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The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is designed to provide individualised support to people with disability in Australia.
To ensure participants receive the specific assistance they need, the NDIS offers three distinct funding categories. Each category is tailored to address different aspects of a participant's life.
In this blog, we will explore these funding categories and shed light on their purposes, so you can make the most of your plan.
1) Core
Core Supports are the first and most essential funding category under the NDIS. This category focuses on providing assistance with everyday activities and aims to help participants achieve their immediate goals. Core Supports are flexible, designed to adapt to a participant's evolving needs, and can cover a wide range of services, including:
- Assistance with daily living activities: Support with personal care, household tasks, and meal preparation.
- Social and community participation: Support to engage in social activities, community events, and recreational pursuits.
- Consumables: Funding for essential items such as continence products or mobility aids.
- Transport: Assistance with transport to access necessary services and community activities.
Participants can use their Core Supports budget to access service providers of their choice, ensuring they receive the support that aligns best with their preferences and requirements.
2) Capacity Building
Capacity Building Supports are aimed at developing and enhancing a participant's skills, abilities, and independence. This funding category focuses on long-term goals and aims to empower individuals to overcome challenges and achieve meaningful progress in various areas of life. Capacity Building Supports encompass a diverse range of services, including:
- Improved daily living: Training to improve personal skills, communication, and social interactions.
- Improved relationships: Support to build and maintain relationships, enhance social skills, and manage emotions.
- Increased social and community participation: Assistance to participate in community activities, join clubs, and engage in skill-building workshops.
- Improved health and wellbeing: Funding for therapy services, psychological support, and specialised health interventions.
- Improved learning: Support for educational programs, tutoring, and skill development in specific areas.
Participants have the flexibility to choose service providers that align with their goals and preferences for a more personalised experience.
3) Capital
Capital Supports involve funding for more significant and long-term investments in equipment, assistive technology, or home modifications. This category focuses on supporting participants with specific needs that require substantial investment to enhance their independence and quality of life. Capital Supports may include:
- Assistive technology: Funding for devices or equipment that aid in daily living and mobility, such as communication devices, wheelchairs, or hearing aids.
- Home modifications: Support for home adaptations to improve accessibility, safety, and independent living, like ramps, bathroom modifications, and handrails.
To access Capital Supports, participants may require an assessment to determine the appropriate funding amount and ensure it aligns with their individual requirements.
Understanding the three different NDIS funding categories - Core, Capacity Building and Capital - is crucial for NDIS participants to maximise the benefits of their plans.
With a clear understanding of each category's purpose and the flexibility it offers, participants can make informed choices, tailoring their support to achieve their goals and enhance their overall well-being and independence. The NDIS is committed to providing tailored and person-centred support, and these funding categories play a key role in fulfilling that promise.
Still unsure about NDIS support categories? Contact our friendly team of plan managers on 8256 9835, send us an email or fill out our online form – we’re always happy to help.