Understanding NDIS Support Categories and Funding

A simple Guide to NDIS Support Categories — Core, Capital, Capacity Building and Recurring Supports

Navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can feel overwhelming—whether you’re new to the system or have been receiving supports for some time. Understanding the different funding categories is key to making the most of your plan, especially with recent NDIS changes. 

Your NDIS Plan funding is divided into specific budgets, often referred to as support or budget categories.  These budgets are tailored to your individual goals and needs and may include one or more types of funding. Below, we break down each of the major support categories so you can confidently manage your plan and make informed choices.

Note: The way supports are organised and funded may differ depending on whether you have an NDIS PACE Plan or a traditional NDIS Plan.

NDIS Support Categories

The Main NDIS support categories include:

• Core Supports

• Capital Supports

• Capacity Building Supports

• Recurring Supports (available for some PACE plans)

Key things to know:

• There is now an official list of NDIS supports outlining what funding can and cannot be used for:

• Some categories are flexible, allowing funds to be spend across different supports or any reasonable and necessary.

• Certain supports require approval or supporting documentation from a professional.

• NDIS funding must be used for reasonable and necessary disability-related supports, not everyday living expenses.

Core Supports

Core supports provide funding for everyday activities and disability-related needs. These funds can be used for assistance or physical items necessary for daily life.

Example of Core Supports:

• Assistance with Daily Life - Support with household decisions, personal care, meal preparation, cleaning, and short-term accommodation (respite).

• Assistance with Social and Community Participation - help with attending appointments, shopping, and engaging in social or recreational activities.

• Consumables - Funding for essential disability-related items such as continence products.

• Home and Living (for participants Pace Plans ) - Supports for independent living, Supported Independent Living (SIL), Individual living options (ILO) and medium-term accommodation (if included in the plan).

• Young People in Residential Aged Care (YPIRAC) - Support for participants under 65 living in aged care facilities.

Under the new NDIS guidelines, everyday living costs like groceries, medication and household items cannot be covered by your NDIS Plan. However, there is a substitution process for certain items in specific circumstances. Transport funding, for example, is now classified under Recurring Supports in PACE Plans, reflecting the latest changes in how supports are categorised. While the Core Supports budget remains the most flexible, it cannot be used to fund Capital or Capacity Building Supports. Supports like Home and Living or YPIRAC must be used exactly as allocated in the plan. If you require repairs or rentals for Assistive Technology, it's important to ensure these are included under Capital Supports in your PACE Plan, as they are no longer eligible for funding through Core Supports.

Capital Supports

Capital Supports fund high-cost items such as assistive technology and Specialist Disability Accommodations (SDA). This budget is the least flexible and is restricted to specific items listed in your plan.

Types of Capital Supports:

• Assistive Technology - Devices that enhance independence, such as mobility aids and communication tools. 

• Assistive Technology Maintenance, Repair, and Rental (PACE Plans only) - Covers repairs and maintenance if included in your plan. 

• Home Modifications - Changes to your home to improve accessibility and safety. 

• Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) (PACE Plans only) - Housing designed for individuals with high support needs. 

  
  

Most Capital items require a quote and prior approval before purchase.

Capacity Building Supports

Capacity Building Supports help you develop skills, increase independence, and achieve personal goals. This funding is not flexible and must be used for approved support. 

Types of Capacity Building Supports: 

• Support Coordination & Psychological Recovery Coach - Assistance in managing your plan and accessing services. 

• Improved Living Arrangements -  Help with securing and maintaining suitable housing. 

• Increased Social and Community Participation - Support for social engagement and skill development. 

• Finding and Keeping a Job - Employment-related support and training.

• Relationships - Support for building social skills and maintaining relationships. 

• Health and Wellbeing - Assistance with managing disability-related health impacts. 

• Lifelong Learning - Support for transitioning into further education 

• Choice and Control - Funding for plan management. 

• Improved Daily Living Skills - Therapy and training to enhance independence. 

• Behaviour Support - Assistance in managing behaviours of concern.

Recurring Supports (Pace Plans Only)

Recurring Supports are funds that the NDIS pays directly to you regularly, eliminating the need for manual claims.

Current Recurring Support Category:

Transport – Covers transport costs for individuals who cannot use public transport due to their disability (e.g., taxis, rideshare services).

Need Help Navigating Your NDIS Plan?

Whether you're just starting out or adjusting to the new PACE changes, you don’t have to go it alone. Our experienced and compassionate Support Coordinators are here to help you:

✅ Understand your funding categories

✅ Maximise the value of your plan

✅ Connect with the right supports and services

✅ Stay on track with your goals

Let’s make your NDIS journey easier and more empowering.