How to Use National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Funding for Social Skills Coaching
If your child or young person has an NDIS plan, you might be wondering: Can I use my NDIS funding for social skills coaching? The short answer is yes—and it's one of the most valuable ways to invest your NDIS supports.
Social skills coaching can help neurodivergent young people build friendships, navigate social situations with confidence, and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. At Strivesocial, we're a registered NDIS provider specialising in evidence-based social skills programs like PEERS®, and we work with families across Melbourne and Australia to make accessing these supports as straightforward as possible.
In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about using NDIS social skills funding, including which budget categories apply, how to get started, and what to expect from the process.
Why Social Skills Coaching Matters for NDIS Participants
For many young people on the autism spectrum or with ADHD, anxiety, or other neurodivergent conditions, social interactions don't come naturally. They might struggle to:
Start or maintain conversations
Make friends or keep friendships going
Read social cues or understand unspoken rules
Handle conflict, teasing, or bullying
Navigate group situations or social events
These challenges can lead to social isolation, low self-esteem, and mental health difficulties. That's where NDIS social skills coaching comes in. Evidence-based programs like PEERS teach practical, real-world skills that help young people connect with others, build meaningful relationships, and participate more fully in their communities.
Is Social Skills Coaching Covered by the NDIS?
Yes! Social skills coaching is considered a capacity-building support under the NDIS. It falls under several funding categories in your NDIS plan, depending on your goals and the type of support you need.
The NDIS recognises that social skills are essential for:
Building and maintaining relationships
Participating in education, employment, and community activities
Improving daily living and independence
Enhancing overall quality of life
As long as social skills coaching is reasonable and necessary to help you achieve your NDIS goals, it can be funded.
Which NDIS Budget Categories Cover Social Skills Coaching?
Social skills coaching can be funded under several categories in your NDIS plan. Here are the most common:
1. Improved Daily Living (Capacity Building)
This category covers supports that help you develop skills for everyday life, including communication and social interaction. Social skills coaching fits here because it builds your capacity to navigate daily social situations—at school, work, or in the community.
2. Improved Relationships (Capacity Building)
This is the most direct fit for social skills coaching. It covers supports that help you build and maintain relationships with family, friends, and peers. Programs like PEERS are specifically designed to improve relationship skills, making this category ideal.
3. Social and Community Participation (Capacity Building)
This category funds supports that help you participate in social and community activities. Social skills coaching can be funded here if your goal is to feel more confident joining groups, attending events, or engaging in community life.
4. Improved Learning (Capacity Building)
If your social skills goals are related to education—such as participating in class, working in groups, or navigating school social dynamics—this category may apply.
Tip: Your NDIS plan may list one or more of these categories. If you're unsure which applies to you, your support coordinator or Strivesocial can help clarify.
What If Social Skills Coaching Isn't Explicitly Listed in My Plan?
Don't worry—your NDIS plan doesn't need to specifically mention "social skills coaching" for you to access it. As long as you have funding in one of the relevant capacity-building categories (like Improved Relationships or Improved Daily Living), you can use that funding for social skills supports.
The key is that the support must be:
Related to your disability
Reasonable and necessary to help you achieve your goals
Aligned with your NDIS plan
If you're unsure, contact your support coordinator, plan manager, or the NDIS directly. At Strivesocial, we can also help you determine if social skills coaching is a good fit for your plan.
How Much Does NDIS Social Skills Coaching Cost?
At Strivesocial, we charge $80 per hour for social skills coaching, in line with NDIS pricing guidelines. This rate applies whether you're receiving one-on-one coaching or participating in a small group program.
The total cost will depend on the length and type of program you choose. For example:
PEERS Program: Typically 10–14 weekly sessions (can be extended for additional needs)
Customised coaching: Tailored to your specific goals and needs
Because we're a registered NDIS provider, we invoice directly through your plan manager or the NDIS portal, making the process simple and transparent.
How to Access NDIS Social Skills Coaching: Step-by-Step
Ready to get started? Here's how to access NDIS autism supports Melbourne and social skills coaching through Strivesocial:
Step 1: Check Your NDIS Plan
Review your NDIS plan to see if you have funding in one of the relevant categories (Improved Relationships, Improved Daily Living, Social and Community Participation, or Improved Learning). If you're not sure, your support coordinator or plan manager can help.
Step 2: Book a Free 15-Minute Consultation
Contact Strivesocial to book a free, no-obligation consultation. We'll discuss your goals, answer your questions, and explain how our programs (like PEERS) can help. This is also a great opportunity to ask about NDIS funding and how it works.
Step 3: Complete the Intake Process
Once you're ready to proceed, we'll send you a simple intake form and privacy documents. This helps us understand your needs and tailor the program to suit you.
