"High intensity supports" is one of those NDIS terms that gets used a lot but isn't always clearly explained. If your plan mentions high intensity daily supports, or you've been told you might need them, this guide explains what the term actually means, what it covers, and how to access the right level of care.
In the NDIS context, high intensity refers to supports that involve a higher level of risk, complexity, or clinical skill. These are tasks that require specialised training to perform safely — not because they're necessarily more time-consuming, but because getting them wrong could have serious consequences.
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission uses this classification to determine which providers need additional registration and which workers need specific competencies.
High intensity supports can be broadly grouped into two categories: nursing-related and personal care-related.
This covers clinical procedures performed by registered nurses with specialised training:
This covers daily living supports that involve a higher level of risk:
High intensity supports can appear in your NDIS plan under:
Core Supports — Assistance with Daily Life: If you need high-intensity support workers or nurses as part of your daily routine, this funding may be allocated at a higher rate to reflect the complexity.
Capacity Building — Improved Health and Wellbeing: Community nursing, including high-intensity nursing, often sits in this budget category.
The funding rates for high intensity supports are higher than standard rates, reflecting the additional training and qualifications required. The NDIS Price Guide sets out the maximum prices providers can charge for these services.
You might need high intensity supports if:
The decision to include high intensity supports in your plan is made by the NDIA based on evidence from your healthcare providers. Your GP, specialist, or allied health professional will need to document the clinical rationale.
Your treating team needs to provide reports documenting your complex care needs. This might include letters from your GP, specialist reports, hospital discharge summaries, or allied health assessments.
If you have a support coordinator, they can help you compile evidence and present a strong case at your planning meeting or plan review. They understand what the NDIA is looking for and can frame the request appropriately.
If your needs have changed since your last plan, you can request a plan review (change of circumstances). This triggers a reassessment of your supports, and high intensity funding can be added if the evidence supports it.
Not all NDIS providers are set up to deliver high intensity supports. When choosing a provider, consider:
The NDIS Price Guide allows higher hourly rates for high intensity supports, reflecting the additional training and qualifications required. However, you're not paying extra out of pocket — the rates are built into your NDIS funding.
No. Nursing tasks must be performed by registered or enrolled nurses. However, some clinical tasks can be delegated to support workers if a registered nurse has formally assessed the task, trained the worker, and put delegation documentation in place.
You can request a plan review. Strong evidence from your treating team will support your case. Your support coordinator can help you through the process.