What are the NDIS funding categories?

NDIS funding is divided into three main categories: Core Supports, Capacity Building, and Capital Supports. Each covers different types of support.

Core Supports

Core Supports is your most flexible budget. It covers everyday activities and assistance. This category includes four sub-categories:

• Assistance with Daily Life — help with personal care, household tasks, and community participation
• Assistance with Social and Community Participation — support workers to help you join social or community activities
• Consumables — everyday items like continence products or low-cost assistive technology
• Transport — help getting to work, school, or appointments

Core funding can often be moved between these sub-categories, giving you flexibility.

Capacity Building

Capacity Building funding helps you build skills and independence over time. It's divided into eight sub-categories:

• Choice and Control — plan management fees
• Lifelong Learning — education and training
• Finding and Keeping a Job — employment support
• Social and Community Participation — skill-building for community involvement
• Health and Wellbeing — exercise and health-related support
• Home Living — support to live independently
• Relationships — building social skills and connections
• Improved Daily Living — therapy and assessment

Capacity Building funding is allocated to specific sub-categories and can't usually be moved between them.

Capital Supports

Capital Supports covers higher-cost items and one-off purchases:

• Assistive Technology — equipment like wheelchairs, hearing aids, or communication devices
• Home Modifications — changes to your home for accessibility (ramps, rails, bathroom modifications)
• Specialised Disability Accommodation — for participants who need specialist housing

Capital Supports require quotes and NDIA approval before purchase.

How to manage your budgets

• Track your spending — use the NDIS portal or a plan management app
• Understand what's flexible — Core funding is most flexible; Capital is least
• Ask before you buy — check the price guide to make sure an item is claimable
• Plan ahead — make sure your funding lasts the full plan period

For more help managing your funding, submit a question on our contact page and our team will respond.