Life skills build independence in everyday settings

Life skills are everyday abilities that support independence: cooking, budgeting, keeping appointments, using transport, and building routines.

Where life skills fit in plans

Life skills supports can sit in Core supports and Capacity Building supports, depending on whether the support is “help now” or “build skills over time.”

Supports versus costs boundary

The NDIS usually funds the support to build a skill, not ordinary living costs. For example, it may fund support worker time to teach budgeting, but not the groceries themselves.

Funding still needs to meet “reasonable and necessary” criteria.

Small, measurable goals build momentum

Practical example

Shopping and budgeting can be broken into repeatable steps (list, compare prices, checkout, review spending), with prompts stepped down over time.

Where OptimumCare Plus fits

OptimumCare Plus supports life skills through respectful coaching and real-world practice.

General information only: Plans vary. Check current NDIA guidance and speak with your planning team.