NDIS assistance with daily life gives you funding for everyday tasks you can't complete independently due to your disability. This Core Support covers personal care, household tasks, and community access to help you live autonomously.

What Is NDIS Assistance With Daily Life?

Assistance with daily life sits within your Core Supports budget. It funds support workers who assist with or supervise personal tasks you cannot safely complete alone.

This support differs from improved daily living, which focuses on building skills. Assistance with daily life provides immediate, ongoing help with tasks.

How Does It Work?

Your assistance with daily life NDIS funding operates flexibly. You can use it at home, in the community, or both—whatever suits your needs.

Support workers can:

• Assist you with completing tasks
• Supervise you while you work independently
• Complete tasks entirely if you're unable

The 2025-26 catalogue introduced significant updates including 23 new Intensive and Complex Behaviour Support Items and a 3.95% pricing increase.

What Can You Use NDIS Assistance With Daily Living For?

Personal Care Support

Daily living assistance covers essential self-care activities:

Morning routines: Showering, bathing, hair washing and drying, grooming, oral hygiene, dressing, and getting ready for your day.

Toileting support: Assistance with bathroom needs, including continence management.

Medication management: Help organizing and taking prescribed medications safely.

Personal hygiene: Nail cutting and cleaning, skincare routines, and maintaining personal appearance.

Household Task Assistance

NDIS daily activities include domestic support:

Cleaning services: Vacuuming, mopping, dusting, bathroom and kitchen cleaning, and maintaining a tidy living space.

Laundry help: Washing, drying, folding, and ironing clothes and linen service if needed.

Meal preparation: Planning meals, grocery shopping assistance, cooking, and help with eating if required.

Basic home maintenance: Changing light bulbs, minor repairs, and keeping your home safe.

Yard work: Lawn mowing, gardening, weeding, watering plants, and maintaining outdoor spaces.

Community Access and Social Participation

NDIS core supports fund community engagement:

Transportation: Support workers can drive you to appointments, accompany you on public transport, or help you navigate your community.

Social activities: Assistance attending NDIS day programs, community events, recreational activities, and social gatherings.

Appointment attendance: Help getting to medical appointments, therapy sessions, or government services.

Specialized Daily Living Support

Assistance with daily living NDIS includes high-intensity options:

High-intensity personal activities: For participants with complex needs requiring qualified support workers.

Live-in carer support: Funding for someone who lives with you and provides ongoing assistance.

Overnight support: Sleepover support where the caregiver can sleep when not actively providing care, or active overnight monitoring.

Supported independent living NDIS: Assistance in shared living arrangements, helping you develop skills to live autonomously.

Short-term accommodation: Respite care providing integrated support for self-care, accommodation, and activities.

Medium-term accommodation: Temporary housing support for up to 90 days while awaiting permanent arrangements.

NDIS Assistance With Daily Life Examples

Case Study 1: Sarah's Morning Routine

Sarah has cerebral palsy and struggles with her morning routine. Her assistance with daily life NDIS code funding covers a support worker who:

• Helps her shower and dress for work
• Prepares breakfast
• Ensures she takes her medications
• Assists with grooming and personal care

This support enables Sarah to maintain her part-time job confidently.

Case Study 2: Michael's Household Independence

Michael has an intellectual disability and lives alone. His NDIS assistance with daily living supports include:

• Weekly grocery shopping assistance
• Meal preparation training with a support worker
• Help with laundry and house cleaning
• Basic budgeting and bill payment support

Case Study 3: Emma's Community Engagement

Emma uses a wheelchair and needs community access support. Her daily living support funds:

• Transportation to social activities and appointments
• Assistance attending art classes
• Support worker accompaniment to community events
• Help navigating public spaces

Assistance With Daily Life vs Improved Daily Living

Here's the critical difference you need to understand:

Assistance with daily life (Core Supports):

• Provides immediate, ongoing help with tasks
• Support workers assist or complete activities
• Addresses current daily living needs
• Flexible budget you can adjust as needs change

Improved daily living (Capacity Building):

• Builds skills for future independence
• Includes therapy, training, and assessments
• Focuses on learning new abilities
• Aims to reduce long-term support needs

Example: Assistance with daily life pays for a support worker to help you use public transport. Improved daily living NDIS funds occupational therapy to teach you how to use public transport independently.

