One of the most meaningful parts of an NDIS plan for many participants is the funding that supports getting out into the community. This falls under Core Supports, specifically support category 04: Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation.
Yet many participants either under-use this funding or are unsure what it actually covers. This guide explains it clearly.
What is category 04?
Category 04 — formally "Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation" — funds support that helps you engage in community, social, recreational, and economic activities. In plain terms: it covers a support worker helping you get out and participate in life.
This is distinct from category 01 (Assistance with Daily Life), which covers personal care and household tasks. Category 04 is specifically about participation — being part of your community, not just managing at home.
What does category 04 fund?
Category 04 funding can be used for a support worker who helps you:
- Attend social events, community groups, or recreational activities
- Access sporting clubs, fitness activities, or leisure centres
- Participate in group programs or day activities
- Get to appointments, events, or activities (travel support)
- Engage in hobbies, arts, or cultural activities
- Build social connections and reduce isolation
- Access community facilities such as libraries, markets, or parks
- Participate in volunteering or community roles
It also funds group-based activities where a support worker facilitates participation for several participants at once, which can be a cost-effective way to use funding.
What is not covered?
Category 04 funding pays for the support worker's time. It does not pay for:
- Entry fees, event tickets, or activity costs — those come from your own pocket
- Transport costs — whether and how these are funded depends on your individual plan and funding type; check your plan or speak with your support coordinator
- Meals or refreshments for the participant or support worker
- Activities that are not reasonable and necessary given your disability-related needs
The NDIS applies a "reasonable and necessary" test to all supports. Funding must relate to your disability — not be something the general community would pay for themselves.
Do I need category 04 funding specifically?
If your plan has a Core Supports budget (which most do), category 04 is included within that. Core Supports budgets are generally flexible across categories 01, 03, and 04, meaning you can shift spending between daily living supports and community participation supports depending on what you need in a given period.
Check your plan or ask your plan manager if you are unsure. If your plan was set up without community participation funding and you now need it, you can raise this at your next plan review.
How Supportr can help
Supportr's social and community support service is funded through category 04. Our support workers accompany participants to activities, help them access the community, and assist with participation at group programs and events across South East Queensland.
We also run group activities, which are a great way to build social connections and try new things with others in a supported environment.
Making the most of your community participation funding
A few practical tips:
- Be specific in your plan: When you next have a plan review, document the activities and goals you want to work toward. Vague plans lead to vague funding allocations.
- Think about what matters to you: Category 04 is most valuable when it connects to things you actually want to do — not a generic list of activities.
- Track your spending: If you are self-managed or plan-managed, keep an eye on your category 04 budget across the year so you do not run out before your plan ends.
- Talk to your support worker: A good support worker will help you identify opportunities and build toward your participation goals over time.
If you want to talk through how your plan could fund community participation, call us on (07) 3184 4445 or get in touch online.