Understanding NDIS support categories
November 27, 2020
Whether you’re an independent disability support worker, an individual with an NDIS plan or just someone with an interest in understanding how the NDIS works, it’s normal to seek a little guidance.
If you’re like many people and are trying to wrap your head around NDIS terminology, keep up with changes to how funding can be spent and temporary amendments for COVID-19, you aren’t alone!
In this blog we’ll discuss the two NDIA documents which are published quarterly that cover everything about supports, the NDIS Price Guide and NDIS Support Catalogue.
NDIS Price Guide
The price guide is a national document that is updated quarterly that outlines policy information and price controls. The guide is designed to assist participants and disability support workers in understanding how price controls work for NDIS supports and services.
Because the cost to deliver certain supports can vary between locations such as in remote areas, the price guide outlines the price controls that are in place for each type of NDIS support.
A price control is the maximum price a registered provider can charge an NDIS participant for a specific support within their plan. This is in place to ensure the NDIS is good value for money for participants.
The NDIS price guide is most often used as a reference point for providers and for participants to understand how their plan funds are being spent.
NDIS Support Catalogue
Released at the same time as the NDIS price guide, the NDIS support catalogue lists the specific supports that have maximum prices, and also sets out other rules and support definitions.
If you’re looking for the complete list of disability supports recognised by the NDIS, this information is available on the latest NDIS support catalogue.
This document also contains a list of the NDIS support categories including a description of each support so you can identify that is claimable.
Here is a full list of all the available NDIS support categories:
Core Supports NDIS
| NDIS support category | Description |
| Assistance with Daily Life | These supports are for assistance with your daily tasks such as cleaning, cooking and dressing to help you live more independently. |
| Consumables | Assistive, safety and personal care items such as equipment, nutrition and medical products and specialised clothing. This does not include the cost of medications. |
| Assistance with Social & Community Participation | Help to become more involved in your community. This could include social and recreational activities. |
| Transport | Help with transport costs for you to get to and from work, school or other community and recreational activities. This could include the use of a taxi service or public transport, depending on your requirements. |
Capacity Building Supports
| NDIS support category | Description |
| Support Coordination | Assistance in understanding how your plan works. Click here to learn more about Support Coordination. |
| Improved Living Arrangements | Help in finding and securing appropriate accommodation for you. This may include support with property inspections and negotiating lease terms. |
| Increased Social & Community Participation | Funds to support your participation in community activities such as sports coaching or classes to help build your skills and independence. |
| Finding & Keeping a Job | This category supports you to find, obtain and keep employment such as resume assistance and support at interviews. |
| Improved Relationships | Supports like behavioural therapy and psychology to assist you in making positive changes in your life that improve the quality of your relationships. |
| Improved Health & Wellbeing | Help to maintain or increase your physical mobility and wellbeing with supports such as dietitians, exercise physiologists and personal trainers. |
| Improved Learning | Assistance with transitioning from school to further education or supports with skills training, advice and help with applications. |
| Improved Life Choices | Help to build your financial and organisational skills. Improved Life Choices also includes funding for Plan Management. Find out more about Plan Management here. |
| Improved Daily Living | The development of basic skills through activities such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and early childhood intervention. These supports help you to get more out of your day-to-day life. |
Capital Supports
| NDIS support category | Description |
| Assistive Technology | Funds for items such as wheelchairs, vehicle modifications, standing frames, vision equipment and assistive devices for bathrooms and kitchens. |
| Home Modifications | Funds for these supports are not flexible and must be used as per your plan. Home modifications could include handrails or ramps that help enable you to live more independently in your home. |
We hope this helps with your understanding of the NDIS and how your plan funding works!
If you have any questions about your plan, give us a call at Disability Plan Services on 1800 312 870 or complete the enquiry form here.
Mobility aids funded by the NDIS