Improved Daily Living explained
Improved Daily Living is one of the Capacity Building budgets in an NDIS plan. This plain-English guide explains what it is usually used for, how it differs from Core supports, and how to find a therapist who can deliver it.
What is Improved Daily Living?
Improved Daily Living (sometimes written as "Improved Daily Living Skills") is a Capacity Building support category in an NDIS plan. It funds assessments, therapy and training that help you build skills for everyday life, rather than paying someone to do those tasks for you.
Because it sits in Capacity Building, the funding is set aside for the outcome described in your plan and generally cannot be moved into other categories. Your plan document, or your plan manager or support coordinator, will tell you exactly how much is allocated and what it is meant to achieve.
What Improved Daily Living usually funds
The exact supports depend on the goals written into your plan. Commonly funded items include:
- Occupational therapy assessments and sessions
- Speech pathology, including communication supports
- Physiotherapy and exercise physiology
- Psychology and counselling where it builds daily living skills
- Dietetics and other allied health therapy
- Training for you, your family or your support workers
If you are not sure whether a specific support is covered, ask the provider to explain how it relates to the goal in your plan, and check with your plan manager before booking.
How it differs from Core supports
Core supports pay for help with everyday activities as they happen — a support worker assisting with personal care, for example. Improved Daily Living pays for the therapy and skill building that may reduce how much of that help you need over time.
| Improved Daily Living | Core supports | |
|---|---|---|
| Budget type | Capacity Building | Core |
| Purpose | Building skills and independence | Assistance with everyday activities |
| Typical providers | Allied health and therapy providers | Support workers and in-home services |
| Flexibility | Usually fixed to this category | Generally more flexible between Core categories |
How to start using the funding
- Check your plan for the Improved Daily Living amount and the goal attached to it
- Decide which type of therapy fits that goal
- Contact providers and ask about availability, session length and travel charges
- Ask how progress will be reported before your next plan reassessment
Pricing limits for therapy are set nationally in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, published on ndis.gov.au. Always confirm current rates with the provider before booking.
How My Care Link Australia can help
Tell us the therapy you are looking for and where you live, and we will match you with providers in your area who are taking new clients. The service is free for participants, families and support coordinators.
About this guide. Written and reviewed by the My Care Link Australia team as general information for NDIS and aged care participants, families and support coordinators. Read our editorial guidelines and provider review process.
This guide is general educational information only. It is not medical, legal or financial advice. For decisions about your individual situation, please speak with the appropriate qualified professional.
Frequently asked questions
What is Improved Daily Living in the NDIS?
It is a Capacity Building budget that funds assessments, therapy and training to help you build everyday living skills, rather than paying for someone to complete those tasks for you.
What can Improved Daily Living funding be used for?
It commonly covers occupational therapy, speech pathology, physiotherapy, exercise physiology, psychology, counselling and dietetics, as well as training for you and the people who support you — as long as it relates to the goal in your plan.
Is Improved Daily Living the same as Core supports?
No. Core supports pay for assistance with everyday activities, while Improved Daily Living pays for therapy and skill building. The two budgets are separate and usually cannot be swapped.
Can I choose my own therapist?
Yes. Self-managed and plan-managed participants can choose any suitable provider; agency-managed participants need to use NDIS registered providers. We can help you find options either way.
What happens to unused Improved Daily Living funding?
Unused funding does not roll over into a new plan. If you are not using it, discuss the reason at your plan reassessment so the next plan reflects what you actually need.
Related services
NDIS Occupational Therapy
OTs help build skills for daily living, work, study and play.
NDIS Speech Therapy
Communication, swallowing and social skill support for children and adults.
NDIS Physiotherapy
Movement, strength, mobility and rehabilitation support.
NDIS Therapeutic Supports
General NDIS therapy supports, with disciplines confirmed by each provider.
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Sources and further reading
Rules, funding amounts and wait times change. We check these primary sources when we update this page, and you should confirm current details directly with them.
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)(opens in a new tab) — National Disability Insurance Agency. Official scheme information, eligibility and current processes.
- How to apply for the NDIS(opens in a new tab) — National Disability Insurance Agency. Current access request steps and forms.
- Understanding your NDIS plan budget(opens in a new tab) — National Disability Insurance Agency. How plan management and budget categories work.
- NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission(opens in a new tab) — NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Provider registration, practice standards and complaints.
- Services Australia — Disability Support Pension(opens in a new tab) — Services Australia. Income support eligibility and claim process.