Understanding NDIS funding can feel confusing, especially for people who are new to the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Many participants receive funding in different categories, but they may not always understand what each category covers or how they can use it.
Two of the most common funding categories are Core Supports and Capacity Building Supports. Both play an important role in helping participants achieve their goals, improve their quality of life, and access the services they need. However, they serve different purposes.
This guide explains the difference between Core Supports and Capacity Building Supports, how they work, and how participants can make the most of their NDIS funding.
What Is NDIS Funding?
The NDIS provides funding to eligible Australians living with a permanent and significant disability. The funding helps participants access supports and services that match their individual needs and goals.
The NDIS divides funding into different support categories. Each category focuses on a specific area of support.
The three main funding categories include:
- Core Supports
- Capacity Building Supports
- Capital Supports
In this article, we will focus on Core Supports and Capacity Building Supports because they make up a large part of many NDIS plans.
What Are Core Supports?
Core Supports funding helps participants manage everyday activities and daily living needs. It gives participants flexibility to use funding across different support areas, depending on their circumstances and plan requirements.
Core Supports aim to help participants live more independently, stay connected to their communities, and complete everyday tasks.
This funding category generally includes four support areas.
Assistance with Daily Life
This support helps participants with personal activities and daily tasks.
Examples include:
- Personal care
- Showering and dressing
- Meal preparation
- Household cleaning
- Assistance with mobility
Transport
Transport funding helps participants travel to work, school, community activities, appointments, and other important destinations when they cannot use public transport because of their disability.
Consumables
Consumables include everyday items that participants use because of their disability.
Examples include:
- Continence products
- Personal care items
- Low cost assistive products
Assistance with Social and Community Participation
This support helps participants engage in community activities and social events.
Examples include:
- Attending community programs
- Participating in recreational activities
- Joining social groups
- Accessing community events
The main purpose of Core Supports is to help participants manage their day to day lives safely and effectively.
What Are Capacity Building Supports?
Capacity Building Supports focus on developing skills, independence, and confidence. Instead of supporting daily tasks directly, these supports help participants build abilities that may reduce their reliance on support services in the future.
Capacity Building funding links closely to the goals outlined in a participant’s NDIS plan.
Unlike Core Supports, participants generally cannot move funding between different Capacity Building categories.
The NDIS divides Capacity Building Supports into several categories.
Support Coordination
Support coordinators help participants understand their plans and connect with suitable services.
They can help participants:
- Find providers
- Organise supports
- Build service networks
- Understand funding options
Improved Living Arrangements
This category helps participants find and maintain suitable housing arrangements.
Increased Social and Community Participation
Participants can develop social skills, build confidence, and participate more actively in community life.
Finding and Keeping a Job
Employment supports help participants prepare for, find, and maintain meaningful work.
Services may include:
- Employment coaching
- Workplace support
- Job readiness training
Improved Relationships
Participants can develop effective communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain positive relationships with family members, friends, and the wider community.
Improved Health and Wellbeing
This category supports activities that improve overall health and wellbeing.
Examples may include:
- Exercise programs
- Diet and nutrition support
- Health related skill development
Improved Learning
Participants can access support that helps them move from school into further education or training.
Improved Life Choices
This category often includes plan management services that help participants manage their NDIS funding effectively.
Improved Daily Living
Participants can work with therapists and specialists to develop skills that increase independence.
Examples include:
- Occupational Therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Speech Therapy
- Psychological Support
The goal of Capacity Building Supports is to help participants develop skills that create long term benefits.
Key Differences Between Core Supports and Capacity Building Supports
Although both categories support NDIS participants, they serve different purposes.
Core Supports help participants with everyday activities and immediate needs. Capacity Building Supports focus on skill development and long term independence.
For example, a support worker funded through Core Supports may assist a participant with preparing meals each day. A dietitian funded through Capacity Building Supports may teach the participant how to plan and prepare meals independently.
Core Supports generally offer greater flexibility. Participants can often move funding between certain Core Support categories if their plan allows it.
Capacity Building funding usually remains allocated to specific support categories and participants cannot freely transfer funding between them.
Another key difference involves outcomes. Core Supports help participants manage daily life, while Capacity Building Supports help participants build skills and achieve future goals.
Why Understanding the Difference Matters
Understanding these funding categories helps participants make informed decisions about their support services.
When participants know what each category covers, they can:
- Use funding more effectively
- Choose suitable providers
- Avoid funding misunderstandings
- Work toward their personal goals
- Maximise the value of their NDIS plan
Participants who understand their funding often feel more confident when managing supports and discussing services with providers.
Getting the Most from Your NDIS Plan
Every NDIS plan reflects a participant’s unique goals and circumstances. The right balance between Core Supports and Capacity Building Supports depends on individual needs.
Some participants may require more assistance with daily activities, while others may focus on building independence through therapy, education, employment support, or community participation.
Reviewing your goals regularly can help ensure your supports continue to meet your needs. Speaking with experienced NDIS providers can also help you understand available services and use your funding effectively.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between Core Supports and Capacity Building Supports helps NDIS participants across Australia make the most of their funding. Core Supports assist with daily needs, while Capacity Building Supports help participants develop skills and independence for the future.
At Hosanna Care Support, we work with participants across Australia to help them understand their NDIS plans, access suitable supports, and achieve their goals with confidence.