The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is designed to provide individuals with disabilities the support and services they need to lead independent, fulfilling lives. However, understanding the different types of NDIS funding categories can be overwhelming, especially for first-time participants.
Each NDIS participant receives a personalized plan, and funding is allocated across different categories based on their specific needs and goals. The NDIS divides funding into three main support budgets, which are further broken down into support categories that outline the services participants can access.
This comprehensive guide will help you understand NDIS support categories, funding allocation, and how to make the most of your plan.
1. Understanding NDIS Support Budgets
NDIS funding is divided into three main support budgets, each serving a different purpose:
1️⃣ Core Supports Budget
This budget covers everyday activities, personal care, and community participation. It is the most flexible budget, allowing you to allocate funding as needed.
2️⃣ Capacity Building Supports Budget
This budget is designed to help participants learn new skills, gain independence, and improve their quality of life. Unlike the Core Supports Budget, funds under this budget are allocated to specific support categories.
3️⃣ Capital Supports Budget
This budget funds high-cost, long-term investments such as assistive technology, home modifications, and specialized equipment. These funds are not flexible and must be used for specific approved items.
Each participant’s plan is unique, and the amount of funding in each budget is based on their goals, needs, and disability-related requirements.
2. NDIS Support Categories Explained
NDIS support funding is divided into 15 support categories, distributed across the three main support budgets. Below is a breakdown of these categories and what they cover.
📌 Core Supports (Everyday Needs & Assistance) – Flexible Budget
The Core Supports Budget is designed to cover essential daily living expenses and services that help participants maintain their independence. This budget includes four support categories:
1️⃣ Assistance with Daily Life
✅ Personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming)
✅ Household tasks (cleaning, laundry, meal preparation)
✅ Assistance with mobility and transportation
✅ Short-term accommodation (respite care)
2️⃣ Transport
✅ Funding for transportation to work, school, or community activities
✅ Support for individuals unable to use public transport independently
✅ May cover taxis, rideshare services, or community transport services
3️⃣ Consumables
✅ Essential disability-related products and equipment
✅ Incontinence products, prosthetics, and personal care items
✅ Low-cost assistive devices (e.g., eating utensils, mobility aids)
4️⃣ Assistance with Social & Community Participation
✅ Support to engage in social, recreational, and community activities
✅ Assistance with joining clubs, sports teams, or hobby groups
✅ Funding for group programs, outings, or skill-building activities
🔹 Flexibility: Funding within Core Supports can be reallocated between categories, providing greater flexibility based on your needs.
📌 Capacity Building Supports (Skill Development & Independence) – Fixed Budget
The Capacity Building Supports Budget is focused on developing skills and independence to help participants achieve their personal goals. It includes nine support categories:
5️⃣ Support Coordination
✅ Helps participants understand and manage their NDIS plan
✅ Connects participants with the right service providers
✅ Assists with goal-setting and plan implementation
6️⃣ Improved Living Arrangements
✅ Support for finding suitable housing or supported accommodation
✅ Assistance with tenancy obligations and independent living skills
7️⃣ Increased Social & Community Participation
✅ Funding for skill-building programs (e.g., cooking, financial management)
✅ Support to join social groups, community events, and recreational activities
8️⃣ Finding & Keeping a Job
✅ Employment support services and job coaching
✅ Assistance with resume building and interview preparation
✅ On-the-job training and workplace modifications
9️⃣ Improved Relationships
✅ Behavioral therapy and social skills development
✅ Support for individuals with communication challenges
✅ Counseling and conflict resolution strategies
🔟 Improved Health & Well-being
✅ Funding for exercise programs, dietitian consultations, and personal training
✅ Support for weight management, physical fitness, and mental health
1️⃣1️⃣ Improved Learning
✅ Assistance with education and skill development
✅ Support for accessing mainstream education or training programs
1️⃣2️⃣ Improved Life Choices
✅ Financial planning and plan management services
✅ Support with budgeting and financial independence
1️⃣3️⃣ Improved Daily Living Skills
✅ Therapy services such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physiotherapy
✅ Programs designed to enhance self-care and independent living skills
🔹 Fixed Budget: Unlike Core Supports, funding within Capacity Building categories cannot be reallocated, meaning each category’s budget must be used as intended.
📌 Capital Supports (Equipment & Home Modifications) – Fixed Budget
The Capital Supports Budget is used for high-cost investments that improve a participant’s independence and mobility. It includes two support categories:
1️⃣4️⃣ Assistive Technology
✅ Mobility aids (wheelchairs, prosthetics, walkers)
✅ Communication devices for speech impairments
✅ Home automation and adaptive technology
1️⃣5️⃣ Home Modifications & Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
✅ Renovations to improve home accessibility (e.g., wheelchair ramps, stairlifts)
✅ Funding for specialist housing with high-support needs
🔹 Fixed Budget: Capital Supports funding is strictly allocated for specific purchases and cannot be reallocated.
3. Making the Most of Your NDIS Funding
To ensure you maximize your NDIS plan, follow these tips:
✅ Understand Your Plan: Carefully review your NDIS plan to know which supports you are funded for.
✅ Work with a Support Coordinator: They can help you navigate your plan and ensure you access the right services.
✅ Choose the Right Providers: Look for registered NDIS providers who align with your needs and offer high-quality services.
✅ Track Your Spending: Keep records of how your funding is used to avoid overspending or underutilizing funds.
✅ Use Flexibility Wisely: If your Core Supports Budget allows, reallocate funds to meet changing needs.
At The Carer Agency, we specialize in helping NDIS participants understand and optimize their funding so they can live independently and confidently.
📍 Address: 87 Evesham Drive, POINT COOK VIC 3030
📧 Email: thecareragency2024@outlook.com
📞 Phone: 0420 472 600
We are here to help you navigate your NDIS journey with confidence!
Final Thoughts
Understanding NDIS support categories is key to making the most of your funding. Whether you need daily assistance, therapy, assistive technology, or skill development programs, the NDIS provides a structured funding system to ensure you receive the right support.
If you have any questions about your NDIS funding or need assistance finding the best services for your needs, contact The Carer Agency today. Our dedicated team is here to support you in achieving your goals and living a fulfilling life.
