Daily living and community access
NDIS Social Support and Companionship
NDIS social support helps you spend time with people, try new things and build connections, so you feel less alone and more part of your community. On Solotude, it’s provided by independent support workers you choose yourself.
Last updated October 2026
What social support usually includes
- Meeting up for coffee, a walk or a meal out
- Support to join groups, clubs and social events
- Building social skills and confidence
- Help keeping in touch with friends and family
- Trying new hobbies and interests
- Finding activities and groups near you
How it’s funded
The NDIS doesn’t fund companionship on its own. It funds support that helps you build social connections and take part in your community, linked to the goals in your plan. Social support is usually paid from your Core Supports budget, under Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation. From 1 October 2026, this budget is being reduced as plans are created or reassessed, and from 1 February 2027 at renewal. Read the official NDIS update on support budget changes.Who provides social support?
Social support is mainly delivered by support workers. If something is getting in the way of connecting with people, a counsellor or psychologist may help alongside it.Support workers
Spend time with you, help you connect with people and activities, and build your confidence in social settings. About NDIS support workers · Support workers in SydneyCounsellors
Can help if anxiety, low confidence or past experiences are making it hard to connect with people. About NDIS counsellors · Counsellors in SydneyHow much does NDIS social support cost?
The NDIS sets price limits for social and community participation supports, and rates change with the time of day, the day of the week and whether support is one-on-one or in a group. Your support worker may also claim some travel costs. Every provider on Solotude shows their rate on their profile, so you know the cost before you message them. For current price limits, check the official NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.Finding social support on Solotude
- Create a free account. It takes a couple of minutes and you don’t need your NDIS number. Create a free account
- Search for support workers by your suburb, the days you need and the support you’re after.
- Read profiles and see exactly what Solotude has checked for each provider.
- Message providers directly. Your phone and email stay private until you choose to share them.
- Agree the support and the price in a service agreement between the two of you.
Frequently asked questions
Can the NDIS pay for a support worker to keep me company?
Not for company alone. The NDIS funds support that helps you build connections and take part in your community, linked to the goals in your plan. Spending time together is often part of that, but there should be a goal behind it.Who provides social support?
Support workers provide most social support. Counsellors and psychologists can help where anxiety or confidence is getting in the way.What’s the difference between social support and community access?
They overlap and come from the same part of your plan. Community access is about getting out and taking part in activities. Social support is about building relationships and connection. Many support workers do both.Can I find someone with shared interests?
Yes. Many support workers on Solotude list their interests and the activities they enjoy on their profile, so you can find someone who’s into the same things as you.Related services
