Funding Type Spotlight: NDIS Increased Social and Community Participation
There are two NDIS budgets with almost the same name, and from 1 October 2026 the difference between them matters a lot more. One is being cut by 50%. The other isn't named in the new law at all. This spotlight is about the second one: Capacity Building – Increased Social and Community Participation.
Two budgets with very similar names
Core – Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation (support category 04) pays for support to take part. Think a support worker with you at community access, or group and centre-based activities. This is the budget the Government is reducing by 50%. Its own information describes the cut as applying to "social, civic and community participation supports (referred to in the Act as assistance with social, economic and community participation)".
Capacity Building – Increased Social and Community Participation (support category 09) pays for building the skills and confidence to take part more independently over time. Think skills development and training, life transition planning and mentoring, and structured programs that teach abilities you keep.
Is NDIS Increased Social and Community Participation being cut?
Not by name. The new Act lets the Minister reduce funding for exactly two groups of supports: "assistance with social, economic and community participation" and "improved daily living skills" (section 34A(1A)). Increased Social and Community Participation is neither of those. On the Act's wording, it sits outside the 1 October cuts.
Three honest caveats:
The Minister's determination hasn't been made yet, and can't be made before 1 October. We'll confirm this once it's published.
Other changes still apply to this budget. From 1 February 2027, the NDIA ranks published research first when deciding if a support is effective, can set caps on funding, intensity or worker-to-participant ratios, and won't fund supports more appropriately provided by another system (sections 33(2EA), 34(1E) and 34(1)(g)).
The Government has deferred, not dropped, consultation on changes to how social and community participation and capacity building activities are delivered.
It also isn't a loophole. Which budget pays for a support depends on what the support actually is. A provider has to claim against the support item that matches what they deliver, so support to attend an activity can't simply be moved into Capacity Building to avoid the cut. If the goal is genuinely building skills, though, this is the budget built for it.
What can be claimed under Increased Social and Community Participation
✔ Life transition planning and mentoring
Planning for big changes, like leaving school or moving out
Mentoring and peer support
Individual skill development for independence in the community
✔ Skills development and training
Public transport and travel skills
Independent shopping and community navigation
Social and communication skills
Delivered 1:1 or in small groups
✔ Structured community programs
Some programs, classes and camps that build lasting skills, which are usually priced by quote
What it doesn't cover
Ongoing support just to attend an activity. That's Core, under Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation.
The cost of the activity itself, such as tickets, entry fees or meals, which is generally your cost.
Supports another system should provide. From 1 February 2027 the Act says the NDIS won't fund these (section 34(1)(g)).
Codes and pricing (2026–27)
These are the two Increased Social and Community Participation items we deliver, with their price limits from the NDIS Pricing Schedule 2026–27, effective 1 July 2026:
09_006_0106_6_3 Life Transition Planning Incl. Mentoring, Peer-Support and Individual Skill Development: up to $83.87 an hour (national), $117.42 remote, $125.81 very remote.
09_009_0117_6_3 Skills Development and Training: up to $83.87 an hour (national), $117.42 remote, $125.81 very remote.
When these are delivered in a small group, the hourly cost is shared between participants, so each person's budget goes further. We explain how that works in What Are Support Ratios in the NDIS? (1:1, 1:2, 1:3 Explained). Price limits apply if your plan is managed by the NDIA or a registered plan manager. If you self-manage, they don't bind you, but they're a useful guide.
Who is this support best for?
Teens preparing for adulthood and school leavers
Young adults building independence
People building social confidence
Anyone learning to get around and take part in their community on their own terms
How we deliver Increased Social and Community Participation
We deliver this 1:1 or in small structured groups on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, depending on your goals. Mentoring focuses on independence in community settings, self-management and organisation, navigating appointments and services, and getting ready for more responsibility. Skills programs include public transport training, independent shopping, community navigation and taking part in structured community settings. You can read more on our Increased Social and Community Participation page, or in our spotlight on Skills Development and Training.
Choosing the right provider
When you use this funding, look for a provider who:
✔ Sets clear, measurable skill goals with you
✔ Keeps progress records you can use at your reassessment
✔ Builds skills rather than just going along to the activity
✔ Tells you upfront which budget and support item they're claiming from
✔ Plans for you to need less support over time
Need help with Increased Social and Community Participation?
If you'd like to know which of your community supports come from which budget, or how the 1 October changes affect you, we're happy to help. For the Core cut itself, see The 1 October NDIS Changes: What They Mean for Group Programs and Community Access. For the other budget being reduced, see our spotlight on Improved Daily Living.
📍 Based on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast
Sources
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Act 2026, Federal Register of Legislation (section 34A)
About the changes to the NDIS, Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
This is general information, current as at 21 September 2026. It isn't advice about your individual plan. Price limits are maximums, and providers may charge less.
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