NDIS Capacity Building Category 09: Line Items, Rules & Examples
Engaging in community, social, and recreational pursuits is vital for personal autonomy and long-term independence. Under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Capacity Building – Category 09 (Increased Social and Community Participation) provides dedicated funding for skill-building tuition, mentoring, and coaching.
This operational guide details Category 09 line item codes, primary support capabilities, the difference between Core and Capacity Building funding, and how to request Category 09 supports in your NDIS plan.
Understanding NDIS Category 09 Funding Rules
Category 09 funding is designed to build long-term independence rather than provide permanent care assistance. Understanding these line items ensures proper claims during plan management:
| Capacity Building Category 09 Support | NDIS Support Category & Line Item | Primary Operational Focus | Excluded Out-of-Pocket Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skill-Building Mentoring & Tuition | Capacity Building – Category 09 (09_011_0125_6_3) |
1-on-1 coaching to build independent social skills, join clubs, or learn a hobby. | Standard club memberships, class entry tickets, personal gear |
| Public Transport Training | Capacity Building – Category 09 (09_009_0117_6_3) |
1-on-1 transit coaching to learn local bus, train, or tram routes independently. | Daily bus/train ticket fares |
| Peer Support & Community Groups | Capacity Building – Category 09 (09_003_0117_6_3) |
Structured group activities aimed at peer connection and social skill practice. | Food, beverages, or personal entertainment costs |
| Core Support Worker Accompaniment | Core – Category 04 (04_102_0125_6_1) |
Direct support worker hours to accompany a participant on outings (not Category 09). | Activity admission tickets for participant and worker |
Core vs. Capacity Building: Key Differences
A common point of confusion is distinguishing between Core Supports Category 04 and Capacity Building Category 09:
- Core Supports (Category 04): Pays for direct, ongoing support worker hours to accompany you to social activities, assist with personal care, or provide transport.
- Capacity Building (Category 09): Pays for specialized coaching, mentoring, or class tuition designed to teach you skills so you can eventually participate with less reliance on formal support workers.
Examples of Category 09 Funded Activities
1. Independent Public Transit Coaching
A dedicated mentor works 1-on-1 with you to learn local transit routes, practice tapping digital transit cards (such as Opal, Myki, or MetroCard), and build confidence traveling independently.
2. Social Skill Development & Mentoring
Individual coaching sessions focused on communication, group participation, personal budgeting for outings, and overcoming social anxiety in public settings.
3. Hobby & Skill Classes
Funding covers tuition for structured group or individual classes—such as art workshops, music lessons, adaptive sports coaching, or cooking programs—aimed at building personal capacity.
Arrange Category 09 Mentoring & Skills Training
Speak with our team to arrange 1-on-1 skill mentors, public transit coaching, or community access support.
Contact Alliance Care SupportHow Alliance Care Support Assists
Alliance Care Support provides registered NDIS capacity-building mentoring and community access coordination across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and Hobart.
Our Support Capabilities:
- 1-on-1 Skill Mentors: Qualified mentors providing step-by-step guidance in public transit, daily routines, and social engagement.
- Goal-Aligned Service Plans: Service agreements structured strictly within official NDIS Category 09 price limits.
- Flexible Scheduling: Hourly mentoring sessions tailored around your weekly personal schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NDIS Capacity Building Category 09 (Increased Social and Community Participation)?
Category 09 is a capacity-building NDIS budget stream designed to fund skill-building mentoring, tuition, and coaching that helps participants develop the skills needed to participate independently in community, social, and recreational activities over time.
What is the difference between Core Category 04 and Capacity Building Category 09?
Core Supports Category 04 (Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation) funds direct support worker hours to accompany you on outings. Capacity Building Category 09 (Increased Social and Community Participation) funds mentoring, transit coaching, or tuition designed to build your independent skills over time.
What line item covers skill-building mentoring under Category 09?
Skill-building tuition and 1-on-1 social mentoring is funded under line item 09_011_0125_6_3 (Skills Development and Training).
Does Category 09 pay for gym memberships, event tickets, or activity fees?
No. Category 09 funds the mentor's time, coaching tuition, or skill training required for the activity. Standard ticket entry fees, club memberships, food, and personal gear are considered everyday living costs and must be paid out of pocket.
Next Steps
- Check Category 09 Allocations: Verify available funding under Capacity Building – Category 09 in your NDIS plan.
- Identify Priority Goals: Outline whether transit training, club participation, or skill classes suit your personal goals.
- Contact Our Mentoring Team: Connect with Alliance Care Support to match with a dedicated 1-on-1 mentor.
To learn more about organizing Category 09 capacity-building supports, contact Alliance Care Support today.