“Community access” is one of the most used, and most misunderstood, parts of an NDIS plan. Community access funding covers more than outings, but it also has limits worth knowing, especially with budget changes starting from October 2026.
What is community access funding?
In your NDIS plan, community access usually appears as Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation, in your Core Supports budget. It funds support to help you take part in community, social, recreational and economic activities.
Some plans also include Increased Social and Community Participation in the Capacity Building budget, which funds support to build skills for joining in, such as social skills or confidence travelling to activities.
What it can pay for
Community access funding generally pays for the support, not the activity itself. That can include:
- a support worker to go with you to activities, appointments, classes or events
- help to join community groups, sport, hobbies or volunteering
- support to use public transport, shops, the library or local services
- outings and community events
- building skills to do more on your own over time
What it usually doesn’t pay for
- entry fees, tickets, memberships or class costs
- food and drinks while you’re out
- holidays or travel costs
- your support worker’s own ticket or meal costs, unless your service agreement explains how these are handled
These everyday costs are usually your own responsibility. Always check your service agreement so there are no surprises.
Want help planning community access around your goals? Speak with a Care Navigator →
What’s changing from October 2026?
From 1 October 2026, the Australian Government says budgets for social, civic and community participation supports will be reset so spending is, on average, in line with 2023 levels. Budgets for capacity building daily activities are also changing. These changes happen progressively as plans are reassessed or renewed.
The impact depends on each participant’s plan. The Australian Government has said supports essential to critical care and daily living needs aren’t the target of these changes.
Making the most of your community access funding
- Link activities to your goals. Supports should connect to the goals in your plan.
- Focus on building independence. Supports that build skills over time can be linked to the goals in your plan.
- Keep notes. Record what you do and how it helps, as useful evidence later.
- Plan across the year. Spread your funding so it lasts the length of your plan.
How Aus Care Community Services can help
Our Social & Community Access team provides one-on-one support to take part in the activities that matter to you, including outings and community events hosted by Aus Care Community Services. A Care Navigator can also help you plan your community access supports ahead of your next reassessment.
Want to get more out of your community access funding?
Reviewed by the Aus Care Community Services Care Navigator team. Last reviewed: 17 September 2026.
Sources
- NDIA: Securing the NDIS for future generations
- Department of Health, Disability and Ageing: Reform timeline
- NDIS: Pricing updates
This information is general in nature and reflects NDIS information available at the time of writing on 17 September 2026. The NDIS is changing, and rules, dates and processes may be updated after this article is published. It is not legal, financial or individual NDIS advice and should not be relied on for decisions about your plan. What the NDIS funds, and decisions about access, plans and reassessments, are made by the NDIA. For the latest information, visit ndis.gov.au or call the NDIS on 1800 800 110. For help understanding your own situation, Speak with a Care Navigator.
