What Types of Support Can NDIS Participants Access?

Understanding NDIS support categories

The NDIS funds services, items and equipment that meet the legal requirements for an NDIS support and are related to a participant’s disability and plan. Current NDIS guidance groups funding into support budgets including core, capacity building, capital and recurring supports. Not every participant has funding in every budget.

Core supports

Core supports can help with everyday activities and community participation. Depending on a participant’s plan, this can include assistance with daily living, personal activities, social and community participation, and certain everyday disability-related needs.

Capacity building supports

Capacity building supports are intended to help participants build skills, independence and capacity. Examples can include supports related to improved daily living, employment, relationships, social and community participation, and coordination of supports, depending on the individual plan.

Capital and other supports

Capital supports can include certain assistive technology, equipment, home modifications and specialist disability accommodation where approved. Recurring supports are used for specific ongoing needs where funding is structured that way. Participants should check their plan and current NDIS rules before purchasing a support.

Choosing services that fit your plan

The fact that a service is advertised as an NDIS service does not automatically mean it is funded for every participant. Ask the provider how the support is connected to your plan, what category or item applies, what it costs and what documentation is required.

Practical considerations

Understanding the purpose of each support budget can make NDIS planning easier. Current NDIS guidance identifies core, capacity building, capital and recurring support budgets, although not every participant receives funding in every budget. Within these budgets are support categories and individual support items. The participant’s plan determines what funding is available and what rules apply to spending it.

Core supports commonly relate to everyday assistance and participation, while capacity building supports can focus on building skills and independence. Capital supports can include certain equipment, assistive technology, home modifications or specialist disability accommodation where approved. Recurring supports are structured for particular ongoing needs. Participants should always check their own plan and current NDIS guidance before arranging a service.

Not every service advertised by a disability organisation is automatically funded by the NDIS. Before purchasing a support, ask how it relates to your disability, your plan and the current NDIS supports rules. Providers should be able to explain the proposed service and relevant pricing or claiming arrangements in plain language.

For Perth participants, the practical step is to match the service you want with the funding and support needs you actually have. A support coordinator, plan manager or relevant NDIS contact may assist depending on your plan. Keeping a record of services, costs and goals can also make it easier to review whether current supports remain appropriate.