The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides you with a personalised NDIS plan that includes three types of support budgets: Core Supports, Capacity Building Supports and Capital Supports. Your NDIS Core Supports budget is the most flexible of these budgets and helps cover everyday activities and disability-related needs. Today, we’re focusing on your Core Supports budget and how this funding can be used according to the NDIS guidelines.
What are Core Supports?
NDIS Core Supports are services and equipment that help you with everyday tasks and activities. Your Core Supports budget has four categories: Assistance with Daily Life, Consumables, Assistance with Social and Community Participation, and Transport. This budget is the most flexible part of your NDIS plan, meaning you can move funds between most categories to meet your changing needs.
Core Supports are services and equipment that the NDIS provides to assist you with everyday tasks and activities. These supports focus on your current disability-related needs and help you work towards your goals. This means that your NDIS Core Support budget can be used for things like support with getting ready in the morning, getting a ride to your activities, buying everyday items like special products you might need, or even assisting you to have fun and join in activities with your community.
Types of Core Supports – 4 NDIS Core Support Categories
Your NDIS Core Supports budget includes four main categories of support. Each category addresses different aspects of your daily life:
1. Assistance with daily life
This category helps you with the things you do every day, such as:
- Preparing meals
- Bathing
- Dressing yourself
- Cleaning your home
- Maintaining your yard
Mambourin hubs offer skills development programs where you can learn all these skills using your Core Supports budget. Our programs can also help you build other practical, everyday skills such as meal planning, grocery shopping, budgeting and home management. Or, use your budget for in-home support, where a support worker comes to your home to help you prepare for the day.
2. Consumables
If you require specialised products daily to assist with your tasks and activities, include consumables in your NDIS plan. The items covered under NDIS consumables can range from everyday personal care items to lower-cost assistive technology, including:
- Specialised food supplements
- Special utensils for eating or modified cups for drinking
- Products to help you take care of personal hygiene
- Chair and bed protectors
- Specialised mattresses and pillows
- Safety equipment you need at home
It may also be possible to include Auslan training or interpreting support services as part of your NDIS consumables budget. All items included in the Core Supports consumables budget must meet the NDIS reasonable and necessary criteria. These supports are usually intended for low-cost everyday items that are specific to your disability needs.
3. Assistance with social and community participation
This support assists you in getting involved in activities in your community. This could include:
- Going to the park
- Visiting a museum
- Being part of a local club
- Participating in local events
- Joining a hobby or interest group
With this support, you can meet new people, make friends and feel more connected to your community. For example, if you would like assistance in participating in a local inclusive gaming meetup, you can use this part of your Core Supports budget for a support worker to attend with you. Or if you’re looking to practice social and communication skills, you can also use this budget.
4. Transport
Transport funding helps you get to appointments, work, community activities and social events. This category may be provided as a regular payment if you cannot use public transport because of your disability.
NDIS Core Supports vs Capacity Building vs Capital: What’s the difference?
| Budget Type | Purpose | Flexibility | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Supports | Help with everyday activities and current needs | Most flexible – can move funds between categories | Personal care, cleaning, consumables, and social participation |
| Capacity Building | Build skills and independence for the future | Not flexible – locked to specific categories | Therapy, support coordination, and employment support |
| Capital Supports | Higher-cost equipment and modifications | Not flexible – specific items only | Wheelchairs, home modifications, assistive technology over $1,500 |
How to access NDIS Core Supports
Now that we’ve covered what NDIS Core Supports are and how they can help you in daily life, you might be wondering: “How do I get access to these supports?” Here are the steps.
Eligibility criteria
Before you can access NDIS Core Supports, you have to meet certain eligibility criteria. You are eligible if:
- You are aged between 9 and 65
- You live in Australia and are an Australian citizen, a permanent resident or hold a Protected Special Category Visa
- You usually need support from someone or equipment to do everyday things for yourself. This is because of an impairment or condition that is likely to be lifelong.
The application process
To start your application for NDIS Core Supports:
- Contact the local NDIS office or area coordinator to request an Access Request Form.
- Complete the form with details about your age, residence and disability.
- Provide evidence of your disability. This could be reports or assessments from your doctor or specialist.
After you have submitted your application, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) will review your information and decide whether you are eligible. You should receive their reply within 21 days. If you need assistance, our friendly team can provide guidance.