What NDIS Assistance With Daily Life Does NOT Cover

Living Expenses Everyone Pays

Disability assisted daily living doesn't fund:

• Food and groceries (only the preparation and delivery service)
• Cleaning supplies, detergents, and household products
• Toiletries and personal items unrelated to your disability
• Rent, mortgage payments, and utility bills
• General home maintenance everyone requires

Entertainment and Recreation

Your NDIS code for assistance with daily life won't cover:

• Event tickets (movies, concerts, sports events)
• Holiday and travel expenses
• Recreational activity fees
• Hobby equipment and supplies

Important: You can hire a support worker to accompany you to events using your funding, but you'll pay for entry tickets yourself. Some venues accept Companion Cards for support worker entry.

Medical and Healthcare Costs

NDIS assistance with daily life excludes:

• Medical treatments and procedures
• Hospital stays and emergency care
• Prescription medications
• Health services covered by Medicare or private insurance

How to Get NDIS Assistance With Daily Life in Your Plan

Step 1: Identify Your Support Needs

Before your planning meeting, document:

Daily tasks you struggle with: Create a detailed list of activities where you need help.

How your disability impacts these tasks: Explain why you can't complete them independently or safely.

Support that would help: Describe what assistance would enable you to live more independently.

Your goals: Outline what you want to achieve with this support.

Step 2: Gather Supporting Evidence

Strengthen your request with:

• Medical reports from your doctor
• Therapy assessments from occupational therapists, physiotherapists, or psychologists
• Letters from specialists explaining your support needs
• Current provider reports if you're already receiving support

Step 3: Discuss at Your NDIS Planning Meeting

During your meeting:

Be specific: Don't just say "I need help." Explain exactly what tasks you need support with and how often.

Link to reasonable and necessary criteria: Show how this support relates to your disability and helps you achieve your goals.

Provide cost estimates: Use the NDIS Support Calculator to calculate approximate funding needs.

Present your evidence: Share medical reports and therapy recommendations.

Step 4: Review Your Plan

Once approved, check your plan:

Core Supports section: Look for "Assistance with Daily Life" funding allocation.

MyPlace portal: Search for "Core Supports - Assistance with Daily Life" to see your budget.

Funding amount: Verify the allocated amount matches your needs.

Step 5: Request Plan Reviews

If your needs change or the funding isn't sufficient:

• Request a plan review at any time
• Contact your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or Support Coordinator
• Provide updated evidence of changed circumstances
• Explain why additional funding is necessary

Understanding NDIS Codes for Assistance With Daily Life

Core Support Codes

The assistance with daily living NDIS code system categorizes different support types:

01_xxx_xxxx_x_x: Line items for assistance with daily life supports

Each code includes:

• Support description
• Price limit
• Registration group requirements
• Claiming conditions

2025-26 Updates

The latest NDIS Support Catalogue includes:

• 23 new Intensive and Complex Behaviour Support Items
• Updated pricing with 3.95% increases
• Enhanced support descriptions
• 35 removed legacy items

Support Worker Rates

Current daily activity NDIS rates (2025-26):

Weekday standard: $70.23/hour Evening rates: Higher than standard weekday Weekend rates: Increased pricing Public holidays: Premium rates apply

Rates vary based on:

• Support worker qualifications
• Time of day (weekday, evening, overnight)
• Location (metropolitan vs regional)
• Complexity of support needs

How to Choose an NDIS Assistance With Daily Life Provider

Plan Management Type Determines Your Options

Agency-managed:

• Use NDIS-registered providers only
• NDIA pays providers directly
• No price negotiation
• Least flexibility, least administrative work

Plan-managed:

• Choose registered or non-registered providers
• Plan manager handles payments and paperwork
• Must follow NDIS pricing limits
• Moderate flexibility, minimal admin

Self-managed:

• Choose any provider
• Negotiate rates outside price limits
• Complete responsibility for financial management
• Maximum flexibility, maximum admin work

Finding Quality Providers

Look for providers offering:

Qualified support workers: Appropriate training and experience for your needs.

Service agreements: Clear documentation of costs, cancellation policies, and expectations.

Flexibility: Providers who can adapt to your changing schedule and requirements.

Good communication: Responsive teams who keep you informed.

Positive reviews: Check testimonials and ask for references.

Service Agreement Essentials

Always sign a comprehensive service agreement covering:

• Hourly rates for different times (weekdays, weekends, holidays)
• Travel costs and distance charges
• Cancellation fees and notice periods
• What services are included
• How you'll be invoiced
• Complaint resolution process

Pro tip: Assistance with daily life is the most commonly used support category. Without clear agreements, travel costs and cancellation fees can quickly deplete your budget.

