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NDIS Increased Social & Community Participation

Get clarity on National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Increased Social & Community Participation supports, which help you build skills, confidence and independence to take part in community, social and recreational life.

This page covers:

  • What Increased Social & Community Participation supports involve
  • How these supports help build confidence, skills and connection
  • How to find suitable providers based on your goals, plan and circumstances

If your NDIS plan includes funding for Increased Social & Community Participation, Care Decisions can help. We’ll compile and send a personalised shortlist of suitable providers, matched to what matters most to you.

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What is Increased Social & Community Participation Under the NDIS?

Increased Social & Community Participation is a capacity-building support under the NDIS. Rather than paying for someone to accompany you long-term, this support focuses on building the skills and confidence you need to participate in community, social, recreational or learning activities more independently over time.

In practical terms, this often means working with a support worker, mentor or specialist who helps you develop practical skills such as:

  • Social communication and interaction
  • Confidence in group or community settings
  • Using community facilities and services
  • Developing routines and strategies to stay engaged

Supports can be delivered one-to-one or in small groups, depending on your goals and what’s funded in your plan.

In the Myplace portal and payment requests, this category is labelled CB Social Community Participation (Category 9).

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Who Increased Social & Community Participation May Be Helpful For

Increased Social & Community Participation is for people who want to feel more confident, connected and active in their community.

This support may suit you if you:

  • Want to build confidence interacting with others
  • Are working towards joining community, recreational or group activities
  • Want support to develop social, communication or life skills
  • Feel isolated and want help building connections outside the home
  • Are learning how to access community activities more independently
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What Increased Social & Community Participation Can Help With Day-to-Day

This support focuses on real-world participation and skill-building. Depending on your goals, it can help with:

  • Social skills development: Building communication skills, confidence and understanding social cues
  • Community access: Learning how to attend community activities, groups or events safely and confidently
  • Skill-based activities: Participating in structured programs that build independence, routine and self-esteem
  • Confidence building: Gradually increasing comfort in new environments or group settings
  • Pathways to independence: Developing skills that reduce reliance on ongoing support over time

These supports are about learning and participation, not just being present. The focus is always on your goals and building capacity.

How Increased Social & Community Participation is Funded Through the NDIS

Increased Social & Community Participation is funded under the Capacity Building budget of your NDIS plan.

All Capacity Building supports are stated, which means this funding must be used specifically for Increased Social & Community Participation and cannot be moved to other support categories (such as Core Supports).

Not every NDIS plan includes this funding. Whether it’s included depends on your goals, needs and circumstances at the time of your plan review.

If you’re unsure whether this support is in your plan, it’s best to check your plan details or seek guidance before booking services to ensure supports are funded correctly.

How Care Decisions Helps You Find the Increased Social & Community Participation Providers

Care Decisions is not a directory. We’re a free, provider-neutral service that helps people find disability support providers matched to their goals, plan and location.

You’ll speak with a dedicated NDIS specialist who takes the time to understand what participation means for you. For example, you may want:

  • A provider experienced in group-based skill programs
  • One-to-one support focused on confidence or social interaction
  • Supports aligned with specific interests, cultures or communities

We then prepare a personalised shortlist of available providers who are suited to your needs.

You stay in control of the decision, with clear options and no pressure to choose a particular provider.

How It Works

Finding the right NDIS provider shouldn’t be overwhelming. We make it easier by connecting you with dependable, available support services that meet your needs. Our FREE service takes the hassle out of the search. Here’s how it works.
Step 1

Let’s Get Started

Share your support needs, goals, location, and preferences with your dedicated NDIS matching specialist. We’ll help you find the right providers to suit your unique situation.
Step 2

Get a Tailored Provider Options Report

Our team of trained local NDIS support specialists create a personalised report, showing only NDIS providers who are available and matched to your specific requirements, location, and the type of support you’re looking for.
Step 3

Let Us Help You Make the Most of Your NDIS Plan

Once we have sent a list of options, providers will then be in touch. We’ll also help you understand how the NDIS works, how to get the most value from your allocated budget, and how to maximise the care and support available to you. We can also assist you in comparing provider pricing and service options.

Common Questions About  Increased Social & Community Participation Support

Is this the same as Core Supports for social participation?

No. Increased Social & Community Participation focuses on building skills and confidence. Core Supports (Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation) focus on providing help to attend activities without a skill-building focus.

It can be either. Supports may be delivered individually or in group programs, depending on your goals and what’s funded in your plan.

Do I need a specific goal for this support?

Yes. Many people use both. For example, a Core support worker might help you attend an activity, while Increased Social & Community Participation focuses on building the skills to participate more independently over time.

No, but unused funds don’t roll over to your next plan. If you have remaining funds, you may be able to use them for additional skill-building activities that support your goals.

These supports are usually delivered by qualified providers such as support workers, community participation providers, or therapists. The provider should have experience in skill development and helping participants build confidence, independence, and meaningful community connections aligned with their NDIS goals.