Understanding the Difference Between NDIS, Mainstream and Community Supports

When it comes to getting the most out of your NDIS Plan, it’s important to know where different types of support come from — and how they work together. At Coastal Connect Independence, we often speak with people trying to figure out what the NDIS covers versus what should be accessed through other systems.

Let’s break it down in simple terms.

What Are Mainstream Supports?

Mainstream supports are services provided to the general public, not just people with disability. They include healthcare, public education, transport, income support and employment services. Think of things like:

• Visits to your local GP (covered by Medicare)

• Centrelink payments (like JobSeeker or the Disability Support Pension)

• Access to public schools, universities or TAFE

These are services you can access whether you’re an NDIS participant or not. The NDIS won’t replace or duplicate these — but it can provide additional, disability-specific supports if needed.

What About Community Supports?

Community supports are provided by local councils, not-for-profits, religious groups or sports organisations. These may include:

• Local sports clubs or recreational activities

• Peer mentoring or advocacy groups

• Council-run youth or disability inclusion programs

• Community arts classes or workshops

These programs help build belonging, routine, and social connections — and while they’re often not funded by the NDIS directly, your NDIS Plan may help you access them more easily.

How the NDIS Works Alongside Other Supports

The NDIS is designed to fill in the gaps — not replace services that already exist in the community or broader government systems. For example:

• The NDIS may fund a support worker to assist you at your local art class, but not the class fee itself

• You might receive funding for specialist transport to an event, if public transport isn’t suitable

• It could cover equipment or modifications that help you join a community group, like adapted sporting gear

The key is that the NDIS will fund what’s considered reasonable and necessary, based on your disability-related needs.

Examples of NDIS-Funded Community Participation Supports

Here are a few ways your NDIS Plan might help you engage with your community:

• Assistance from a support worker to attend a group or event

• Funding for skill-building programs that promote independence

• Travel support if there’s no safe or suitable transport option

• Modifications or technology to help you participate in hobbies or sports

However, it’s important to note that the cost of the activity itself, like movie tickets, gym memberships, or art supplies, usually needs to be covered by you.

Understanding Your Budget Categories

Depending on your plan, support for community participation may fall under these areas:

✅ Core Supports

Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation
Covers support worker assistance for attending events or activities — but not their entry fee or yours.

✅ Capacity Building

Improved Daily Living or Increased Social & Community Participation
Can include therapies or programs that help you learn new skills, build confidence, or become more independent.
In some cases, the NDIS may fund a limited number of trial sessions (e.g. art, drama, dance) if they’re linked to your goals.

Other Supports Outside the NDIS

There are also some great non-NDIS programs that support inclusion:

• Companion Cards (issued by state governments) let your support worker enter events with you for free

• Active & Creative Kids (NSW) or FairPlay Vouchers (QLD) help families with the cost of sports and activities

• Local councils often offer free or low-cost inclusive community programs

Building a Full Support Network

Your NDIS funding is only one part of the picture. Mainstream services and community programs work in partnership with the NDIS to give you the tools, access and confidence to live life your way.

Here’s how they all fit together:

Need Help Navigating It All?

If you’re unsure about what’s available or how your supports work together, our team is here to help. Whether it’s reviewing your plan, linking you to local resources, or coordinating services, we’re just a call away.

We’ll help you connect the dots.
📞 Call us on 0412 356 305
📧 Email: info@coastalconnectindependence.com.au
🌐 Visit: www.coastalconnectindependence.com.au