Maximizing Your NDIS Core Support Budget

Budget Flexibility Rules

Your NDIS core supports examples allow movement between categories:

If all Core Supports are managed the same way:

• Move funding between Assistance with Daily Life, Consumables, and Transport
• No plan review required
• Must align with your goals and be reasonable and necessary

If Core Supports have different management types:

• Limited flexibility
• May need plan review for major changes

Cost Management Strategies

1. Schedule strategically: Weekday support costs less than weekends and holidays.

2. Bundle tasks: Have your support worker complete multiple tasks per visit to reduce travel costs.

3. Use group supports: NDIS day programs and community activities cost less than one-on-one support.

4. Mix support types: Combine formal support workers with informal family assistance where appropriate.

5. Track spending: Monitor your budget regularly through MyPlace portal or with your plan manager.

When to Seek Additional Funding

Request increased funding if:

• Your disability impacts worsen
• You transition to independent living
• Current funding runs out before plan end
• New goals require additional support

Common NDIS Assistance With Daily Life Myths

Myth 1: "NDIS automatically provides daily living assistance to everyone"

Reality: You must request this funding at your planning meeting. It's only included if it aligns with your goals and meets reasonable and necessary criteria.

Myth 2: "Core Supports can be used for anything—it's completely flexible"

Reality: While Core Supports are more flexible than other budgets, you must use funding for NDIS-approved supports related to your disability. You can't buy groceries, pay rent, or fund unrelated expenses.

Myth 3: "I can't change providers if it's not working out"

Reality: You have complete choice and control. You can change providers whenever you want if the relationship isn't meeting your needs.

Myth 4: "Family members can't be paid to provide assistance"

Reality: Family and friends can provide support, but only unpaid. NDIS won't fund immediate family members except in exceptional circumstances approved by the NDIA.

Myth 5: "All assistance with daily life supports cost the same"

Reality: Costs vary significantly based on qualifications required, time of day, location, and support complexity.

Related NDIS Home and Living Supports

Supported Independent Living (SIL)

Supported independent living NDIS provides 24/7 assistance in shared living arrangements. It's now funded under Capacity Building, not Core Supports.

Key differences from assistance with daily life:

• SIL focuses on developing autonomy skills
• Provided in shared accommodation
• No fixed price limits
• Providers submit individualized quotes

Individualised Living Options (ILO)

ILO lets you design your ideal living arrangement if you need at least 6 hours of support daily.

ILO can include:

• Living with other NDIS participants and sharing supports
• Living with paid mentors providing skilled support
• Living near neighbors who offer informal assistance
• Custom arrangements meeting your specific needs

Home Modifications

Home modifications fund structural changes making your home accessible—funded under Capital Supports, not assistance with daily life.

Assistive Technology

Equipment helping you complete daily tasks independently is funded through Capital Supports, not assistance with daily life.

NDIS Activities of Daily Living Examples in Practice

Morning Routine Support

6:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Support worker arrives to help with:

• Waking and getting out of bed safely
• Showering and personal hygiene
• Dressing in appropriate clothing
• Breakfast preparation and eating assistance
• Medication administration
• Preparing for work or day program

Household Management Support

Weekly tasks:

• Grocery shopping and meal planning
• House cleaning and organizing
• Laundry washing, drying, and folding
• Basic yard maintenance
• Bill payment assistance
• Pet care if related to disability needs

Community Access Support

Afternoon activities:

• Transportation to social activities
• Support attending NDIS day programs
• Assistance with recreational activities
• Help accessing community facilities
• Support worker accompaniment ensuring safety

NDIS Improved Daily Living Examples vs Assistance With Daily Life

When to Use Assistance With Daily Life

Choose assistance with daily life if you need:

• Ongoing help completing tasks you cannot do alone
• Supervision to ensure your safety during activities
• Immediate support maintaining your current lifestyle
• Assistance living as independently as possible now

When to Use Improved Daily Living

Choose improved daily living NDIS examples if you want:

• Therapy building your skills and independence
• Training to complete tasks yourself in the future
• Assessments identifying your support needs
• Strategies reducing long-term dependence on support workers

Many participants need both: Use assistance with daily life for immediate help and improved daily living to build skills reducing future support needs.

What Can Improved Daily Living Funding Be Used For NDIS?

Understanding what can improved daily living funding be used for NDIS helps you plan effectively:

Therapy Services

• Occupational therapy
• Physiotherapy
• Speech therapy
• Psychology
• Exercise physiology
• Dietetics
• Behavioral therapy

Skills Training

• Cooking and meal preparation training
• Personal hygiene and self-care programs
• Budgeting and money management
• Public transport navigation
• Communication skills development
• Social skills training

Assessments and Reports

• Functional capacity assessments
• Assistive technology assessments
• Communication assessments
• Developmental assessments
• Therapy progress reports

NDIS Core Support Examples Beyond Daily Life

Your NDIS core support examples include four categories:

1. Assistance With Daily Life

Covered comprehensively above.

