Understanding Core vs Capacity Building vs Capital Supports in the NDIS

[object Object] The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funds a wide range of disability supports, but understanding how funding is structured can be confusing—especially for participants, carers, and families who are new to the system. One of the most common questions is about the difference between Core, Capacity Building, and Capital Supports. Knowing what each category means, the kind of supports they cover, and how they work is essential to getting the most out of your NDIS plan.

This article will provide an in-depth explanation of these three support categories, including why they're important, how you can access them, associated costs, professions involved, challenges, and the latest updates relevant to Australians with disabilities—including those who have migrated recently. [object Object]

What are Core, Capacity Building, and Capital Supports?

The NDIS groups funding into three central support purpose categories: [object Object]

1. Core Supports
   Flexible, daily living support for essential activities and participation. [object Object]
2. Capacity Building Supports
   Designed to help build skills and independence through training, therapy, and learning.
3. Capital Supports
   [object Object] Funding for high-cost, one-off items like assistive technology and home modifications.

Understanding these categories will help you use your NDIS funding more effectively and find the right NDIS providers—whether through direct management or support coordination. [object Object]

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Why Are These Funding Categories Important?

• Personalised Support: Participants can tailor their plan to match daily needs, future goals, and independence.
• Financial Clarity: Knowing the categories helps you allocate funds wisely and avoid running out of support. [object Object]
• NDIS Plan Management: You, your carer, or your support coordinator can ensure the right mix of supports.
• Meeting NDIS Goals: Each category is aligned with the NDIS’ broader mission—to support people in living more independently and participating fully in society.

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How Do the Support Categories Work?

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1. Core Supports

What it covers:
Everyday activities, social participation, maintenance of health and wellbeing. [object Object]

Subcategories:

• Assistance with Daily Life: e.g. personal care, cleaning, meal preparation. [object Object]
• Consumables: e.g. continence aids, low-cost assistive products.
• Transport: getting to school, work, or community events.
• Assistance with Social & Community Participation: support for joining clubs, classes, and community activities. [object Object]

Flexibility:
Funding can generally be moved between subcategories, especially if one need is greater than expected. [object Object]

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2. Capacity Building Supports

What it covers:
Supports that help you develop skills, gain independence, and work toward your goals. [object Object]

Subcategories:

• Support Coordination: help to connect you with providers and manage your plan. [object Object]
• Improved Living Arrangements: assistance with finding or keeping suitable housing.
• Increased Social and Community Participation: life skills programs, training in social skills.
• Finding and Keeping a Job: employment-related assessments, training, and support. [object Object]
• Improved Relationships: behavioural support, mentoring.
• Improved Health and Wellbeing: exercise, diet advice, therapy.
• Improved Learning: tutoring, training and education. [object Object]
• Improved Life Choices: plan management (financial assistance).
• Improved Daily Living: therapy, early childhood intervention, skill development.

[object Object] Flexibility:
Generally, funds must be used for their approved capacity building purpose and can’t be moved between subcategories.

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3. Capital Supports

[object Object] What it covers:
Higher-cost, one-off purchases or investments associated with your disability.

[object Object] Subcategories:

• Assistive Technology: e.g. mobility aids, communication devices, hearing aids.
• Home Modifications: ramps, accessible bathrooms, stairs lifts. [object Object]
• Specialist Disability Accommodation: funding for special purpose housing.

Flexibility:
[object Object] Capital supports are strictly allocated; funds cannot be used for other support types.

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How to Access and Use These Supports

1. Assessment and Planning:
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   • Meet with your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC).
   • Identify personal needs, daily life challenges, and long-term goals.
2. Budget Allocation:
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   • Your plan will allocate funds across the three categories.
3. Using Supports:
   • Choose and engage NDIS-registered providers. [object Object]
   • Use supports as needed—keep documentation and records.
   • Work with a support coordinator, if funded, to stay on track.
4. Review and Adjust:
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   • Plans are regularly reviewed; discuss changing needs or goals.
   • Adjust funding with NDIS (if circumstances change).

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Special Notes for Australian Migrants and CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) Communities

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• NDIS is available to permanent residents and Australian citizens.
• Language and cultural barriers can make it harder to navigate the categories; support coordinators and interpreters can help.
• Capacity Building funds may be used for culturally appropriate support or language-focused training (e.g. English learning, bicultural therapy). [object Object]
• Many NDIS providers specialise in supporting people from migrant backgrounds—use platforms like NDISFinder.com to search for these.

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Key Benefits and Features

• Holistic Funding: Supports every aspect of your life, from practical needs to long-term independence. [object Object]
• Person-Centred: Plans are tailored, not one-size-fits-all.
• Flexibility: Some funding (mainly Core) can be reallocated as needs change.
• Empowerment: Capacity Building empowers participants to achieve more over time. [object Object]

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Common Professions and Professionals Involved

• Core Support Providers:
  • Disability support workers [object Object]
  • Personal care assistants
  • Community participation workers