Taking care of your health is essential for living more independently, staying active in the community and reaching your goals. For many people with disability, this can require extra support and that is where the NDIS Improved Health & Wellbeing category comes in.
This Capacity Building support helps participants build the skills and confidence to manage their physical and mental health. Unlike day-to-day supports, it focuses on long-term outcomes. In other words, Improved Health & Wellbeing gives you the tools to look after yourself with less reliance on others in the future.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What NDIS Improved Health & Wellbeing includes
- Which allied health professionals can provide these supports
- Who can benefit from this funding
- Examples of services you can use
- What the category does not cover
- How to check if you have it in your NDIS plan
What is NDIS Improved Health & Wellbeing?
Improved Health & Wellbeing is a Capacity Building support that funds services aimed at improving your physical and mental health. The goal is not just to provide help in the moment, but to build capacity for long-term independence.
For example, you might:
- Learn to cook nutritious meals with guidance from a dietician
- Improve mobility with tailored programs from an exercise physiologist
- Build fitness and confidence through sessions with a personal trainer
Therefore, every support under this category must be directly linked to your disability needs and your NDIS goals.
Which Professionals Deliver NDIS Improved Health & Wellbeing Supports?
The NDIS only funds services delivered by qualified, registered professionals. These include:
NDIS Exercise Physiologists
Exercise physiologists design safe, evidence-based exercise programs for people with disability. They can:
- Assess your physical abilities and movement patterns
- Develop tailored programs to improve balance, coordination and mobility
- Support rehabilitation after injury or illness
- Help manage pain, muscle weakness or stiffness
NDIS Personal Trainers
Personal trainers with NDIS experience adapt fitness activities to meet individual needs. They can:
- Deliver one-on-one or group sessions at home, gyms or community spaces
- Provide motivation and safe exercise techniques
- Encourage recreational participation to build confidence and wellbeing
NDIS Dieticians
Dieticians specialise in the relationship between nutrition and health. They can:
- Create meal plans tailored to disability-related needs
- Support management of food allergies or swallowing difficulties
- Provide education on healthy cooking and eating habits
- Assist with weight management and overall energy levels
Who Can Benefit From NDIS Improved Health & Wellbeing?
This category benefits people with a wide range of disabilities and health conditions, such as:
- Physical disabilities (spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy)
- Neurological conditions (Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, stroke recovery)
- Chronic health conditions (diabetes, chronic pain, fatigue, heart disease)
- Mental health and developmental conditions (autism, intellectual disability, mental illness)
Because the focus is on long-term independence, participants who want to take greater control of their health will find this support especially valuable.
Examples of NDIS Improved Health & Wellbeing Supports
You can use this funding in different ways, depending on your goals and NDIS plan. For example:
- A consultation with a dietician to create a tailored, healthy eating plan
- Personal training sessions adapted to your disability, delivered at home, online or in the gym
- A program from an exercise physiologist to improve mobility, manage pain or support recovery
- Support worker assistance with related tasks, such as cooking or gym visits (funded under another NDIS category)
Where Can You Access These Services?
Improved Health & Wellbeing supports are flexible and can be delivered in settings such as:
- Your home for privacy and convenience
- Community centres for local engagement
- Gyms or fitness facilities with specialised equipment
- Clinical settings for professional assessment and treatment
- Telehealth for remote consultations
- Outdoor environments for recreational activities
What Does it Not Cover?
Like all NDIS supports, this category only funds what is reasonable and necessary. It does not cover general lifestyle or everyday expenses. For example, you cannot use this funding for:
- Groceries or the cost of food
- Standard gym memberships
- Private swimming lessons
- Supplements, wellness apps or fitness equipment
The NDIS funds professional support to help you build skills, but it does not pay for costs you would normally have regardless of disability.
How to Check if You Have Improved Health & Wellbeing in Your Plan
Not sure if you can access this support? You can:
- Log in to the myplace portal and check for “Improved Health & Wellbeing” or “CB Health and Wellbeing”
- Ask your NDIS plan manager
- Speak with your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or Support Coordinator
FAQs About NDIS Improved Health & Wellbeing
It is a Capacity Building support that funds services like dieticians, exercise physiologists and personal trainers to help participants build long-term health and independence.
No. Everyday expenses such as groceries, gym memberships or supplements are not covered. However, you can fund professional support such as a dietician or personal trainer.
Qualified and NDIS-registered allied health professionals, including dieticians, personal trainers and exercise physiologists.
Participants with physical, neurological, chronic or developmental conditions who want to build independence in managing their health.
Check your myplace portal or ask your Support Coordinator, LAC or plan manager.
Final Thoughts
NDIS Improved Health & Wellbeing is about more than short-term health goals. It gives participants the knowledge and skills to take control of their health, improve independence and live more confidently. By working with NDIS-qualified dieticians, exercise physiologists and personal trainers, you can achieve long-term improvements in both physical and mental wellbeing. At SAN Support, we are committed to helping participants understand their NDIS plans and make the most of opportunities like Improved Health & Wellbeing. With the right supports, you can build lasting health and independence.