NDIS vs mainstream supports: What you need to know.
At Leap in! HQ, we get asked a lot about supports that come from outside the NDIS. Many services you use every day are delivered by government or community organisations. These are known as mainstream and community supports, and they play a vital role alongside your NDIS funding. What are mainstream and community supports? Mainstream supports are the supports you can get from other government-funded services, like GPs, dental care, mental health care and education. For example, Medicare and JobSeeker payments are available to all Australians, whether you have a disability or not. Community supports come from local organisations like religious groups, sporting clubs, local councils and charities. They might include community sports programs, local advocacy services or peer support groups. They help build connections and give you more options in everyday life. Social and community supports can boost your wellbeing by helping you build confidence, connect and access new opportunities. With the right supports (like a dedicated NDIS worker), local programs and groups become easier to join, helping you feel more included and empowered. The NDIS won’t fund a support if it’s more appropriately funded or provided by one of these community or mainstream supports. However, the NDIS can
