As an NDIS provider, one of our core goals is ensuring we can help participants make the most of their funding. As part of doing this, we must ensure that all invoices from providers and Support Coordinators are accurate and within the NDIS guidelines.

One sub-category of capacity building supports of funding that’s sometimes inaccurately used is individual skills development and training. To help Participants, Nominees, Support Coordinators and Providers use this funding correctly, we’re breaking down the key things to know.

Understanding Skills Development and Training

Skills Development and Training is a specific type of NDIS funding available for some participants to build independence and skills to achieve the goals in their NDIS plan.

Skills Development and Training is described by the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits as: items to assist the development of, or increase, a participant’s skills and or capacity for independence and community participation. These supports are offered under code 15_037.

It involves the participant being taught to perform a new skill in a specific period of time. The support isn’t ongoing but ends once the participant learns that skill.

The aim is that the participant gains the independence to perform new activities for themselves without support in the future.

What are some examples of Skills Development and Training

Some examples of Skills Development and Training include learning to:

• Complete domestic tasks like clearing, washing, using appliances safely, and making the bed


• Take public transport


• Make appointments with a health professional


• Navigate to the local supermarket


• Prepare and cook meals

What isn’t Skills Development and Training?

It’s important to note that Skills Development and Training Supports can not be used to pay for core supports. While core supports can in some cases be moved around, Skills Development and Training Supports are only available specifically for skill-building.

If, for example, funding is being used to help a participant learn to use public transport, the process may take three one-hour sessions until they can access transport independently. But this wouldn’t be an ongoing session billed every week by the support coordinator.

Importantly, if core supports have run out, it’s essential for support coordinators to conduct a plan review, or wait until a new plan has been approved. Skills Development and Training Supports should not be used to cover funding in these cases.

Invoices that seem unusual

It’s essential to keep in mind that invoices that look unusual––say where regular services, multiple hours, or multiple days of the week are being billed––will be queried.

That’s to ensure that all invoices will be approved by the NDIS and that there will be no nasty surprises down the line for providers, Support Coordinators, and participants alike.

To help ensure your invoices are approved, make sure you include specific hours worked alongside the skill/activity that’s being taught.

We’re here to help

Have a question or query? Reach out on 1300 60 33 89 or send us an email at [email protected]