Every person living with a disability has different needs and requires different supports. But when it comes to NDIS funding and the different budgets that fall under the three main categories, it can get a bit confusing. After all, there are a total of 15 budgets available!
Today, we’re going to look at the daily activities you can fund from your Assistance with Daily Life budget.
Before we get started, if you’d like a little refresher on the three main budget categories: Core, Capital and Capacity Building supports, then check out NDIS Plan budget categories explained.
Now, let’s answer some common questions about Assistance with Daily Life…
What is NDIS Assistance with Daily Life?
Assistance with Daily Life is a budget under the Core supports category. It covers support with everyday personal activities that assist you to live as independently as possible at home and in the community.
This may include in your own home, living on your own or in a shared living arrangement such as supported independent living.
Support types that you may be able to access under Assistance with Daily Life in your NDIS Plan include:
- Assistance with daily personal activities
- Assistance with household tasks
- Assistance in shared living arrangements
- Supported Independent Living (SIL)
- Short Term Accommodation and Assistance (or respite).
Supports may be provided at home or in the community.
How can the NDIS assist with daily living?
When it comes to the NDIS, daily living is all those regular tasks and chores that need to be done in the usual course of a day, like getting out of bed, showering, eating and getting around.
The Assistance with Daily Life budget is intended to support you to do all those things. Your funding can be used for support workers to assist with or supervise tasks. Or you can use this funding for support workers to do tasks for you if you are unable to do them yourself.
Assistance with Daily Life examples.
Some specific examples of things you might be able to use Assistance with Daily Life funding for include:
- Help with getting ready for your day (self care such as showering, dressing etc.)
- High intensity self care activities
- Overnight sleepover support or assistance from a live-in carer
- Support to help you get out and about in the community including driving you to places or accompanying you on public transport
- Help to do household chores such as cleaning or linen service if you are unable to manage your own laundry[1]
- Getting help around the yard such as basic yard work lawn mowing or gardening
- Someone to assist with food preparation and meals, or the costs associated with meal delivery
- Support with health and fitness
- Assistance getting to appointments.
Top tip: from 1 March 2022, a quote is no longer required for meal preparation and delivery but it must be specified in your plan.[2]
What’s not covered?
- The cost of food or ready made meals (including delivered meals – the NDIS will only cover the cost of preparation and delivery)
- The cost of household items such as cleaning supplies
- Personal items not related to your disability such as toiletries and cosmetics
- Rent, board or mortgage payments
- Tickets for events, concerts, movies etc.
Will Assistance with Daily Life funding be included in my plan?
The need for Assistance with Daily Life funding is assessed by the NDIS on a case-by-case basis. It will be included if it is considered a ‘reasonable and necessary’ support that meets your needs and will help you to achieve your goals.
That is just one more reason why it’s so important to be prepared for your NDIS Plan meeting!
We can help you.
Talk to us about the best way to prepare for your NDIS Plan or Plan Review meeting – we can make sure you have the very best chance of getting the help you need.
Call us on 1300 05 78 78 to have your questions answered or book your free NDIS pre-planning session or sign up to Leap in! plan management today.
Initially published 15 February 2019, updated 1 October 2020 and 11 April 2022.
[1] NDIS, Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2021-2022, v1.5, effective 1 March, 2022, p. 112.
[2] NDIS, Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2021-2022, v1.5, effective 1 March, 2022, p. 49.
Further reading
NDIS Plan budget categories explained.
Top 5 reasons why people don’t spend their NDIS budgets.
What is a combination NDIS Plan and how can it work for you?