NDIS Capacity Building Funding: What Can Be Claimed?

The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) Capacity Building funding is a core pillar of support for Australians with disabilities. It’s designed to empower NDIS participants to develop their skills, achieve their goals, and increase independence across many life areas. This guide explains in detail what NDIS Capacity Building funding is, how it works, what can be claimed, and provides practical tips for maximising its benefits.

What Is NDIS Capacity Building Funding?

Capacity Building funding is one of three main support budgets in the NDIS, alongside Core Supports and Capital Supports. The Capacity Building budget aims to help people with disabilities build their independence and reduce reliance on ongoing NDIS supports. It funds services and therapies that focus on learning, developing new skills, and accessing opportunities for greater inclusion in community and work life.

Why Is It Important?

• Promotes long-term independence and choice

• Enables participants to work towards goals outlined in their NDIS plan
• Provides tailored support for daily living, social participation, employment, education, and health

How Does Capacity Building Funding Work?

When your NDIS plan is approved, you may receive a Capacity Building budget if your goals identify the need for further learning, skill-building, or development. There are nine specific sub-categories (or 'support purposes') under Capacity Building funding. Each one focuses on a unique area of development.

The Nine Capacity Building Support Categories

1. Support Coordination
   Guidance and assistance in organizing your NDIS supports and connecting with providers.

2. Improved Living Arrangements

Help finding and coordinating a suitable place to live.

3. Increased Social & Community Participation
   Classes, mentoring, or groups to improve social skills and community engagement.

4. Finding & Keeping a Job (Employment-Related Supports)
   Help with job hunting, job coaching, and workplace skills development.

5. Improved Relationships

Specialist support like positive behaviour support and social skills training.

6. Improved Health & Wellbeing
   Exercise physiology, dietitian services, and personal training.

7. Improved Learning
   Help accessing education options, course applications, and skills training.

8. Improved Life Choices (Plan Management)

Financial management of your NDIS plan by a registered plan manager.

9. Improved Daily Living
   Therapies, assessments, and training from allied health professionals (e.g., OT, speech therapists, psychology).

What Can Be Claimed Under Capacity Building?

Your approved funding amounts and categories depend on what has been included in your NDIS plan. Here are some common examples of items or supports that can be claimed:

Support Coordination

• Support coordinator or psychosocial recovery coach services
• Assistance with plan implementation and provider connection

Improved Living Arrangements

• Coordination with real estate agencies or disability housing services
• Budgeting and skills training for independent living

Increased Social & Community Participation

• Skill-building classes (e.g., social skills, art, sport)

• Mentoring or peer support
• Community-based activities with a support worker

Finding & Keeping a Job

• Career counselling, resume building

• On-the-job training, job-seeking assistance
• Disability employment services

Improved Relationships

• Behavioural therapy and positive behaviour support plans

• Family and carer training

Improved Health & Wellbeing

• Diet and nutrition advice
• Exercise classes with qualified providers

Improved Learning

• Assistance enrolling in tertiary or TAFE programs
• Transition support to further education

Improved Life Choices (Plan Management)

• Plan management fees (for professional financial management of your NDIS funds)

Improved Daily Living

• Speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy
• Psychology, counselling, life skills training
• Functional capacity assessments

Note: Items like day-to-day living expenses, rent, utility bills, or general medical care are not claimable under Capacity Building.

How To Access and Use Capacity Building Funding

1. NDIS Planning Meeting
   Discuss your goals, needs, and aspirations. Identify where you want to build skills or independence.

2. Receive Your NDIS Plan
   Check your plan for Capacity Building funding — amounts and which categories have been approved.

3. Identify Suitable Providers

Use resources like NDISFinder.com to search for qualified providers.

4. Engage Supports
   Contact providers, book sessions, and use your funding as outlined in your plan.

5. Track Spending
   Keep receipts, invoices, and track your budget to avoid over- or under-spending.

Capacity Building and Australian Migration

If you are a migrant or have migrated to Australia and are eligible for the NDIS (i.e., a permanent resident, a citizen, or certain visa holders), you can access Capacity Building funding in the same way as other participants. However, migrants and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities may face additional barriers, such as:

• Language difficulties accessing information
• Lack of awareness of the NDIS system
• Cultural stigma regarding disability

Solutions:
The NDIS and many providers offer translation services, multicultural liaison officers, and culturally appropriate supports to make Capacity Building funding accessible and relevant.

Key Benefits and Features

• Goal-Oriented: Directly tailored to help you achieve your personal development goals

• Flexible: Many options for supports spanning social, learning, health, and daily life
• Wide Provider Pool: Use funds with both registered and some non-registered providers (depends on plan management type)
• Supports Carers & Families: Training for carers is often included

Common Challenges & Solutions