NDIS Support Categories Explained

Navigating the NDIS support categories is essential for making the most of your plan. Whether you’re new to the scheme or have been accessing services for a while, understanding these categories will help you use your funding effectively, especially in light of recent NDIS updates.

Funding in your NDIS plan is divided into budgets, often referred to as NDIS categories of support. These categories are tailored to meet your individual needs and may cover a range of services and supports.

It’s important to note that the structure of NDIS support categories may vary depending on whether you have a traditional NDIS plan or are using the new PACE Plan.

What Are the NDIS Support Categories?

The main NDIS support categories are:

  • Core Supports: Funding for everyday disability-related needs.
  • Capital Supports: Funding for assistive technology and housing modifications.
  • Capacity Building Supports: Funding to develop skills and independence.
  • Recurring Supports (specific to PACE Plans): Regular payments for ongoing needs, such as transport.

Below, we’ll break down each category so you can confidently navigate your plan and ensure your funding is used appropriately.

Core Supports

Core supports cover essential daily activities and disability-related needs, making this the most flexible of all NDIS support categories. Most participants will have a Core budget in their plan.

Types of Core Supports:

  1. Assistance with Daily Life: Help with personal care, household tasks, and short-term accommodation.
  2. Social, Economic, and Community Participation: Support to engage in community or social activities, including recreational outings or attending appointments.
  3. Consumables: Funding for items such as continence products or other disability-related supplies.
  4. Home and Living (PACE-specific): Includes supported independent living, individualised living options, or medium-term accommodation.

Capital Supports

Capital supports fund high-cost items and specialised equipment to assist with independence. This is the least flexible NDIS budget category as funds must be used for specific items outlined in your plan.

Types of Capital Supports:

  1. Assistive Technology: Devices like wheelchairs or communication aids (note: standard consumer electronics like laptops are generally not covered).
  2. Home Modifications: Changes to your home to improve safety or accessibility, such as ramps or bathroom renovations.
  3. Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA): Housing options designed for people with high support needs.
  4. Assistive Technology Maintenance and Repairs (PACE-specific): Funding for the repair and upkeep of assistive devices.

Capacity Building Supports

The Capacity Building supports category is designed to help participants develop skills, achieve goals, and increase independence. Unlike Core or Capital supports, this budget cannot be transferred between categories.

Types of Capacity Building Supports:

  1. Support Coordination: Assistance in connecting with providers and managing your plan.
  2. Improved Living Arrangements: Support to secure and maintain appropriate housing.
  3. Increased Social and Community Participation: Services that build your ability to engage socially or within the community.
  4. Finding and Keeping a Job: Employment-related supports, including training and job-seeking assistance.
  5. Improved Relationships: Supports for social skills and positive interactions.
  6. Improved Health and Wellbeing: Health-related supports directly linked to your disability.
  7. Lifelong Learning: Support to transition from school to further education or training (e.g., TAFE).
  8. Improved Daily Living Skills: Therapy or training to enhance independence and life skills.

Recurring Supports

Specific to the PACE system, Recurring supports are regular payments made directly to participants without the need to lodge claims.

Example:

  • Transport Funding: For participants unable to access public transport, covering costs for taxis or rideshare services.

Key Updates to NDIS Support Categories

The NDIS has recently expanded from 15 to 21 support categories, simplifying the process for participants and providers. For those with PACE plans, new categories such as Home and Living, Assistive Technology Maintenance, and Recurring Supports have been introduced. Providers can now view budgets at the support category level, offering greater clarity and transparency.

Important Tips for Managing Your NDIS Plan

  • Flexible Budgets: Core supports often allow flexibility, enabling participants to use funding across multiple Core subcategories. However, funds allocated for Capital or Capacity Building supports are restricted to specific purposes.
  • Reasonable and Necessary Supports: NDIS funding is only for disability-related expenses that meet the criteria of being reasonable and necessary. For more information, refer to the NDIS guidelines or download the NDIS support categories PDF.
  • Plan Management: Working with a plan manager, such as Plan Manage Assist!, can simplify budget management and ensure your funding is used effectively.

By understanding the different NDIS registration groups and support categories, participants can make informed decisions, maximise their funding, and work towards achieving their goals.

 

Also, if you are unsure always visit the NDIS support-categories or ask one of our Plan Managers at Plan Manage Assist to assist you 1300 199 960. enquiries@planmanageassist.com.au