The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is key to providing funding that can help individuals to live independently and control their support. Whether you’re hoping to be eligible for NDIS funding or you simply want to learn more about the NDIS, understanding the NDIS funding categories and support purposes and items is a good place to start.
Find out what NDIS funds can be used for, what is meant by the 3 NDIS categories of support and see examples of the types of services your plan may cover.
How the NDIS works for you
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is the government agency that manages the NDIS. The NDIS provides funding directly to you and connects you with the services you choose.
If you are eligible for the NDIS, you will work with someone from the NDIA to make a plan that maps out the different areas of your life, your goals and the right kind of help for you.
There are 3 NDIS categories of support that allocate how your funds can be used.
3 NDIS funding categories
There are 3 NDIS funding categories that may be covered in your plan. Each NDIS support budget category relates to the goals you might like to achieve.
- Core Supports include help with everyday activities, for example, household cleaning or transport
- Capital Supports are where you may have budget for one-off, high-cost purchases, such as a wheelchair, or installing a handrail in your bathroom
- Capacity Building Supports include funds for programs that improve your skills, such as finding study, a job you enjoy, or an eating plan that works.
NDIS Core Supports
Your NDIS Core Support budget is for assistance with daily activities. Some NDIS Core Support examples include funding for someone to do work in your backyard, or for a support worker who might accompany you to an appointment or social event.
Your NDIS core support budget is the most flexible. In most cases, you can move this funding into one of the other funding categories.
NDIS plans include 4 categories under Core Support:
Assistance with daily life
This includes support for common activities, such as cleaning, cooking or dressing in the morning. For example, it can support someone who has suffered a major stroke event and needs help around the house. It also includes Supported Independent Living (SIL).
Transport
Transport includes funds for travel to work or other places. You can choose public or private transport and whether these funds are paid upfront or in regular instalments.
Consumables
The consumables category is for buying items that help you be more independent or comfortable, for example, continence products, compression stockings, or equipment to help with your mobility. These items are low-risk and low-cost and are on a list approved by the NDIA.
Assistance with social and community participation
Assistance with social and community participation can be used to help you be more active and social, for example, by funding a support worker who can come with you to a party, a class or to spend some time in the park.
Many items in the NDIS Core Support category have price limits. These may differ depending on your particular needs and goals, as well as the time of day or day of the week the support is provided, or whether you receive help from someone in your home.
NDIS Capital Supports
Your NDIS Capital Support budget is how the NDIS funds more costly equipment, assistive technology, home or vehicle modifications, or other larger one-off purchases. The Capital Support budget can only be used for its specific purpose.
Capital Supports has 2 categories:
Assistive technology
Assistive technology(AT) can include a wide range of technologies to enable mobility, personal care, communication and recreational equipment, such as wheelchairs and vehicle modifications.
You can learn more about funding for AT and consumables in the NDIA Assistive Technology & Consumables Code Guide.
Home
This category includes funding for home modifications, for example, you may need to combine your bathroom and toilet spaces for more room, or simply install a safety rail. This funding category also includes Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).
NDIS Capacity Building Supports
NDIS Capacity Building Support funding is there to help you build your independence, gain new knowledge, find a job you like, attend classes and camps, improve your home and more.
The 9 main categories of Capacity Building Support budgets.
Support coordination
This is a fixed amount of funds for a support coordinator to help you work out how to best use your NDIS plan. They can help you navigate NDIS funding categories and find services.
Improved living arrangements
The improved living arrangements category can help you find and maintain your home, such as a rental property.
Increased social and community participation
Increased social and community participation may fund different activities you’re interested in, such as coaching, lessons (for example, kayaking or pottery), going to a museum or to see a movie, joining a group game, a karaoke club or volunteering (for example, at a clean up day).
Finding and keeping a job
Learn workplace skills or get support in finding employment, such as school leaver employment supports.
Improved relationship
If you’re finding it difficult to make or maintain connections with romantic partners, family, friends or neighbours, you can use this funding to learn new approaches. For example, you can see a psychologist or relationship counsellor.
Improved health and wellbeing
Keeping health can be hard, but this category can help fund advice on eating or physical activity plans that work for you.
Improved learning
If you’re finishing up school, this category can give you advice on how to go on to University or TAFE.
Improved life choices
Some find NDIS plans somewhat complicated, so this funding is there to help. For example, you can learn to budget, work out how much you’re spending and how to pay for services.
Improved daily living
This category covers various services provided by health professionals, such as personal or group therapy, or early childhood intervention supports.
How to book a support worker with your NDIS funding
There are 3 ways to manage your NDIS plan: self-management, plan management and agency management. If you choose to plan or self-manage, you can book an independent support worker in your area directly through Mable. You can start using your NDIS support budget categories to meet your needs and goals.
Learn more about Mable and using your NDIS funding to connect with support workers.
FAQs
How do I get NDIS funding?
To get access to the NDIS, you must first find out if you are eligible. Requirements include age, residency status and the impact of your disability. Then, you can apply for the NDIS by calling 1800 800 110 or submitting an online request form. Keep in mind, your assessment will involve a number of steps, such as meetings, reviews and reports.
Does NDIS funding cover garden and house maintenance?
Yes, if your request meets the necessary criteria, your garden and house maintenance can be funded under the 'Assistance with daily life' category in NDIS Core Supports.
