Understanding NDIS Funding Categories

Discover the various NDIS support categories available for individuals with disabilities and learn how they can access the services they need.

Overview of NDIS Support Categories

Navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can be complex, particularly when it comes to understanding the different funding categories. Here, we break down the three main types of NDIS funding: Core Supports, Capacity Building Supports, and Capital Supports. Each category is designed to help participants achieve their goals and improve their quality of life in specific ways.

Core Supports

Core Supports provide funding for everyday activities and essential needs, helping participants with their daily living and working towards their longer-term goals. This budget is the most flexible and can be used across the following four categories:

1. Consumables: Everyday items like continence aids and nutritional supplements.
2. Daily Activities: Assistance with self-care activities such as showering, dressing, and eating.
3. Social and Community Participation: Support to engage in social or recreational activities, fostering community involvement.
4. Transport: Funding for travel to appointments, school, work, or community activities.

Participants can generally move funding within these categories to meet their needs more effectively.

Capacity Building Supports

Capacity Building Supports aim to build participants' independence and skills, aligning closely with their NDIS plan goals. This funding is less flexible compared to Core Supports, with specific allocations for the following categories:

1. Support Coordination: Assistance in coordinating various supports and services.
2. Improved Living Arrangements: Help in finding and securing appropriate housing.
3. Increased Social and Community Participation: Programs that develop social skills and community engagement.
4. Finding and Keeping a Job: Support for employment-related goals.
5. Improved Relationships: Interventions to support better personal relationships.
6. Improved Health and Wellbeing: Activities and therapies that promote overall health.
7. Improved Learning: Support for education and training needs.
8. Improved Life Choices: Financial management and plan management services.
9. Improved Daily Living: Assistance with daily tasks and skills training.

Each of these categories is targeted towards specific areas of development, helping participants to achieve their personal and professional goals.

Capital Supports

Capital Supports include funding for high-cost assistive technologies, equipment, and home or vehicle modifications. This category is the least flexible, as it is intended for specific items that have been pre-approved in a participant's plan. Examples include:

1. Assistive Technology: Devices such as wheelchairs, communication devices, or hearing aids.
2. Home Modifications: Structural changes to a participant's home to improve accessibility.
3. Vehicle Modifications: Changes to a vehicle to accommodate a participant's disability.

This funding ensures that participants have access to essential equipment and modifications that enhance their independence and quality of life.

Recurring Supports

Recurring Supports are ongoing services that participants need regularly to maintain their daily living and well-being. These supports are typically part of the Core Supports budget and can include services like regular therapy sessions, personal care assistance, and supported community activities. The NDIS plan will specify the frequency and type of recurring supports based on individual needs and goals.

For a more detailed understanding of the NDIS funding categories and how to effectively navigate them, download our free guide: Navigating the NDIS: A Step-by-Step Handbook.

By understanding these categories and how they can be utilised, participants and their families can better manage their NDIS plans and make the most of the supports available to them.