depends on how much notice you give and what’s written in your service agreement.

If something doesn’t look right, ask your provider to explain the charge. 

7. Sharing supports

If you’re already accessing shared supports that are working for you, checking to see if these can be expanded to reduce your reliance upon more intensive supports could free up some funding.

Some supports can be shared with other participants who have similar goals. This can lower costs while still providing the support you need.

One way this can happen is through a Coordinated Funding Proposal (CFP), where participants agree to purchase supports together as a group.

What you can do about funding changes

If you're unsure how the changes to Social, Economic and Community Participation funding may affect you, you’re not alone. Many participants are still working through what they mean for them.

As well as the tips above, you can:

• Review your provider costs and service agreements
• Gather evidence if your support needs have changed
• Discuss your support options with your local area coordinator or support coordinator if you have one
• Talk to our NDIS experts about your budget, your funding periods, and your spending patterns