What group and centre based activities are
These are supports delivered to a group of participants rather than one person. In the NDIS Pricing Arrangements they sit under the registration group group and centre based activities, inside the Core budget called assistance with social, economic and community participation. They can happen:
- At a centre, such as a day program venue, studio or hub
- Out in the community, such as group outings, sport, walking groups or visits to the library or beach
- As a regular program, a holiday program or a one off activity
How ratios and pricing work
The provider tells you the staff to participant ratio for each activity, for example 1:2, 1:3 or 1:5. The hourly price is shared across the group, so in a 1:3 group you are charged roughly a third of the one to one hourly price for the time you spend there. That is why group programs often stretch a budget further than one to one support.
When the activity is delivered at a centre, providers can also claim a small hourly centre capital cost to help cover running the venue. Travel with the group can be claimed as activity based transport. There are high intensity group items for people whose support needs require workers with extra skills.
What you pay yourself
The NDIS pays for the support. Day to day costs such as materials you keep, entry fees, tickets and meals out are usually your cost. Ask the provider for a clear list of any out of pocket costs before you start.
The October 2026 funding reset
Group and centre based activities are part of social, economic and community participation supports. From 1 October 2026, that funding is reduced by 50% when your plan is created, reassessed or renewed, and plan renewals are included from 1 February 2027. Your current plan works as normal until then.
Some subgroups are protected, including high intensity supports and intensive and complex behaviour supports. If you rely on group programs, talk with your provider now about which days matter most and whether a different ratio or schedule would make your funding last.
Choosing a day program
- Visit first, and ask to try a session
- Ask about the ratio, the age group and how activities are chosen
- Check how they support personal care, medication and behaviour support needs during the day
- Ask about transport to and from the program, and what it costs
- Look for programs that build skills and friendships, not just fill time
For providers
Be clear in service agreements about ratios, centre capital cost and transport charges. With participants' budgets reset by 50% at their next plan change, offer flexible attendance options and quote against the funding available. The NDIA has also recommended a 10% lower price for some social and community participation supports from unregistered providers from 1 January 2027, which is still under consultation.