NDIS Funding Categories Explained: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide
Understanding your NDIS plan can feel like learning a new language. But once you grasp the three key funding categories which are Core, Capital, and Capacity Building you’ll feel more confident, more informed, and more in control of your supports.
What Are the 3 Main NDIS Support Categories?
NDIS funding is split into three core components, each designed to support different parts of your life. These include:
- Core Supports: Help with everyday tasks and community access
- Capital Supports: One-off investments like equipment or home modifications
- Capacity Building Supports: Support to build skills and independence
Each category connects back to your NDIS plan goals. Some budgets are flexible, while others must be used exactly as approved.
Core Supports: Everyday Help to Live Your Life
This is the most flexible budget in your plan (with a few exceptions). Core Supports fund the essentials that help you live safely, comfortably, and independently.
- Assistance with Daily Living: Help at home with meals, cleaning, or personal care
- Transport: Travel support if you can’t use public transport due to your disability
- Consumables: Products like continence aids, nutrition items, or assistive kitchen tools
- Social and Community Participation: A support worker to help you attend community events or activities
Note: Home and Living is also under Core but is not flexible. Funds must be used for approved housing-related support only.
Capital Supports: Big-Ticket Items and Modifications
Capital Supports are for larger or more expensive items that improve your independence or safety. This part of your budget is not flexible—you must use it as specified in your plan.
- Assistive Technology: Includes wheelchairs, communication devices, or hearing aids
- Home Modifications: Funding to modify your bathroom, install ramps, or make other safety improvements
You’ll usually need an assessment or quote from an allied health professional to access this funding.
Capacity Building: Build Skills, Confidence and Independence
This funding is all about growth. Unlike Core, you can’t move funds between the nine Capacity Building categories—but within each category, you choose how to spend it.
- Support Coordination: Help navigating your plan and connecting with providers
- Improved Living Arrangements: Assistance finding and maintaining suitable housing
- Increased Social and Community Participation: Community classes, programs, or coaching
- Finding and Keeping a Job: Supports for job search, workplace help, or job coaching
- Improved Relationships: Behaviour support, therapy, or social skill building
- Improved Health and Wellbeing: Nutrition or physical health guidance
- Improved Learning: Help transitioning from school to university, TAFE, or other study
- Improved Life Choices: Plan management and budgeting support
- Improved Daily Living: Therapy and life skill programs to help you thrive
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Core Supports in the NDIS?
Core Supports are the most flexible category, covering things like personal care, consumables, and community support.
Can I move money between categories?
You can move funds within Core Support categories, but Capital and Capacity Building budgets are not transferable.
Does Capacity Building cover employment support?
Yes. Under ‘Finding and Keeping a Job,’ you can access support for training, interviews, and job retention.
Are home modifications included in NDIS?
Yes, under Capital Supports. You’ll need quotes and approval, but modifications like ramps or railings are eligible.
Where can I get help using my plan?
Working with a plan manager like Health Well Care can help you navigate your funding and get the most from your supports.
Take the Next Step
NDIS plans are powerful but only when you understand how to use them. At Health Well Care, we help participants and families decode their plans, access the right supports, and feel confident every step of the way.
Our Office:
Level 2, Suite 1 and 2, 10A Atherton Road, Oakleigh, VIC 3166
Contact us: Click here to book a free consultation or speak with our friendly team.