Step 4: Start Your Program
There's no waitlist at Strivesocial—we can often start within a week of your consultation. Sessions can be delivered online (via Zoom or Google Meet) or in person if you're within 30 minutes of Kallista, Victoria.
Step 5: We Handle the Invoicing
As a registered NDIS provider, we take care of all the invoicing and reporting. You don't need to worry about paperwork—we'll work directly with your plan manager or the NDIS to process payments.
What If My Plan Doesn't Have Enough Funding?
If your current NDIS plan doesn't have enough funding for social skills coaching, you have a few options:
1. Request a Plan Review
If your circumstances have changed or you have new goals, you can request an unscheduled plan review. Provide evidence (such as reports from therapists, educators, or support coordinators) showing why social skills coaching is reasonable and necessary.
2. Reallocate Existing Funding
If you have unused funding in other capacity-building categories, your plan manager may be able to reallocate it to cover social skills coaching. This depends on your plan type (plan-managed or self-managed plans offer more flexibility).
3. Wait for Your Next Plan Review
If your plan review is coming up soon, make sure to include social skills coaching in your goals and requested supports. Bring evidence of how it will help you achieve your NDIS outcomes.
Self-Managed, Plan-Managed, or NDIA-Managed: What's the Difference?
Your NDIS plan management type affects how you access and pay for social skills coaching:
Self-Managed
You manage your own NDIS funding and pay providers directly. You can choose any provider (registered or unregistered) and submit invoices to the NDIS for reimbursement. This offers the most flexibility.
Plan-Managed
A plan manager handles your invoices and payments on your behalf. You can still choose any registered provider (like Strivesocial), and your plan manager will process the payments. This is a popular option because it combines flexibility with less admin.
NDIA-Managed
The NDIS manages your funding directly, and you can only use registered NDIS providers. Strivesocial is a registered provider, so you can access our services under NDIA-managed plans.
Why Choose Strivesocial for NDIS Social Skills Coaching?
At Strivesocial, we specialise in evidence-based social skills programs for neurodivergent young people. Here's what sets us apart:
Registered NDIS provider: We're fully registered and experienced in working with NDIS participants.
Evidence-based programs: We deliver the PEERS® Program, one of the most researched and effective social skills programs in the world.
Flexible delivery: Choose online (telehealth) or in-person sessions to suit your needs.
No waitlist: We can often start within a week of your consultation.
Personalised approach: Every young person is different, and we tailor our coaching to meet individual goals.
Experienced and compassionate: Our team understands the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent young people and their families.
Common Questions About NDIS Social Skills Funding
Can I use NDIS funding for group social skills programs?
Yes! Group programs are a great way to practice social skills in a supportive environment. At Strivesocial, we offer both individual and group sessions, and both are covered under NDIS funding.
Do I need a referral to access social skills coaching?
No referral is required. As long as you have an NDIS plan with relevant funding, you can contact us directly to get started.
How long does a social skills program take?
Programs like PEERS typically run for 10–14 weeks, but we can customise the length based on your needs and goals. Some participants benefit from ongoing coaching or advanced programs after completing PEERS.
What if I'm not sure if social skills coaching is right for me?
That's what our free 15-minute consultation is for! We'll discuss your goals, answer your questions, and help you decide if social skills coaching is a good fit.
Real Results: How NDIS Social Skills Coaching Changes Lives
We've seen firsthand how NDIS-funded social skills coaching transforms the lives of young people and their families. Here's one example:
Blain*, a 14-year-old with autism, came to us struggling to make friends and feeling isolated at school. Through the PEERS Program, funded by his NDIS plan, Blake learned practical skills like starting conversations, reading social cues, and organising get-togethers. His mum reported that he's now more confident, has made new friends, and feels more connected to his peers.
Stories like Blake's remind us why NDIS social skills supports are so important. Every young person deserves to feel connected, understood, and valued.
Get Started with NDIS Social Skills Coaching Today
If you're ready to use your NDIS funding to help your child or young person build meaningful friendships and social confidence, Strivesocial is here to help.
Here's how to get started:
Check your NDIS plan for relevant funding categories
Book a free 15-minute consultation with Strivesocial
Start your social skills program—no waitlist, no hassle
📞 Phone: 0408 707 866
📧 Email: julie@strivesocial.com.au
🌐 Website: www.strivesocial.com.au
Final Thoughts
Navigating NDIS funding can feel overwhelming, but accessing social skills coaching doesn't have to be complicated. With the right support and guidance, you can use your NDIS plan to help your young person build the skills they need to thrive socially, emotionally, and in their community.
At Strivesocial, we're passionate about making NDIS autism supports Melbourne accessible, effective, and life-changing. Because every young person deserves the opportunity to connect, belong, and build real friendships.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us today.
