Understanding Support Categories
Your NDIS plan divides funding into three support categories: Core, Capital and Capacity Building. Each category pays for different types of supports so you can get the right help for your goals.
Core Supports
Core supports help you with everyday activities and to participate in the community. This is the most flexible part of your plan and is often used for assistance with daily life, transport, consumables and social and community participation.
What you can use Core for
- Help with personal care, household tasks and meal preparation
- Transport to work, appointments or community activities
- Low-cost equipment and consumables (e.g. continence products)
- Support to join in social, recreational or skill-building activities
Capital Supports
Capital supports pay for higher-cost equipment, technology and home or vehicle modifications. This budget is usually approved for specific items and must be used for what is in your plan.
What you can use Capital for
- Assistive technology (wheelchairs, communication devices, beds)
- Home modifications (ramps, bathrooms, hoists)
- Vehicle modifications so you can travel safely
- Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) — for those who qualify
Capacity Building Supports
Capacity Building supports help you build skills and independence over time. They are organised into sub-categories such as employment, health and wellbeing, and relationships, and are designed to help you work towards your goals.
What you can use Capacity Building for
- Support coordination
- Improved daily living (therapy, assessment, training)
- Improved health and wellbeing (exercise, diet, mental health)
- Improved learning, employment and social and community participation
Quick reference
- Core — day-to-day help and participation; most flexible.
- Capital — equipment, modifications and SDA; itemised in your plan.
- Capacity Building — building skills and independence; linked to goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move funding between support categories?
You can often move funding between line items within the same Core support category (e.g. between assistance with daily life and transport), but you cannot move funding from Core to Capital or Capacity Building. Check your plan and the NDIS rules for your situation.
Why is some of my funding “stated” and some “flexible”?
Stated supports are approved for a specific purpose (e.g. a named piece of equipment). Flexible supports let you choose how to use the budget within that support category, so long as it is reasonable and necessary.
Where can I see my categories and budgets?
Your plan document and the NDIS Participant portal show your budgets by support category. Your support coordinator or LAC can walk you through it if you need help.
Need personalised help?
The FWBS team can help you understand your support categories and make the most of your plan. Get in touch for a friendly chat.
Contact FWBS