Support may be provided by the NDIS to enable you to access group activities, whether they are out in the community or in a centre.

Why might group activities be beneficial?

Group activities can be beneficial for you because they:

• enable you to establish meaningful relationships with others in your community
• increase feelings of independence
• help develop skills and confidence
• reduce the cost of supports as support providers are shared across multiple Participants

What may be funded through the NDIS?

The NDIS may fund supports that are associated with group activities including:

• supports that enable access to the community and increase your social participation
• travel with a service provider as part of NDIS-funded community-based activities (aka activity-based transport)
• disability-specific activity costs

Can I claim the cost of my activity?

Whether or not the NDIS will cover the cost of the activity will depend on the type of activity and your specific needs.

The NDIS may be able to fund the cost of the activity if:

• the cost of participation exceeds an affordable amount
• without it, you would be at risk of social isolation

Activity costs that are not disability-specific usually cannot be claimed.

If you are unsure whether the activity would be eligible, get in contact with your plan manager, Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator for more information.

How does the NDIS fund group activities?

Group activities that facilitate your participation in the community can be claimed from your Core budget.

If a certain group activity aims to develop your skills and independence, then they may instead be claimed from your Capacity Building budget under Increased Social and Community Participation.

How much the support costs will depend on the ratio of support workers to Participants as the cost of supports will be divided amongst all Participants.

What are some examples of group activities?

• camps
• arts and crafts
• cooking classes
• dance classes
• singing classes
• sport
• horse riding
• bowling
• day trips
• drama groups
• boardgames or arcade games
• watching a movie
• recreational swimming or swimming lessons
• martial arts
• yoga
• music lessons
• surfing
• discos

Want to know more?

There are many support providers who can facilitate group and centre-based activities.  To learn more about their services, you can search for providers online or ask your Support Coordinator/LAC for recommendations.

If you have any questions about whether a particular activity or support is claimable, please give us a call on 1300 800 110.