Understanding NDIS Support Categories: Core, Capacity-building and Capital

February 19, 2024

Are you confused about the different support categories in your NDIS budget, and what they mean? You’re not alone! That’s why we’ve prepared this guide to help you understand your funding, and what it covers.  

The NDIS offers three main categories of support: Core, Capacity-building, and Capital. Each category is designed to meet different needs and goals, providing participants with support to achieve greater independence and community participation. Let’s take a closer look at each category. 

Core Supports

Core supports are the foundation of the NDIS, providing participants with assistance in their daily activities, personal care, and community access. These supports are essential for maintaining the participant’s health and well-being. Core supports can include:

• Assistance with daily personal activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating 
• Support with household tasks to maintain a clean and safe living environment 
• Transport to help participants access the community and attend appointments 
• Assistance with meal preparation and shopping 
• Support with social and recreational activities to promote community engagement 

Capacity-building Supports

Capacity-building supports are aimed at developing the participant’s skills and independence to achieve their goals. These supports focus on enhancing the participant’s abilities and building their capacity to participate in the community. Capacity-building supports can include:

• Support to develop daily living skills such as budgeting, meal planning, and using public transport 
• Assistance with finding and maintaining employment, including job coaching and training 
• Support to access education and training programs to enhance skills and knowledge 
• Assistance with building social and community connections 
• Support to improve health and well-being through exercise, diet, and health management programs 

Capital Supports

Capital supports are larger, one-off investments that help participants achieve their long-term goals. These supports are designed to provide participants with access to equipment, modifications, or funding for capital costs. Capital supports can include:

• Assistive technology such as wheelchairs, communication devices, and home modifications 
• Vehicle modifications to improve accessibility and independence 
• Funding for home modifications such as ramps, rails, and accessible bathrooms 
• Specialised equipment and aids to support independence and participation 

Getting to know the different categories of NDIS supports can help you to make informed decisions about your plans and goals. To put it simply, core supports provide essential everyday assistance, capacity-building supports focus on skill development and independence, while capital supports enable long-term investments to achieve personal objectives.  

Our Disability Plan Services team is experienced in helping NDIS participants to make the most of their plan budget. If you need help putting your funding in to action, contact our team for more information!