A detailed look into category 4 and category 9 supports
Published at 20-11-2023 13:30:00
A detailed look into Category 4 and Category 9 supports
Within the NDIS, Category 4 and Category 9 funding play significant roles in supporting participants’ social, economic, and community participation, as well as enhancing their social and community engagement.
You may remember there are 3 types of support – Core Supports, Capital Supports and Capacity Building Supports. If you need a quick refresher, feel free to check out our article here on Understanding NDIS Support Categories.
Category 4: Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation is under Core Supports, whereas Category 9: Increased Social & Community Participation is under Capacity Building Supports. In this article, we will take a detailed look into both these categories and how they differentiate from each other.
Category 4: Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation
Category 4 funding is a core support aimed at providing supports so that NDIS participants can participate meaningfully in various aspects of community life. These supports are tailored to help participants build skills, foster connections and participate in social, recreational, economic and community activities.
All supports funded under this item must be deemed as reasonable and necessary and in alignment with the participant’s NDIS plan goals.
Key aspects of Category 4 funding
Under Category 4, the NDIS could fund a support worker to support you in a large number of social, community and recreational activities. These could be centre or community-based. This may include:
- Supports aimed at developing participants’ social, communication and vocational skills to enhance participants’ capacity to engage with communities effectively
- A support worker to support and travel with you to community events, groups, clubs and recreational activities, such as a football game, helping you navigate the stadium and getting to your seat
Category 4 funding provides support to facilitate your participation in various community activities, this generally does not cover the direct costs associated with the activity itself. For instance, while expenses like a concert or sports event ticket are typically not covered, you can utilise your funds to hire a support worker who can assist you in attending.
Category 9: Increased Social & Community and Participation
Category 9 funding is capacity building support dedicated to increasing participants’ social and community participation by providing supports that enables them to develop independence, social skills and community connections. These supports aim to enhance participants’ quality of life and promote their active engagement in social and recreational activities.
All supports funded this item must be deemed as reasonable and necessary and in alignment with the participant’s NDIS plan goals.
Key aspects of Category 9 funding
Under Category 9 This funding includes a wide range of activities including educational pursuits, life skills training and sports coaching.
This may include:
- Funding for access to peer support groups, mentoring programs and peer-led activities to foster a sense of belonging and mutual support among individuals with similar experiences and interests
- Funding allocated for participation in social events, group outings, clubs, and recreational programs such as paying for camps or trying out lessons and classes to build social networks and trial interest in pursuing these activities further
Category 9 funding focuses on enabling you to engage in activities that enhance your skills and independence within the community. Category 9 funds the activity itself and does not include funding someone to support and participate with you in the activity.
In a nutshell
Category 4 and Category 9 funding within the NDIS play essential roles in supporting participants’ social, economic, and community participation, as well as enhancing their social and community engagement. By providing access to a wide range of supports, these funding categories empower participants to develop skills, build connections, and actively participate in their communities, ultimately promoting inclusion, independence and well-being.
It is important to note that while Category 9 funding supports your participation in activities, it does not cover the costs of having someone assist you during these activities. Having someone assist you in these activities is funded separately under Category 4.
Get in touch
If you have any questions or want to know more about the different roles in the NDIS or how Plan Managers can help, we’d love to help you out! Call us on 1300 217 037 or email us at info@justplanmanagers.com.au and our friendly team will get back to you in no time.