What Are Informal Supports in the NDIS (and Why They Matter More Than You Think)

When people talk about NDIS supports, they usually mean paid services like support workers, therapists, or group programs.

But for many participants, the most consistent support comes from the people already in their lives.

These are called informal supports.

Understanding informal supports in the NDIS is important because they directly impact:

• How much funding you receive

• What supports are approved

• How sustainable your support system is long term

What Are Informal Supports in the NDIS?

In the NDIS, informal supports are unpaid help provided by family, friends, neighbours, or community connections.

They are not funded through an NDIS plan and are not considered formal providers.

Examples of informal supports include:

• A parent helping with daily routines

• A sibling practising conversation or social skills

• A friend providing transport or companionship

• A neighbour checking in or offering practical help

• A partner assisting with paperwork or appointments

The NDIS does not aim to replace informal supports. It is designed to support them and reduce pressure where needed.

Informal Supports vs Formal Supports in the NDIS

Understanding the difference is important.

Informal supports:

• Family, friends, neighbours

• Unpaid and relationship-based

• Flexible, but often emotionally demanding

Formal supports:

• Paid support workers and providers

• Funded through an NDIS plan

• Structured, goal-focused, and accountable

When developing a plan, the NDIA looks at both.

They assess:

• What informal supports exist

• How much they are doing

• Whether the situation is reasonable and sustainable

The NDIS is not designed to assume families can provide unlimited care.

How Informal Supports Affect Your NDIS Plan

This is the part most people don’t realise.

When you apply for or review an NDIS plan, planners will look closely at your informal supports.

They may ask:

• Who currently helps you?

• How often do they help?

• What do they assist with?

• Can they continue doing this long term?

If informal supports are strong and sustainable, this can influence funding decisions.

If they are stretched, under pressure, or no longer sustainable, this should be clearly communicated.

👉 This can directly impact how much funded support is approved.

When Informal Supports Become Unsustainable

Informal supports don’t usually break overnight. They build pressure over time.

Common warning signs include:

• Carer exhaustion

• Emotional strain in relationships

• One person carrying most of the responsibility

• Reduced independence for the participant

• Limited connection outside the family

When this happens, introducing funded supports can restore balance.

The goal is sustainability, not dependence.

How Informal Supports Work Alongside NDIS Supports

The NDIS works best when informal and formal supports work together.

For example:

• A teen attends a structured group program and builds social confidence outside the family

• An adult participates in a day program and develops routine and independence

• A support worker provides community access, reducing reliance on family members

Funded supports should not replace relationships. They should support them.

Informal Supports for Teens

As children move into adolescence, their support needs change.

Parents remain key supports, but teens also need opportunities to:

• Build peer relationships

• Develop independence

• Explore identity outside the family

• Practise decision-making

Structured supports can allow this to happen safely, while reducing pressure on families.

Informal Supports for Adults

Informal supports continue into adulthood, often in different ways.

Many adults rely on:

• Family for planning and paperwork

• Friends for social connection

• Partners for daily reminders and routines

However, if informal supports become essential for day-to-day functioning, funded supports may be needed.

Independence should not rely entirely on one unpaid person.

Can the NDIS Pay Family Members as Informal Supports?

In most cases, the NDIS does not pay family members to provide support.

There are limited exceptions, such as:

• High-risk situations

• Cultural or language needs

• Complex medical or behavioural circumstances

These require specific approval and are assessed individually.

Generally, informal supports are expected to remain informal.

What If Informal Supports Change?

Informal supports are not fixed.

They can change due to:

• Illness or ageing

• Work commitments

• Family breakdown

• Relocation

• Increased support needs

If this happens, it may be appropriate to request a review of the NDIS plan.

A reduction in informal supports is a valid reason to reassess funding.

You can also speak with your LAC or Support Coordinator about next steps.

Final Thoughts on Informal Supports in the NDIS

Informal supports are incredibly important.

But they should not carry everything.

The NDIS works best when informal and funded supports are balanced.

The right combination:

• Protects relationships

• Builds independence

• Creates sustainable long-term outcomes

Need Help Navigating Your NDIS Supports?

If you’re unsure how informal supports should be considered in your plan, or how to build a more sustainable support structure, feel free to reach out!

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