Australia has a wide range of social support services to help people in times of need. Services are provided by government and non-government organisations, professionals and volunteers.
Many people, including those with disability, use these services intermittently throughout their life – for example, in times of unemployment, relationship breakdown or housing crisis. Others may need longer-term support to participate fully in all facets of life.
In this domain, social support refers to government-funded support provided by specialist disability services and aged care services, and informal support enabling social inclusion. However, social support can include many other aspects, such as housing assistance and income support (see Housing assistance and Income support for more information).