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NDIS Funding Categories Explained: A Guide by Westside Support Services

Understanding the different funding categories within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is essential for making the most of your plan. Whether you're using the traditional NDIS plan or have transitioned to the new PACE system, each funding category is designed to support your unique needs and goals. At Westside Support Services, we’re here to guide you through these categories, ensuring you receive the best support tailored to your circumstances.

  1. Core Supports Budget

    2. The Core Supports Budget is designed to assist with daily activities and help you achieve your life goals. It is one of the most flexible parts of your NDIS plan, allowing you to allocate funds across several categories based on your immediate needs.

    1. Assistance with Daily Life

      2. Supports for independence at home, covering tasks such as:

      1. Meal preparation
      2. House cleaning or gardening
      3. Personal care (e.g., showering, dressing)
      4. Respite care
    1. Assistance with Social, Economic, and Community Participation

      2. This funding supports participation in social and community activities, providing assistance such as:

      1. Attending recreational activities
      2. Skill-building classes
      3. Support for community engagement
    1. Consumables

      2. Covers everyday disability-related items, including:

      1. Nutritional products
      2. Low-cost assistive equipment (e.g., modified cutlery, walkers)
      3. Assistance dog expenses (e.g., pet insurance)
    1. Transport

      2. For participants unable to use public transport, this category provides funding for private transport to:

      1. Education programs
      2. Employment
      3. Community activities
    1. PACE Only: Home and Living Support

      2. Supports related to daily living activities, including:

      1. Supported Independent Living (SIL)
      2. Medium-Term Accommodation (MTA)
    1. PACE Only: Young People in Residential Aged Care (YPIRAC)

      2. Funding for participants under 65 living in aged care facilities, covering disability-related supports.

  1. Capital Supports Budget

    2. The Capital Supports Budget is allocated for high-cost items and specialized equipment. Unlike the Core Supports Budget, this funding is not flexible and must be used as specified in your plan.

    1. Assistive Technology (AT)

      2. Covers specialized equipment needed to achieve your goals, including:

      1. Wheelchairs
      2. Prosthetics
      3. Orthotics
      4. Vehicle modifications
    1. PACE Only: Assistive Technology Maintenance, Repair, and Rental

      2. Covers ongoing costs for assistive technology, such as:

      1. Rental
      2. Repairs and maintenance
    1. Home Modifications

      2. Funding for modifications that enhance accessibility, such as:

      1. Ramps
      2. Rails
      3. Structural changes for mobility needs
    1. PACE Only: Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

      2. Dedicated funding for housing designed for individuals with high support needs.

  1. Capacity Building Supports Budget

    2. The Capacity Building Supports Budget focuses on helping you develop skills for greater independence and social participation. While funds are not interchangeable between categories, there is flexibility within each category.

    1. Support Coordination

      2. Helps connect participants with service providers and manage their plan.

    1. Increased Social and Community Participation

      2. Supports activities that build confidence and skills, such as:

      1. Life skills training
      2. Sports coaching
      3. Community mentoring
    1. Finding and Keeping a Job

      2. Assists with employment-related goals, including:

      1. Resume building
      2. Job search support
      3. Transition assistance for school leavers
    1. Improved Living Arrangements

      2. Provides support for finding suitable accommodation, including:

      1. Assistance with inspections
      2. Help with tenancy obligations
    1. Improved Relationships

      2. Funds services to help improve personal relationships, such as:

      1. Psychological support
      2. Positive behavior strategies
    1. Improved Health and Well-being

      2. Supports health management through:

      1. Personal training
      2. Nutrition advice
    1. Improved Learning

      2. Funds education-related supports, such as:

      1. School transition programs
      2. Further education support
    1. Improved Life Choices

      2. Funds the cost of a plan manager to assist with financial administration, allowing participants more choice and control over their plan.

    1. Improved Daily Living

      2. Helps develop skills for daily independence, including:

      1. Occupational therapy
      2. Speech therapy
    1. PACE Only: Behaviour Support

      2. Funding for behavioral management strategies and interventions.

  1. Recurring Supports Budget (PACE Only)

    This budget primarily covers Transport. Participants receive direct payments regularly to support ongoing transport needs without requiring additional claims.

How Westside Support Services Can Help

At Westside Support Services, we specialize in helping NDIS participants navigate their funding categories to maximize their benefits. Our team ensures that you understand how to use your plan effectively, providing personalized support to meet your goals.

For more information on how we can assist you with your NDIS plan, contact Westside Support Services today.