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What is covered in NDIS Core Supports Budget: Everything You Need to Know

Navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding funding allocations. One of the most crucial components of your NDIS plan is the Core Supports Budget. This guide will help you understand what Core Supports are, how to utilize them effectively, and how Westside Support Services can simplify your NDIS financial management.

What are NDIS Core Supports?

Core Supports form one of the four primary support budgets under the NDIS. These supports are designed to help participants with their daily living needs, enabling them to build skills and lead more independent lives. The flexibility within the Core Supports budget allows participants to allocate funds across different categories to suit their immediate needs.

Core Support Categories

There are six key categories under the Core Supports budget. Unlike other budgets such as Capital Supports and Capacity Building Supports, the Core Supports budget offers greater flexibility, though there are some exceptions.

  1. Assistance with Daily Life

    2. This category includes services that assist with everyday tasks, such as:

    1. Self-care: Assistance with personal care activities like showering, dressing, and grooming.
    2. Household tasks: Help with cleaning, cooking, and general home maintenance.
    3. Yard work: Support with gardening and lawn maintenance.

    Note: This does not cover regular living expenses like rent or groceries.

  1. Assistance with Social, Economic, and Community Participation

    2. This category helps participants engage in social and community activities. Supports might include:

    1. Assistance with attending recreational or sporting events.
    2. Skill-building activities for increased community engagement.

    While similar to the Increased Social and Community Participation category under Capacity Building, this category focuses on the support required to participate rather than the activity costs themselves.

  1. Consumables

    2. Funding for low-cost, low-risk items related to managing a disability, such as:

    1. Continence products
    2. Disability-related health equipment (e.g., handrails, non-slip mats)
    3. Equipment to aid in eating and drinking
  1. Transport

    2. Transport funding supports participants who face challenges using public transport. It covers private travel costs for attending appointments, work, or community activities.

  1. Home and Living

    2. This category encompasses supports designed to help participants live independently, including specific residential care needs under the PACE system.

  1. Young People in Residential Aged Care (YPIRAC)

    2. For participants under 65 in residential aged care, this category funds disability-related supports and contributes to residential care fees.

Making the Most of Core Supports
  1. Comprehensive Planning

    2. During your NDIS planning session, be detailed about your support needs and goals. Ensure your plan covers all necessary supports, and consider requesting capacity-building funding to reduce reliance on Core Supports over time.

  1. Budget Tracking

    2. Monitor your spending to ensure your budget lasts throughout your plan period. Proper management prevents overspending or underspending, helping you avoid gaps in support.

  1. Provider Negotiations

    2. While the NDIS Price Arrangements and Price Limits set maximum charges, participants who are self- or plan-managed can negotiate prices with service providers for better value.

  1. Plan Reviews

    2. If your needs change or you risk overspending, request a plan review promptly. Though there’s no guarantee of increased funding, proactive communication can help adjust your plan as needed.