2. Transport

• Assistance using public transport
• Support worker travel costs
• Transport to and from activities
• Funding for frequent transport needs

3. Consumables

• Continence products
• Low-cost assistive technology under $1,500
• Everyday use items related to disability
• Modifications to low-cost equipment

4. Assistance With Social and Community Participation

• Support attending community activities
• Help building social connections
• Assistance participating in hobbies and interests
• Support engaging in civic activities

How to Appeal NDIS Assistance With Daily Life Decisions

If Your Funding Request Is Denied

Step 1: Request an internal review

• Contact NDIA within 3 months
• Explain why you disagree
• Provide additional evidence

Step 2: Appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT)

• If internal review doesn't resolve the issue
• Free to lodge an appeal
• Legal representation available

Step 3: Seek support from advocacy services

• Free advocacy services can help
• They understand NDIS processes
• Can represent you in appeals

Planning for Your Next NDIS Review

Prepare Evidence of Support Effectiveness

Document how NDIS assistance with daily living helps you:

• Photos or videos showing progress toward goals
• Support worker reports documenting your activities
• Therapy reports noting improvements
• Personal journal entries tracking changes

Identify Changed Needs

Note any changes in:

• Your disability symptoms or progression
• Your living situation or accommodation
• Your goals and aspirations
• Your current support adequacy

Calculate Updated Funding Requirements

Use the NDIS Support Calculator to:

• Estimate hours needed per week
• Calculate annual costs
• Account for rate increases
• Factor in weekend and holiday needs

Finding NDIS Providers for Assistance With Daily Life

Provider Search Resources

NDIS Provider Finder: Search by location, service type, and registration status.

MyPlace Portal: Access provider lists and contact information.

Local disability networks: Community organizations can recommend trusted providers.

Support Coordinator: Can help match you with appropriate providers.

Red Flags to Watch For

Avoid providers who:

• Won't provide a written service agreement
• Pressure you to sign up immediately
• Can't explain their pricing clearly
• Have multiple negative reviews
• Don't answer your questions satisfactorily
• Can't provide proof of insurance and registration

Questions to Ask Potential Providers

1. Are you NDIS registered (if required for your plan type)?
2. What qualifications do your support workers have?
3. How do you match support workers with participants?
4. What's your cancellation policy?
5. How do you handle support worker absences?
6. What are your travel charges?
7. How do you communicate with participants and families?
8. Can I change support workers if needed?

Your Action Plan for NDIS Assistance With Daily Life

Immediate Next Steps

1. Review your current plan:

• Check MyPlace portal for existing assistance with daily life funding
• Identify how much budget you have
• See what you're currently spending

2. List your daily living needs:

• Document tasks requiring assistance
• Note frequency and duration needed
• Calculate approximate hours per week

3. Gather supporting evidence:

• Request reports from current therapists
• Schedule assessments if needed
• Collect medical documentation

4. Contact a Support Coordinator:

• Get help navigating the system
• Assistance finding providers
• Support preparing for planning meetings

Preparing for Success

Before your planning meeting:

• Complete the NDIS planning conversation guide
• Write down your goals
• Calculate estimated funding needs
• Bring all supporting documentation

During your planning meeting:

• Be specific about your needs
• Explain how supports help achieve goals
• Provide evidence of reasonable and necessary criteria
• Ask questions if anything's unclear

After receiving your plan:

• Review funding allocations carefully
• Start contacting providers immediately
• Set up service agreements
• Begin using supports

Conclusion

NDIS assistance with daily life funding empowers you to live independently with support for personal care, household tasks, and community access.

Remember:

• This is Core Support funding—your most flexible budget
• It covers immediate, ongoing assistance needs
• It differs from improved daily living, which builds skills
• You control who provides your supports
• Funding must be reasonable and necessary

The 2025-26 updates brought significant changes including new behavioral support items and 3.95% rate increases—understanding these helps you maximize your funding.

Start by reviewing your current plan, documenting your needs, and contacting providers today. You deserve support enabling you to live life on your terms.

Need help getting started? Contact Care Axis. CareAxis is one of the leading ndis approved providers in Bunbury. 

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This guide was last updated December 2025 to reflect the latest NDIS Support Catalogue 2025-26 pricing and support items.