When you receive your National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan, you’ll notice your funding is divided into different support categories. Two of the most commonly referenced—yet frequently misunderstood—are Core Supports and Capacity Building supports. The distinction between these categories isn’t just administrative detail; it fundamentally affects how you can use your funding, which services you can access, and how effectively you can work towards your goals. Many NDIS participants find themselves uncertain about which supports fall into which category, leading to confusion when planning their services and managing their budgets. Understanding the practical differences between NDIS Capacity Building vs Core Supports empowers you to make informed decisions about your funding and maximise the benefit of your NDIS plan.
What Are NDIS Core Supports and How Do They Work?
Core Supports represent the foundation of daily life assistance within your NDIS plan. These supports are designed to help with everyday activities and immediate needs that enable you to live as independently as possible. Core Supports funding is typically the most flexible category in your plan, allowing you to purchase a wide range of disability-related supports and services.
Within Core Supports, there are four distinct budget categories:
- Assistance with Daily Life: Covers support with everyday tasks such as personal care, meal preparation, domestic assistance, and community participation. This might include support workers helping with showering, dressing, household cleaning, or accompanying you to social activities.
- Consumables: Encompasses everyday items you need due to your disability, such as continence products, low-cost assistive technology under $1,500, or nutritional supplements specifically related to your disability needs.
- Assistance with Social and Community Participation: Funds support workers who help you engage with your community, attend recreational activities, or develop social skills. This category recognises that community connection is fundamental to wellbeing.
- Transport: Provides funding for transport to and from appointments, work, education, or community activities when your disability affects your ability to use public transport independently.
The defining characteristic of Core Supports is their flexibility. In most NDIS plans, funding can move between these four categories as needed, allowing you to adapt your support arrangements as your circumstances change throughout the plan period.
What Is NDIS Capacity Building and Why Does It Matter?
Capacity Building supports take a different approach entirely. Rather than providing ongoing assistance with daily tasks, Capacity Building focuses on developing your skills, independence, and connections to work towards long-term outcomes. The philosophy underpinning Capacity Building is that by investing in your capabilities now, you may reduce your support needs in the future or improve your quality of life substantially.
Capacity Building includes several distinct budget categories, each serving specific purposes:
- Support Coordination: Helps you understand and implement your NDIS plan, connect with appropriate service providers, and build your capacity to coordinate your own supports over time.
- Improved Living Arrangements: May fund assessments and recommendations for modifications to your home, assistance finding appropriate accommodation, or support to maintain your tenancy.
- Increased Social and Community Participation: Differs from its Core Supports counterpart by funding therapeutic interventions rather than direct support. This might include therapy to develop social skills or programmes that build your capacity to participate independently.
- Finding and Keeping a Job: Covers employment-related supports such as job coaching, workplace assessments, or assistance with building employment skills.
- Improved Relationships: Funds therapeutic supports to help you develop and maintain positive relationships with family, friends, and your community.
- Improved Health and Wellbeing: Includes allied health services such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech pathology, and psychology that aim to improve your functional capacity.
- Improved Learning: Supports educational goals through tutoring, training, or therapy that addresses learning challenges related to your disability.
- Improved Life Choices: Funds support to build your decision-making skills and capacity to exercise choice and control over your life.
- Improved Daily Living: Often features occupational therapy, funding assessments and interventions to develop your skills in areas such as cooking, personal care, home management, and other daily activities.
Unlike Core Supports, Capacity Building budgets are typically stated and cannot be moved between categories without a plan review. This structure reflects the intentional, goal-focused nature of these supports.
How Do NDIS Capacity Building vs Core Supports Differ in Practice?
Understanding the practical differences between these support categories helps you make strategic decisions about your NDIS funding. The key distinctions include:
- Primary Purpose: Core Supports provide ongoing assistance with daily activities, while Capacity Building focuses on skill development and increasing independence.
- Funding Flexibility: Core Supports funding is generally flexible between categories, whereas Capacity Building funds are allocated to specific purposes and are time-limited.
- Time Focus: Core Supports address immediate, ongoing needs; Capacity Building targets long-term outcomes and goals.
- Service Examples: Core Supports include services such as support workers, consumables, and transport, while Capacity Building includes therapy, training, and assessments.
- Provider Qualifications: Services under Capacity Building often require qualified allied health professionals, whereas Core Supports may not have such strict requirements.
- Outcome Measurement: Core Supports are measured by the delivery of support and participant satisfaction, while Capacity Building is evaluated based on progress towards specific functional goals.
The fundamental distinction lies in the question: “Is this support doing something for me, or is it teaching me to do something myself?” When a support worker prepares your meals, that’s Core Supports. When an occupational therapist works with you to develop the skills to prepare your own meals, that’s Capacity Building.
