Navigating the different NDIS Categories of Support

August 15, 2022

Navigating the different types of support categories in your NDIS plan can be challenging. Thankfully, there are tools and resources available to help. Despite the challenges associated with learning the different NDIS Categories of Support, it’s important to understand them so you can keep track of your plan and funding.  

In this blog, we’ll outline the different NDIS Categories of Support, and highlight some tools and resources you can use to help you understand your plan, funding, and budget.
 

What are the different types of NDIS support categories? 

If you’re eligible for NDIS funding, your plan will be categorised into three budgets – a Core Supports budget, Capacity Building Supports budget, and Capital Supports budget.  

Depending on your needs, wants and goals, you may receive funding within all three support categories.  

Given that everyone’s needs are different, no two NDIS plans are the same – and your funding within these support categories is based on your unique requirements. 

 
Core Supports budget 

This support budget is the most flexible within your NDIS plan, and is made up of four different categories. Funding can be moved from category to category, as needed. These four categories are: 

• Assistance with daily living 
• Transport 
• Consumables 
• Assistance with social & community participation. 

Examples of supports funded within a Core budget: house cleaning, low-cost consumables related to your disability (eg incontinence items, eating aids) and assistance with accessing social and community participation.  

Capacity Building Supports budget 

There are eight categories within this budget, which have all been designed to help you build your independence and achieve the goals outlined in your NDIS plan.   

This support budget is not flexible, meaning you cannot move funding from category to category as you can with your Core Supports budget.  

• Choice and Control  
• Daily Activity  
• Employment  
• Health and Wellbeing 
• Home Living  
• Lifelong Learning  
• Relationships 
• Social and Community Participation 

Examples of supports funded within a Capacity Building budget: exercise advice, life skills development, NDIS Specialist Support Coordination, employment-related support, NDIS Plan Management, and support to access social and recreational activities.   

Capital Supports budget  

The Capital Supports budget is designed for those with higher mobility or access requirements. This budget only has two categories, funding  

• higher-cost assistive technology and  
• home modifications.  

Funding in this budget is not flexible and can only be used for the specific purpose outlined in your plan. 

Examples of supports funded within a Capital Supports budget: Wheelchairs, vision assistive technology, handrails for the home, and ramps.  

What resources are available to me that can help me understand and manage my NDIS plan and the funding within my support categories?   

The best way to understand the NDIS Categories of Support and the funding you have access to is by engaging a trustworthy plan manager, such as Disability Plan Services. Our extensive experience in the disability sector allows us to help participants who are new to the NDIS or are unfamiliar with what services and supports are available to them. It also allows us to guide our existing participants every step of the way – even when their needs and priorities change. 

Once you choose us as your preferred plan management provider, we can facilitate the best supports for you and provide you with advice that suits your individual needs and goals. 

Our team offers experienced NDIS Plan Managers who know how to make the most of your funding. We also look after the payment of all service providers on your behalf, liaise directly with the NDIS, keep track of your spending, provide recommendations for using your budget and keep you informed of your spending, with regular updates in a language you can understand.  

The best part of all?  

This comes at no extra cost to you. You simply need to tell your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or NDIA representative that you want access to a Plan Manager during your NDIS planning meeting. Simple! 

Resources  

The Disability Plan Services website is an excellent resource if you’re new to the NDIS and are wanting to learn about what services we offer – including plan management and support coordination, right through to complex case management. Our blogs are a fantastic way for you to learn more about the NDIS in general. 

Another handy (and free) resource to use is the NDIS website. The NDIS website – particularly the ‘Support budgets in your plan’ page – has a comprehensive breakdown of the categories, including how they might appear in your plan and in the myplace portal. For those with low vision or other accessibility requirements, the webpage also features videos.  

At Disability Plan Services, we’re here to help. 

The team at Disability Plan Services is passionate about making NDIS funding as easy to understand and navigate as possible. We use easy-to-understand language and communicate with you in a way that suits you and your needs. Whether you’re looking for NDIS Specialist Support Coordination or a Plan Manager who can help you understand the different NDIS Categories of Support and the funding available to you within them, you can rely on Disability Plan Services to help.  

To learn more about our services, contact us on 1800 312 870 or info@disabilityplanservices.com.au.