What supports does the NDIS fund?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funds a wide range of disability-related supports designed to help participants increase independence, build skills and participate more fully in daily life.
NDIS supports are not general health care, childcare or lifestyle services. Instead, funding focuses on supports that relate directly to a person’s disability and are considered reasonable and necessary.
Most funded supports fall into three main categories:
- Core Supports
- Capacity Building Supports
- Capital Supports
Understanding how these categories work can help you choose services that align with your plan and goals.
If you are unsure which supports apply to you, HealSoul can help you understand your options and connect you with appropriate NDIS services.
Understanding the three NDIS support categories
NDIS plans are structured around three funding groups, each serving a different purpose.
Core supports
Core Supports help with everyday activities and essential routines. These budgets are often flexible and can be used across different support areas depending on your plan.
Capacity building supports
Capacity Building Supports focus on long-term skill development and independence. Funding in this category is more structured and must be used for the specific supports approved in your plan.
Capital supports
Capital Supports fund larger, higher-cost items such as assistive technology or home modifications that improve accessibility and safety.
Core supports funded by the NDIS
Core Supports assist with daily living, personal care and participation in the community.
Assistance with daily life
Assistance with Daily Life helps participants with household tasks, personal care, meal preparation and community access where these supports relate to disability needs.
Short term accommodation and respite
Short Term Accommodation provides temporary disability-related support away from home, often when informal carers require a break or when additional supervision is needed.
Transport supports
Transport funding may assist participants to travel to disability-related appointments, programs or community activities where they are unable to use public transport independently.
Consumables
Low-cost items that support daily living, such as continence products or low-tech aids, may be funded under Core Supports.
Social and community participation
Supports that help participants engage in social or recreational activities connected to their NDIS goals.
Group activities
Structured group programs focused on social interaction, confidence building and community engagement.
Capacity building supports funded by the NDIS
Capacity Building Supports are designed to develop skills and improve independence over time.
Support coordination
Support Coordination helps participants understand their plan, connect with providers and manage their supports effectively.
Life stage transitions
Assistance during major life changes such as starting work, moving home or transitioning to more independent living.
Improved daily living
Therapeutic supports including psychology, occupational therapy, speech therapy and other allied health services aimed at improving functional capacity.
Community nursing supports
Disability-related nursing supports may be funded when they address functional impacts of a participant’s disability. General medical or health treatment is not funded through the NDIS.
Health and wellbeing supports
Services such as exercise physiology or disability-focused fitness programs that support functional mobility and wellbeing.
Behaviour support
Specialist behaviour support assessments and planning designed to promote safe and positive behaviour strategies.
Employment and education supports
Supports that assist participants in preparing for, finding or maintaining employment or education opportunities.
Supports for children during school holidays
School holiday programs for children and young people must relate to disability goals, such as skill development, therapy or supported social participation. General childcare or recreational programs are not funded.
Capital supports funded by the NDIS
Capital Supports cover higher-cost equipment or long-term environmental changes.
Assistive technology
Devices and equipment that improve independence, mobility or communication.
Home modifications
Structural changes to the home that improve accessibility and safety.
Vehicle modifications
Adjustments that allow participants to travel more safely and independently where mobility support is required.
How to apply for the NDIS
Applying for the NDIS involves several key steps:
- Check eligibility: You must be aged 9 to 65, live in Australia and have a permanent or significant disability.
- Gather evidence: Collect reports explaining how your disability impacts daily life.
- Submit an Access Request: Complete the Access Request Form with your GP or specialist.
- Wait for assessment: The NDIA reviews your application.
- Attend a planning meeting: Discuss your goals and support needs if approved.
- Receive your plan: Once issued, you can begin accessing funded supports.
How to get funding from the NDIS
Funding becomes available once your NDIS plan is approved and implemented. Access to funding depends on how your plan is managed:
- Be approved as a participant: You must have an active NDIS plan.
- Set your goals: Goals guide which supports are funded.
- Provide evidence: Allied health reports may support funding decisions.
- Attend your planning meeting: Funding categories are discussed.
- Receive your funded plan: Your budgets and support categories are confirmed.
- Start your supports: Services can begin based on whether your plan is NDIA-managed, plan-managed or self-managed.
How HealSoul can help
HealSoul supports NDIS participants across a range of disability-related services, helping you understand your plan and connect with appropriate supports.
Our team works with participants to build independence through person-centred services such as daily living assistance, respite support, school holiday programs and life stage transition supports.
If you would like guidance navigating NDIS supports or understanding which services fit your plan, contact HealSoul for a free consultation.
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