NDIS Funding Explained: Core, Capacity and Capital Supports

Starting your NDIS journey can feel overwhelming, especially when you encounter terms like “Core Supports,” “Capacity Building,” and “Capital Supports.” These funding categories might seem confusing at first, but understanding them is crucial for making the most of your NDIS plan.

This guide will break down each funding category in simple terms, helping you understand what they cover and how to use your funds confidently. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge you need to navigate your NDIS funding with clarity and purpose.

Why Understanding Your NDIS Funding Matters

Knowing how your NDIS funding categories work empowers you to use your plan effectively and achieve your goals. When you understand what each category covers, you can make informed decisions about which services to access and when to use them.

Using your funds incorrectly can lead to delays in accessing services or even overspending in certain areas while underspending in others. This understanding also helps you communicate more effectively with providers and support coordinators about your needs and preferences.

What Are Core Supports?

Core Supports form the foundation of most NDIS plans. They provide funding for everyday assistance that helps you live as independently as possible whilst meeting your disability-related needs.

Key Features of Core Supports

Core Supports are the most flexible category in your NDIS plan. This means you can often move funds between different types of core supports based on your changing needs. For example, if you have funding allocated for personal care but find you need more assistance with community participation, you may be able to use some of that funding flexibly.

These supports focus on your immediate, day-to-day requirements rather than long-term skill development or major purchases.

Examples of Core Supports

Core Supports typically include:

• Assistance with daily activities: Help with personal care tasks like showering, dressing, and grooming
• Transport to community participation: Getting to work, social activities, or appointments when you can’t use public transport due to your disability
• Consumables: Disability-related items like continence aids, nutrition supplements, or wound care products
• Household tasks: Assistance with cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, and other essential home maintenance
• Social and community participation: Support workers helping you engage in community activities, attend appointments, or go shopping

Think of Core Supports as covering the practical, everyday assistance you need. For instance, you might hire a support worker to help with grocery shopping, use transport funding for taxi rides to medical appointments, or purchase continence products through your consumables budget.

What Are Capacity Building Supports?

Capacity Building Supports focus on developing your skills and independence over time. Unlike Core Supports that address immediate daily needs, Capacity Building is about investing in your future capabilities and helping you achieve your long-term goals.

Key Features of Capacity Building Supports

Capacity Building funding is less flexible than Core Supports. Money allocated to this category can only be used for supports that fall within Capacity Building, and often for the specific purposes outlined in your plan.

These supports are goal-oriented and designed to create lasting change. They’re about building your capacity to do things independently or with less support over time.

Examples of Capacity Building Supports

Common Capacity Building supports include:

• Support coordination: Professional help to connect with services, understand your plan, and coordinate your supports
• Therapy services: Occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, and speech therapy
• Employment support: Job coaching, workplace assessments, and training to develop work skills
• Social skills development: Programs to help improve communication and relationship-building abilities
• Life skills training: Learning to cook, manage finances, use public transport, or other independence skills

The key difference between Core and Capacity Building is the focus on future goals versus current needs. While Core funding might pay for a support worker to help you cook meals, Capacity Building funding would pay for occupational therapy sessions to teach you cooking skills so you can eventually prepare meals independently.

What Are Capital Supports?

Capital Supports fund high-cost, one-off purchases that make a significant difference to your independence and quality of life. These are typically items or modifications that you’ll use for years to come.

Key Features of Capital Supports

Capital Supports are the least flexible category. Funding can only be used for the specific items identified in your NDIS plan. Most Capital purchases require written quotes and approval from the NDIS before you can make the purchase.

These supports represent major investments in your independence and accessibility, which is why they require careful planning and approval processes.

Examples of Capital Supports

Capital Supports commonly include:

• Mobility equipment: Wheelchairs, walking frames, hoists, or vehicle modifications
• Home modifications: Ramps, bathroom modifications, stair lifts, or accessible doorways
• Assistive technology: Communication devices, computer software for accessibility, or specialised equipment
• Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA): Specially designed housing for people with significant functional impairments

Capital purchases require forward planning. For example, if you need a wheelchair, you’ll typically need an assessment from an occupational therapist, quotes from approved suppliers, and NDIA approval before making the purchase. This process ensures you get the right equipment that meets your specific needs.

Tips for Making the Most of Your NDIS Funding

Understanding your funding categories is just the first step. Here are practical tips to maximise your NDIS investment:

Work with professionals who understand the system. A plan manager can help track your spending across different categories and ensure you’re using funds appropriately. Support coordinators can help you connect with the right providers and navigate complex processes.

Review your plan regularly to ensure your funding aligns with your current goals and needs. Your circumstances may change, and your funding should reflect these changes. Don’t wait until your plan review meeting to address significant changes in your needs.

Ask providers for detailed service agreements before starting any services. This helps you understand exactly what you’re paying for and avoid unexpected costs. Make sure you’re clear about which funding category will be used for each service.

Keep good records of how you’re using your funding. This information will be valuable when it’s time for your plan review and can help demonstrate the effectiveness of your supports.

Visual Summary: NDIS Funding Categories at a Glance

To help you remember the key differences, think of your NDIS funding this way:

• Core Supports = Daily needs and immediate assistance (most flexible)
• Capacity Building = Learning skills for the future (moderately flexible)
• Capital Supports = Major purchases and modifications (least flexible)

Each category serves a different purpose in your NDIS journey, working together to support both your current needs and future goals. Core funding keeps you supported day-to-day, Capacity Building helps you develop new abilities, and Capital funding provides the tools and environment you need to thrive.

Take Charge of Your NDIS Plan

Understanding your NDIS funding categories is the foundation for getting the most from your plan. With this knowledge, you can make informed decisions about which services to access, when to use different types of funding, and how to work effectively with your providers.

Remember, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Professional support from plan managers and support coordinators can help you implement this knowledge practically and achieve your goals more effectively.

If you’re ready to take the next step in managing your NDIS plan, consider speaking with a qualified support coordinator who can help you put this understanding into action and connect you with the right services for your unique needs.