Understanding your NDIS funding can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to budgets. One of the most important aspects of your plan is NDIS Core Supports, which helps cover everyday needs and disability-related expenses.
There are 3 types of NDIS budgets: 1. Core Supports, 2. Capacity Building, and 3. Capital Supports. Your NDIS plan is designed to help you achieve your goals and support you in daily life. Among these, NDIS Core Supports is the most flexible.
You can use NDIS Core Supports funding for daily tasks, personal care, transport, and other essential activities that support independent living. However, this funding must be used for disability-related costs — it cannot be used for general expenses such as rent or groceries.
Because NDIS Core Supports is flexible, you can often allocate it differently to suit your needs. Understanding how to manage this budget can help you maximise your NDIS plan. If managing finances feels overwhelming, you can seek assistance from a plan manager to simplify the process.
With the right approach, NDIS Core Supports can empower you to live more independently and work towards your personal goals.
Understanding NDIS Core Supports in Simple Terms
What are NDIS Core Supports?
NDIS Core Supports is one of the primary types of funding in your NDIS plan. It assists with everyday tasks and disability-related needs, making life easier and promoting independence.
What Does NDIS Core Supports Cover?
NDIS Core Supports provides assistance in 4 key areas:
- Daily activities — Support with dressing, eating, cleaning, and daily life assistance.
- Community and social activities — Assistance with participating in community events or social activities.
- Transport — Funding for travel, such as taxis or transport to medical appointments.
- Consumables — Everyday items related to your disability, such as continence products or assistive devices.
This budget is flexible, allowing you to allocate funds according to your specific needs. For example, if you require more support with cooking and less with transport, you can adjust your spending accordingly.
Your support coordinator or plan manager can guide you in effectively using your NDIS Core Supports to achieve the best outcomes. With proper planning, this funding can enhance your daily life and support your personal goals.
What are the Core Support Categories?
1. Assistance with Daily Life
This category covers support for everyday tasks at home, including:
- A support worker to assist with showering, dressing, and personal care.
- Help with cleaning, laundry, and meal preparation.
- Support for yard maintenance, such as gardening or lawn mowing.
- Overnight or live-in carer support, if required.
This funding does not cover expenses such as rent, groceries, or cleaning supplies — only the support required to manage these tasks.
2. Consumables
NDIS Core Supports for Consumables cover low-cost everyday items that assist with your disability, including:
- Continence products — Pads, catheters, and bed protection.
- Nutrition products — Feeding supplements and thickeners.
- Wound care items — Bandages, dressings, and skin protection.
- Assistive tools — Shower stools, jar openers, or long-handled sponges.
Most consumables are single-use items requiring regular replacement. If an item costs over $1,500, it may fall under another funding category.
3. Assistance with Social, Economic, and Community Participation
NDIS Core Supports enables participation in social activities, events, or skill-building programs. This could include:
- A support worker to assist with social or recreational activities.
- Help with attending community events or training courses.
- Support to participate in sports or hobby groups.
This funding does not cover event tickets or memberships — only the support needed to engage in these activities.