Discussion about NDIS plans and planning process
Once you become an NDIS participant, the next step is to create your NDIS plan with a local area coordinator or an NDIA representative. This plan will be based on your goals and needs. It will outline the NDIS Core funding you have been budgeted for and what supports you can access. During the planning process, you’ll discuss:
- What supports you currently have, and who provides them
- Your daily life and your current abilities
- Your short and long-term goals
- What kind of supports could help you reach those goals
After this meeting, your plan will be developed, and once approved, you will receive your funding.
Understanding Core Supports Budget Flexibility
One of the biggest advantages of your NDIS Core Supports budget is its flexibility. Unlike Capacity Building or Capital Supports, you can generally move funds between Core categories without needing a plan review.
This flexibility means that if your needs change, you can redirect funding from one area to another. For example, if you need less help with personal care but more support to join community activities, you can shift funds from Assistance with Daily Life to Social and Community Participation.
When Core Supports are NOT flexible
Some parts of your Core budget cannot be moved to other categories:
- Transport allowances (if stated in your plan)
- Specialised disability accommodation funding
- In-kind supports like pre-paid school transport
- Stated items quoted for specific purposes
How to manage and use Core Supports
Once you have your NDIS plan and funding, you can use your Core Supports budget. There are different ways to manage your funds:
Self-management
When you manage your NDIS funds, you’re the one who pays for the services you use. This means you can decide which supports you want to include in your plan. Managing your own funds comes with jobs you need to do. One is keeping receipts when you buy things with your NDIS money. Also, if you hire support workers directly, you will have to pay them correctly and ensure they have safe work conditions.
Plan management
If you use a plan manager, you hire someone or an organisation to help you handle your NDIS plan funds. Your NDIS plan manager’s job is to pay the people who provide your supports, keep an eye on your funding, and take care of any money reports for you. They must be registered with the NDIS and will directly use the money in your plan to pay for your supports.
NDIA-managed
If you let the NDIA handle your NDIS money, they will pay the people who give you services directly. You don’t need to worry about paying bills or keeping track of your money. To see how much money is left or what payments have been made, you can look at the myplace portal or the myNDIS app.
But note that when you choose this option, you can use only registered NDIS providers. You can choose the method that best fits your situation and comfort level. With your plan in place and your funds managed, you can arrange for your Core Supports to begin. Always remember your NDIS plan is there to help you live your best life.
Tips for managing your NDIS Core Support budget
- Track your spending: Keep an eye on how much you’re using from each category to avoid running out before your plan ends.
- Plan ahead: Spread your expenses evenly throughout your plan period.
- Use the flexibility: If one category has leftover funds and another is running low, you can usually move the money between Core categories.
- Review regularly: Check in with your plan manager or use the myplace portal to see your budget.
- Ask for changes: If your needs change significantly, you can request a plan review.
Using Core Supports at Mambourin
There are many ways you can use your NDIS Core Supports budget at Mambourin. Talk to us so we can help you figure out which support options are right for you. Contact us on 9731 9200 or email us at hello@mambourin.org. You can also send our team a message here.
Frequently Asked Questions about NDIS Core Supports
What is the NDIS Core Supports budget?
The NDIS Core Supports budget is funding to help you with everyday activities and your current disability-related needs. It has four categories: Assistance with Daily Life, Consumables, Social and Community Participation, and Transport.
Can I move money between Core Support categories?
Yes, Core Supports funding is the most flexible part of your NDIS plan. You can usually move funds between Daily Life, Consumables, and Participation categories without a plan review, as long as they’re managed the same way.
What’s the difference between Core Supports and Capacity Building?
Core Supports help with your everyday needs right now, while Capacity Building helps you build skills for the future. Core funding is flexible between categories, but Capacity Building funding is locked to specific goal-related categories.
Who can help me use my Core Supports budget?
You can work with NDIS Core support providers like Mambourin, your local area coordinator, support coordinator, or plan manager to understand and use your Core budget effectively.
What can’t I buy with Core Supports?
Your Core Support funding cannot be used for everyday living expenses that everyone pays (like rent or regular groceries), items over $1,500 (those come from Capital Supports), or therapy and skill-building (those come from Capacity Building).
How long does my Core Supports budget last?
Your NDIS Core budget lasts for the duration of your plan, typically 12 months. Unused funds don’t roll over to your next plan, so it’s important to use your budget throughout the year.
Key Takeaways: NDIS Core Supports
- Core Supports are the most flexible part of your NDIS plan
- There are four Core Support categories: Daily Life, Consumables, Participation, and Transport
- You can usually move funds between Core categories to meet changing needs
- Your Core Supports budget helps with everyday activities, not future skill-building
- Working with experienced NDIS Core support providers helps you make the most of your funding