How to use your NDIS plan to build long-term life skills
Published at 26-05-2025 11:30:00
How to use your NDIS plan to build long-term life skills
Because support today should help you thrive tomorrow
The NDIS is more than just a funding scheme—it’s a tool to help you live more independently and confidently, now and in the future. One of the most powerful ways to use your NDIS plan is by building long-term life skills that empower you to manage daily challenges, make decisions, and achieve your personal goals.
Whether you're learning how to catch public transport, cook for yourself, manage money, or prepare for employment, your plan can provide tailored support to help you build these skills step by step.
What are life skills—and why do they matter?
Life skills are the everyday abilities that help you live as independently as possible. They include:
- Personal care and hygiene
- Cooking and nutrition
- Cleaning and home maintenance
- Budgeting and money management
- Communication and social skills
- Travel and public transport use
- Time management and routine building
- Decision-making and self-advocacy
Building these skills increases your confidence, freedom, and long-term wellbeing, and can reduce your reliance on support over time.
Which parts of your NDIS plan can support life skills?
NDIS life skill development is usually funded under:
Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Life
This includes support workers helping you:
- Learn to cook, clean, or do laundry
- Practice personal care routines
- Try community transport or do grocery shopping with assistance
Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living
This funding can be used for:
- Therapy to develop emotional regulation or decision-making
- Occupational therapy for routines and home organisation
- Skill-building programs for things like budgeting, communication, or technology
Capacity Building – Increased Social and Community Participation
Helps you:
- Join life skills or independence workshops
- Attend programs that build confidence in group or public settings
- Take part in mentoring or structured learning experiences
Real-life examples of how your plan can help
- Jasmin, 27, uses her NDIS plan to attend weekly cooking lessons with a support worker. Over 6 months, she’s gone from needing full assistance to cooking meals on her own.
- Akeem, 19, has autism and uses his funding to practice catching public transport with a support worker twice a week. He now travels independently to TAFE.
- Lana, 35, receives occupational therapy to help manage her morning routine. She now gets ready for her day with minimal support and less stress.
- Michael, 42, joins a weekly budgeting program through his Capacity Building funding and is now managing his own bills with help from a plan manager.
Tips to make the most of your plan for skill building
Set clear goals during your planning meeting
Examples: “I want to learn to cook for myself,” or “I want to travel on my own.” The clearer your goals, the easier it is to get the right funding.
Use the right supports
Support workers, allied health professionals (like OTs or psychologists), and structured group programs can all help you build skills in a safe, supported way.
Track your progress
Your plan manager or support coordinator can help you monitor outcomes. Celebrate milestones—even small ones!
Speak up during plan reviews
Share what’s working and what new skills you want to build next so you can continue growing and adapting your supports.
How Just Plan Managers can help
We make sure your funding is used in the best possible way to support your independence. With monthly budget reports and access to our easy-to-use Portal, you, your carers, or your support team can:
- Track how much you’re using for skill-building
- See what categories you’re funded for
- Make informed decisions as you build more independence
We also ensure your invoices are processed quickly and that you're not missing out on funding that could help you grow.
Final thoughts
The NDIS isn’t just about today—it’s about your future. When used well, your plan can help you build the life skills you need to feel more independent, confident, and in control. Whether you’re starting small or working on big goals, every step counts.
Need help using your plan to build skills that last?
📞 Call 1300 217 037 or
📧 Email info@justplanmanagers.com.au
We’re here to help you build a better tomorrow—one skill at a time.