If you’re new to the NDIS, it can be tricky to understand how your funding works, especially when it comes to the difference between Core Supports and Capacity Building Supports. These two categories are included in most NDIS plans and serve different but equally important purposes.
Let’s take a closer look at what each support type means, how they’re used, and how they can help you live more independently and reach your goals.
What Are Core Supports?
Core Supports are the basic supports that help you manage day-to-day life. They’re the practical services that make sure you can get through your routine safely, comfortably, and with confidence.
These supports can help you:
- Get ready for the day
- Keep your home clean
- Get to appointments
- Join social or community activities
There are four main types of Core Supports:
Assistance with Daily Life
This includes help with personal care like showering, dressing, preparing meals, or getting in and out of bed. It can also include help at home if you’re living with others or on your own.
Transport
If you’re unable to use public transport because of your disability, you may receive funding to pay for travel to work, school, medical appointments or community activities.
Consumables
This covers everyday items related to your disability, such as continence products, low-cost assistive technology, or nutritional supplements.
Social and Community Participation
Support workers can help you take part in activities outside your home, whether that’s going to a class, joining a hobby group, or just having support while socialising.
One great thing about Core Supports is that they are often flexible. That means you can move your funding between categories (except for stated supports), depending on what you need more or less of.
What Are Capacity Building Supports?
Capacity Building Supports are all about helping you learn new skills, build confidence, and work towards long-term goals. While Core Supports helps you manage daily life now, Capacity Building is focused on helping you become more independent in the future.
These supports are designed to improve different areas of your life, such as your health, learning, work skills, relationships, and living arrangements.
Here are a few common Capacity Building categories:
Support Coordination
If you have this in your plan, a Support Coordinator can help you understand your plan, find the right services, and get your supports running smoothly.
Improved Daily Living
This includes assessments and therapies from allied health professionals like occupational therapists, speech pathologists, or psychologists. The goal is to improve how you manage everyday tasks and routines.
Improved Health and Well-being
Support that helps you build healthier habits, such as working with a personal trainer or dietitian.
Improved Learning or Employment
You might receive support to build job skills, explore training options, or prepare for work or study.
Improved Relationships
Help to build social skills or manage behaviour in a positive and respectful way.
Unlike Core Supports, funding in Capacity Building categories can’t usually be moved around. Each one is tied to a specific goal in your plan.
How They Work Together
Both support types are important, and they often go hand in hand. For example, you might have a support worker help with cooking and cleaning (Core), while also seeing an occupational therapist to learn how to cook safely on your own in the future (Capacity Building).
In another example, you may get Core funding to attend a community activity, while also using Capacity Building funding to develop social confidence and communication skills.
Together, they create a balanced support plan that helps you live well today and grow towards future goals.
Choosing the Right Support for You
When you meet with your Local Area Coordinator or NDIS planner, they’ll work with you to figure out the right mix of supports for your situation. This will depend on your disability, current needs, future goals, and the type of help you need to make progress.
For someone with complex care needs, more funding might go towards Core Supports to help with everyday living. If you’re working towards independence or employment, you may see more Capacity Building funding to support that progress.
What’s most important is that your plan reflects your life, your needs, and what you want to achieve.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
- Core Supports are often flexible, so you can adjust how the funding is used based on your daily needs.
- Capacity Building supports are more goal-specific and usually tied to one area, like health, education, or independent living.
- You don’t have to figure it all out on your own, your Support Coordinator or plan manager can help you make the most of each funding type.
- Keep track of how your supports are working. This will help at your next plan review to show what’s helped, what’s changed, and what you might need more of.
Getting the Most Out of Your NDIS Plan
Understanding the difference between Core Supports and Capacity Building Supports helps you make more informed choices about how to use your NDIS funding. You don’t need to know everything at once, but having a clear picture of what each support category is designed for gives you more confidence in your decisions.
If you’re working with a plan manager, support coordinator, or service provider, they can help you match your goals with the right type of support. Whether it’s learning how to cook independently, getting help around the house, or building your communication skills, your NDIS plan is there to back you up, not confuse you.
Most importantly, remember that your NDIS plan is meant to grow and adapt with you. Your needs today might look different six months from now, and that’s okay. The key is having the right information, the right team, and the right plan in place to help you live the way you want to.
If you’re ever unsure about which part of your plan covers a particular service, don’t hesitate to ask your provider. Clear communication, regular check-ins, and goal-focused planning can help you get the most out of your NDIS journey.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between Core Supports and Capacity Building Supports can make a big difference in how you manage your NDIS plan. One helps you with the day-to-day, the other helps you learn, grow and reach new goals.
If you ever feel unsure about how your funding works or how to use it best, don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance. The right support team will make it easier to understand your plan and take full advantage of what’s available to you. Alliance Multicare Services is here to help every step of the way, whether you need daily support, help setting goals, or someone to guide you through your NDIS journey. Contact us today at 1800 448 449 to get started.