Can Core Supports and Capacity Building Work Together?
A well-balanced NDIS plan often integrates both support types. For instance, a participant working on independent living skills might use Capacity Building funding for occupational therapy to develop strategies and learn new skills, while simultaneously utilising Core Supports funding for a support worker to practice these skills in everyday settings. This integrated approach ensures that while therapists deliver structured skill-building sessions, support workers provide the reinforcement needed to solidify these skills through practical application.
Effective collaboration requires clear communication between all parties involved. Therapists must advise support workers on the strategies being employed, and support workers should share progress and challenges with therapists. This feedback loop ultimately enhances the overall impact of the NDIS plan.
How Should You Decide Between Using Core Supports or Capacity Building?
Deciding which support to prioritise involves assessing your immediate needs, long-term goals, and personal capacity for change:
- Immediate Needs: If you require timely assistance for safety, health, or daily living, Core Supports are essential. They provide a stable foundation for your well-being.
- Capacity for Change: Capacity Building is best when there is potential for developing new skills or enhancing your independence. It’s important to realistically assess what improvements are achievable.
- Timeframes: Core Supports are designed for ongoing needs, while Capacity Building is typically time-limited and goal-oriented.
- Professional Guidance: Occupational therapists and allied health professionals can help determine the appropriate balance based on your unique circumstances.
- Regular Reviews: As your needs evolve, regular plan reviews ensure that your funding allocation remains aligned with your goals.
What Role Does Occupational Therapy Play Across Both Categories?
Occupational therapy uniquely bridges Core Supports and Capacity Building. Under Core Supports, occupational therapists may provide ongoing assistance that helps maintain daily function. In contrast, when funded under Capacity Building, these therapists focus on structured assessments and skill development to enhance your independence.
For example, an initial functional capacity assessment to set baseline measures is typically funded through Capacity Building. Once the goals are met, ongoing support might transition to Core Supports if needed. Clear delineation between funding sources is essential to ensure that each facet of occupational therapy is billed appropriately.
Making NDIS Capacity Building vs Core Supports Work for Your Goals
A strategic approach to your NDIS plan recognises the value of balancing both Core Supports and Capacity Building. While Core Supports safeguard your daily living requirements, Capacity Building investments pave the way for long-term improvements and greater independence.
Flexibility is key. As your situation changes, the relative emphasis on immediate support versus skill development may shift. Regular dialogue with your support team—encompassing occupational therapists, support coordinators, and support workers—can help maintain an effective balance that meets both your current and future needs.
Understanding the functional distinctions between these supports allows you to more effectively tailor your NDIS plan to your personal goals, ensuring that every dollar spent works towards a more independent and fulfilling life.
Have questions? Need help? Contact Astrad Occupational Therapy for mobile occupational therapy services across Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania, with telehealth options available. We work with NDIS participants to develop practical strategies for increasing independence and achieving meaningful goals.
Can I move funding from Capacity Building to Core Supports if I’m not using it?
Generally, Capacity Building budgets are stated and cannot be moved to Core Supports without a plan review or reassessment. Core Supports funding, however, is typically flexible between its four categories. If you’re not using Capacity Building funding, discuss with your support coordinator or the NDIA whether a plan review might allow reallocation of unused funds.
How do I know if occupational therapy should come from Core Supports or Capacity Building funding?
The determining factor is the nature and purpose of the service. If occupational therapy focuses on assessment, skill development, and achieving specific functional goals, it typically falls under Capacity Building. If it provides ongoing maintenance support without a developmental focus, it may be claimed under Core Supports. Your occupational therapist can offer guidance on the appropriate funding source.
What happens if I run out of Capacity Building funding but still need therapy?
If you’ve exhausted your Capacity Building allocation yet still require therapy services, you have several options. You might request a plan review to increase your Capacity Building budget if you can demonstrate ongoing need, or alternatively, if therapy transitions to maintenance, the funding might shift to Core Supports. It’s important to discuss your situation with your support coordinator or plan manager.
Can the same provider deliver both Core Supports and Capacity Building services?
Yes, the same provider can deliver services across both categories, provided they are appropriately qualified for the Capacity Building services they offer. It’s crucial that there are clear boundaries between the services, with proper invoicing and reporting to ensure that claims are made against the correct funding source.
How do I decide which category to prioritise if my funding is limited?
Prioritisation depends on your individual circumstances and goals. If immediate safety or daily living needs are not being met, Core Supports should typically be prioritised. If your basic needs are secure and you have the potential to develop skills that will increase your independence, Capacity Building may offer long-term benefits. A balanced approach, guided by a support coordinator, often yields the best results.
