Navigating the NDIS can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding how different parts of your plan are designed to support your goals. One area that often raises questions is Improved Relationships Funding, which falls under the Capacity Building section of your NDIS plan.
Let’s make it simple.
Improved Relationships Funding is designed to help participants build positive, respectful, and sustainable relationships with the people around them. It sits within the Capacity Building budget and focuses on developing skills and strategies that support long-term independence and wellbeing.
It can cover supports that:
Help you develop communication and social interaction skills
Provide specialist behaviour support if you experience behaviours of concern
Support training for families, carers, or support workers so they can assist you effectively
These supports focus on strengthening your ability to connect with others, reduce stress or conflict, and improve daily interactions—both at home and in the community.
If you have a PACE plan (the newer plan format), you may notice that supports previously grouped under “Improved Relationships” are now reflected across two specific categories:
If you’re still on a legacy plan, the category may still appear as “Improved Relationships.”
So while the names differ, the overall purpose remains the same: to help participants build and maintain stronger, more positive relationships.
Depending on your goals and plan, this funding may include:
Social skills development to help you interact more confidently
Specialist Behaviour Support, including functional assessments and plans
Training and support for families and carers to implement positive behaviour strategies
Therapeutic supports only where they are directly related to improving relationships or addressing behaviours of concern and are considered reasonable and necessary within your plan
All supports must meet the NDIS “reasonable and necessary” criteria, meaning they must relate to your disability and your individual goals.
Here are a few practical steps to get the best out of your Improved Relationships funding:
Check your plan type – Confirm whether you have a legacy or PACE plan, as the category names and budgets differ slightly.
Set clear goals – Link your supports directly to what you want to achieve, such as improving communication or reducing behaviours of concern.
Work with qualified providers – Behaviour Support must come from a registered practitioner under the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
Track your progress – Record your improvements in communication, behaviour, or relationships for your next plan review.
Building stronger relationships isn’t just about social connection—it’s about quality of life. By developing communication skills, addressing behaviours of concern, and fostering understanding between participants and their support networks, this funding helps create lasting, positive change.
If you’re unsure how your plan covers Improved Relationships or Behaviour Support, reach out to your Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator for clarity.
At Support Agency, we help NDIS participants understand and use their plans effectively. Our team of qualified Behaviour Support Practitioners and Support Coordinators can guide you through your options and ensure your funding is used meaningfully.
Contact us to learn more about how we can support you in understanding and using your NDIS funding effectively.