Why the NDIS funds training for families
Families and carers provide most of the day to day support many participants rely on. When the people around you know how to help in the right way, you get better support every day, not just during funded hours. That is why the NDIS can fund training for them where it helps you.
The training is a support for the participant. It has to relate to the participant's disability and goals, not to the carer's own development or wellbeing.
What it can cover
- Communication strategies, such as using a speech device, key word signing or visual supports
- Safe manual handling, transfers and positioning
- How to use, set up and look after assistive technology
- Mealtime support, following a mealtime management plan
- Following a behaviour support plan, including positive behaviour support strategies
- Strategies to build a child's skills during everyday routines, through early childhood supports
Which support items pay for it
Different items cover different kinds of training. The 2026/27 price limits for most of Australia are:
- Training for carers and parents: training in matters related to caring for a person with disability, usually delivered by a skilled support worker or trainer. Up to $83.87 an hour
- Behaviour support training: a behaviour support practitioner training family, carers and workers in the strategies in a behaviour support plan. Up to $252.99 an hour
- Therapy: an occupational therapist, speech pathologist or physiotherapist coaching you as part of your therapy sessions, at their therapy price limit, such as $193.99 an hour for occupational therapy
- Early childhood supports: for children younger than 9, family coaching is built into early childhood intervention, which works through the family and the child's everyday routines
Which budget it comes from
Training for carers and parents sits in the improved daily living skills part of your Capacity Building budget, as does most therapy. Behaviour support training is paid from behaviour support funding.
Since 1 October 2026, the improved daily living skills budget is reduced by 10% when a plan is created, reassessed or renewed, under the support determinations. Because training, therapy and assessments share that budget, agree with your providers which matter most. Training for equipment you are buying may also be covered in the purchase or set up price, so ask the supplier first.
What parents are expected to provide
The NDIS does not fund the care any parent gives a child of the same age. From 1 February 2027 the law spells out what parents are expected to provide, including supervision, personal care, transport, emotional support and behavioural support, but not the extra support a child needs because of their disability.
Carer training fits within this: it helps you give the extra disability related support well. It does not replace everyday parenting, and it is not respite or counselling for the carer, which are funded or provided in other ways.
How to ask for it
- Link the training to a goal in the plan, such as communicating at home or moving safely
- Ask your therapist or behaviour support practitioner to recommend the training in writing, with the hours needed
- Explain who needs training and why, for example a new carer, a grandparent or a sibling who helps
- Keep notes on what changed after training. It is useful evidence at reassessment