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Support Worker Funding Options Under NDIS

Support workers are one of the most widely accessed supports in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). They provide daily living assistance, personal care, and community participation support, making them essential for many participants. The NDIS offers different funding options to pay for support worker services, depending on the participant’s needs and goals. Understanding these categories helps participants and families make the best use of their plan.

1. Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Life

Most support worker funding is included under Core Supports, specifically in the Assistance with Daily Life category. This funding helps participants manage everyday tasks and maintain independence at home.

Support workers can assist with:

  • Personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting).
  • Household tasks (cleaning, laundry, meal preparation).
  • Support with eating and drinking.
  • Assistance in following daily routines.

This is the most flexible funding option, as it can usually be used across different providers to meet immediate needs.

2. Core Supports – Assistance with Social and Community Participation

The NDIS also funds support workers to help participants engage in community life. This category is designed to reduce isolation and encourage active participation in society.

Support workers can provide assistance with:

  • Attending appointments, classes, or social events.
  • Accessing recreational activities such as sport, art, or hobbies.
  • Travel and transport to community programs.
  • Building social connections and confidence in public spaces.

This funding allows participants to live more socially connected and fulfilling lives.

3. Capacity Building Supports

In some cases, support workers can be funded through Capacity Building Supports, when their role directly relates to developing independence or building skills. While capacity building is often used for allied health professionals, support workers may assist in implementing therapy strategies.

  • Example: A support worker might help a participant practice skills recommended by an occupational therapist, such as preparing simple meals, improving personal organisation, or managing public transport.

4. Supported Independent Living (SIL)

For participants requiring 24/7 or regular in-home support, funding may come under Supported Independent Living (SIL). Support workers in SIL settings assist with:

  • Daily living skills like cooking, cleaning, and budgeting.
  • Personal care and health-related routines.
  • Building independence within a shared or individual home.

SIL funding is usually arranged for participants with higher support needs who require ongoing assistance throughout the day or night.

5. Short Term Accommodation (STA) and Respite

When participants or their families need a temporary break, Short Term Accommodation (STA) or respite funding can cover support worker costs. This allows participants to stay in a different environment where support workers help with daily needs and community activities.

This option supports both the participant’s wellbeing and provides carers with time to rest and recharge.

6. Self-Managed, Plan-Managed, and NDIA-Managed Funding Options

Support worker funding can be accessed in different ways depending on how the NDIS plan is managed:

  • Self-managed: Participants hire support workers directly, offering maximum choice and flexibility.
  • Plan-managed: A plan manager pays providers on behalf of the participant, allowing access to both NDIS-registered and non-registered providers.
  • NDIA-managed: Participants can only use NDIS-registered providers for support worker services.

The choice of management option determines how flexible participants can be in selecting and paying support workers.

Conclusion

Support worker funding under the NDIS is flexible and can be accessed through Core Supports, Capacity Building, SIL, and STA categories. Whether it’s for personal care, household help, community participation, or around-the-clock support, these options ensure participants can receive the right level of assistance. By understanding funding categories and plan management options, participants can make the most of their NDIS budget and achieve greater independence and wellbeing.

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