What supports will the NDIS fund?

September 20, 2021

If you have just found out you are eligible for NDIS funding, you might be wondering; “What supports will the NDIS fund?” 

In this blog, we outline the different support categories that may be included in an NDIS plan, and what supports sit within each category. 

Getting started on your NDIS journey

If you are eligible for an NDIS plan, you will need to contact the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to make an ‘Access Request’. This process will require you to answer questions about yourself and your disability. Your doctor and/or other health professionals may need to provide evidence about your disability and how it impacts your life.

After you have made an access request, you will need to have a planning meeting. This is designed for you to establish your short and long-term goals, as well as opening the discussion on what funding you need to achieve said goals and how to manage that funding. 

NDIS support categories

Before developing your NDIS plan, it’s important to note what the different support categories are and how they can be used in your NDIS plan to make the most of your funding.

Your NDIS supports are broken down into three categories: 

• Core supports
• Capital supports 
• Capacity building supports

Core supports budget

Your core support budget comprises of four categories – assistance with daily living, transport, consumables, and assistance with social & community participation. Your Core Support Budget is flexible, meaning the funding you receive for this support can be shifted around those four categories, depending on your needs. 

What supports will the NDIS fund in this budget?

Some examples of supports that may be funded within your Core budget include transport, if you are unable to use public transport, low-cost consumables related to your disability and assistance with social and community participation. 

Capacity building budget

Your capacity building budget is all about supporting your independence and working towards the goals you have outlined in your NDIS plan. If you have made it a goal to get a job or undertake further education, it will be funded under this category. This support does not have flexibility for funding to move from category to category.

What supports will the NDIS fund in this budget?

Some examples of supports that may be funded within your Capacity Building budget include NDIS Support Coordination, assistance to find and maintain a suitable home, employment-related support, positive behaviour management strategies, NDIS Plan Management, training or therapy to improve your communication skills, and further learning. 

Capital supports budget 

Your capital support budget is used for two categories – higher-cost assistive technology or home modifications. Unlike your Core Supports Budget, funding in this budget is not flexible and can only be used for the specific purpose outlined in your plan.

What supports will the NDIS fund in this budget?

Some examples of supports that may be funded within your Core Supports budget include wheelchairs or vision assistive technology, hand rails in your home, and ramps. 

What supports are not covered by the NDIS?

While we have covered what supports the NDIS will fund, it’s important to understand what will not be covered under an NDIS plan. This includes items that:

• are not legal (e.g. illicit substances or home modifications that do not meet the required legislation in Australia or your state/territory);
• replace an income 
• may cause you harm
• are not linked to your disability 
• are related to daily living expenditures, such as groceries, rent or utilities. 
• duplicate other supports provided by the NDIS under alternative funding.

If you are unsure whether an item is covered, visit the NDIS website here.

Managing your NDIS funding package (plan funds)

If you are new to the NDIS or are unfamiliar with what services and supports are available to you in your community, it might be a good idea to consider using a plan manager. 

When you have a plan manager managing your NDIS funding package, you’ve got access to someone that gives you advice that suits your individual needs and goals. They can handle the ongoing financial responsibilities of invoices, claims and fund-tracking, so you can spend more time doing what you love.

You can request for plan management as part of your NDIS plan at no additional cost to you. This service is added to your capacity building budget. To receive additional funding for plan management, simply request for it to be included at your planning meeting or next plan review.

Working with Disability Plan Services as your NDIS Plan Management provider will allow you to maintain control of your support services without the complicated administration and record keeping.

Our team are experienced NDIS Plan Managers and know how to make the most of your funding. To receive assistance in managing your NDIS plan or support coordination from people you can trust, get in touch with Disability Plan Services by calling 1800 312 870 or emailing info@disabilityplanservices.com.au.