The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) continues to evolve, with new support types and support categories added in 2025. This guide breaks down the four main support types and their categories to help you make the most of your funding. 

What Are NDIS Support Categories?

Support categories are how the NDIS organises the types of supports you can access through your plan. Each category defines what you can spend your funding on, ensuring that all supports are aligned with your disability-related needs and goals.

NDIS support budgets are grouped into four main types: 

  • Core Supports 
  • Capacity Building Supports 
  • Capital Supports 
  • Recurring Supports (NEW!) 

Core Supports: Everyday Essentials

Core supports help you with daily activities and participation in the community. These are often flexible, allowing you to use funding across categories with the same fund management type. 

Flexible Core Support Categories 

  • Assistance with Daily Life: Help with personal tasks to support independent living. 
  • Social, Economic & Community Participation: Support to engage in community and recreational activities. 
  • Consumables: Items like continence aids or low-cost assistive technology. 
  • Transport: Support to travel for work, study, or social activities. 

Stated Core Support Categories 

These are non-flexible and must be used as specified in your plan: 

  • Home and Living: Includes Supported Independent Living (SIL), Medium Term Accommodation (MTA), and Individualised Living Options (ILO). 
  • Residential Aged Care Support: For younger people in aged care facilities. 
  • YPIRAC – Cross Billing: Covers some aged care fees for younger participants. 

Capacity Building Supports: Growing Skills and Independence

These supports are designed to help you build skills, increase independence, and achieve your goals. 

Categories Include: 

  • Behaviour Support 
  • Choice and Control (Plan Management) 
  • Finding & Keeping a Job 
  • Health & Wellbeing 
  • Improved Daily Living Skills 
  • Improved Living Arrangements 
  • Social & Community Participation 
  • Lifelong Learning 
  • Relationships 
  • Support Coordination & Psychosocial Recovery Coaching 

Capital Supports: Equipment and Modifications

Capital supports cover higher-cost items and modifications that help you live more independently. 

Categories Include: 

  • Assistive Technology: Mid- and high-cost equipment. 
  • Maintenance, Repair & Rental: For assistive technology upkeep. 
  • Home Modifications: Structural changes to improve accessibility. 
  • Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA): Purpose-built housing for those with high support needs. 

Recurring Supports: Regular Payments

This is a new support type and offers supports paid directly to you on a regular basis. 

Category: 

  • Transport Recurring: Funding for everyday transport needs, paid to your nominated bank account. 

 

To learn more, refer to this pdf about NDIS support categories.

Need Help Understanding Your NDIS Plan?

📞 Call Plan Manage Assist on 1300 199 960
📧 Email: enquiries@planmanageassist.com.au  

💡 Check out our ‘Resources’ page for a selection of podcasts, articles, and updates about the NDIS and related topics.  

For any NDIS enquiries, please contact the NDIS on 1800 800 110.