For participants, families and carers who want to make the most of their plan
What you’ll get from this guide
- A simple explanation of the 4 NDIS funding categories
- Clear examples of what each type of funding can cover
- Helpful tips to use your plan with more confidence
- Answers to commonly asked questions
- Advice on where to turn if you’re not sure what to do next
Because every NDIS plan is unique, the information in this guide is general in nature. Always refer to your own plan when making decisions about your funding or supports, and seek advice from your Plan Manager, Support Coordinator or NDIS contact where needed.
How your NDIS budget works
Your NDIS plan may be made up of up to four types of funding. Each category is designed to support you in a specific way:
- Core Supports: for everyday activities and essential support
- Capacity Building Supports: for building skills and independence
- Capital Supports: for higher-cost items like equipment or home modifications
- Recurring Supports: Understanding how each category works can help you make the most of your funding and reach your goals.
Core Supports
Core Supports fund everyday activities and services that help you live more independently and take part in your community. This is usually the most flexible part of your plan.
What Core Supports can fund
Assistance with daily life
Support workers can assist with personal care, meal preparation, cleaning, or other daily tasks that are difficult due to your disability.
Transport
If public transport isn’t accessible for you, this funding can help you get to work, school, appointments or social outings.
Consumables
This includes essential items like continence products, nutrition supplements, or low-cost assistive technology under $1,500.
Social and community participation
These funds support you in joining social activities, community groups or volunteering, often with help from a support worker.
Key takeaways from Core Supports
- Where your Core Supports categories are flexible, you can move funds between sub-categories based on what you need most, unless there are specific stated supports
- This category supports your everyday activities and quality of life
- Keeping receipts and tracking usage helps during plan reviews
Capacity Building Supports
This category helps you build confidence, learn new skills and become more independent. Funding is goal-based and structured into sub-categories.
What Capacity Building can fund
Support coordination and psychosocial recovery coaches
Helps you understand and use your plan, find and manage providers, and resolve challenges along the way.
Improved daily living
Covers therapies and skills training from allied health professionals, such as learning to cook, travel independently or manage money.
Health and wellbeing
Supports from professionals like exercise physiologists and dietitians to improve fitness, mental health and physical capacity.
Improved relationships
Finding and keeping a job
Includes job coaching, career planning, on-the-job support, and building confidence for employment.
Improved living arrangements
Assists in exploring housing options, tenancy support, or transitioning into more independent living.
Choice and Control
Funds a Plan Manager like MyIntegra to handle provider payments, budget tracking and paperwork while you retain choice and control.
Lifelong learning
Can support learning-related goals such as enrolling in training, TAFE or higher education, with the aim of increasing your skills and independence.
Increased Social and community participation
This stream may support personal development, community engagement programs, or skill-building to connect with others more confidently.
Key takeaways from Capacity Building
- Funding cannot typically be moved between sub-categories
- Each support must align with your goals and plan structure
- Progress tracking and provider reports are useful for reviews
Capital Supports
Capital Supports fund higher-cost items or one-off purchases that help you live more independently. This category is not flexible and requires approval for most purchases.
What Capital Supports can fund
Assistive technology
Includes items like power wheelchairs, communication devices or home-modified furniture. Complex items usually need professional assessment and quotes.
Home modifications
Covers changes to your home such as ramps, widened doorways, or accessible bathrooms. These modifications must relate directly to your disability.
Key takeaways from Capital Supports
- Funds must be used exactly as outlined in your plan
- Most items require professional assessments and quotes
- Speak to a Support Coordinator or Plan Manager before committing to purchases
Recurring Supports (PACE Plans)
Recurring Supports are a separate type of funding included in some NDIS plans to cover regular, ongoing payments that don’t require you to submit individual claims.
Recurring Supports includes funding dedicated to transport assistance, where the NDIS provides a set amount to help you get to work, study, or community activities when you’re unable to use public transport due to your disability.
What Recurring Supports can fund
Recurring transport supports
Funding may be used for eligible travel if covered by your plan including rideshare services (such as Uber), taxis and public transport to help you get to and from work, study, appointments or community activities.
Key takeaways from Recurring Supports
- Funding for participants who are eligible for transport funding
- Can be used to pay for travel to and from work, school or community activities
- A set amount paid directly to you on a regular basis
- Funds are usually paid by the NDIS on a fortnightly schedule
What the NDIS doesn’t cover
While the NDIS provides a broad range of supports, there are some things it will not fund. These include:
- Supports not related to your disability
- Everyday living costs unrelated to your disability, such as rent, groceries or utility bills
- Supports that pose risk or harm to you or others
- Services available from another government program or community service, like Medicare, schools or public housing
If you’re not sure whether something is covered, talk to your Plan Manager or Support Coordinator. They’ll guide you to understand your plan and options, so you can make confident, compliant decisions in-line with your approved level of funding.
How MyIntegra can support you
We’re here to simplify the NDIS and give you confidence in your journey – whether you’re a participant managing your own plan, a family member supporting a loved one, or a carer coordinating services behind the scenes.
At MyIntegra, we believe everyone deserves the chance to live their best life. And because no two journeys are the same, our support is personalised, flexible and built around your unique goals, needs and circumstances.
If you’re a participant
We help you take control of your NDIS plan with confidence. Whether you’re looking for more choice in providers, help managing your budget, or just less admin in your life, we’re here to back you with expert guidance and the tools you need to stay in charge.
If you’re a family member
Supporting a loved one with disability is both rewarding and challenging. We lighten the load by providing clarity, reassurance and expert support, so you can focus on being present, connected and supportive, without getting lost in the red tape.
If you’re a carer
Your role is essential and often demanding. We’re here to be part of your extended support team, ensuring services are running smoothly, providers are paid on time, and your loved one’s goals are progressing as planned. With MyIntegra by your side, you’re never doing it alone.
Plan Management
Let us handle the paperwork so you can focus on what matters most. Our Plan Managers process invoices, track your budget, keep up-to-date financial records, and give you the freedom to work with both registered and unregistered providers – all while keeping you informed and in control.
Learn more about Plan Management
Support Coordination
Our Support Coordinators work alongside you to make sense of your plan, connect you with trusted providers and build a strong support network. Whether you’re new to the NDIS or managing complex supports, we help you take confident, practical steps toward your goals.
Learn more about Support Coordination
Visit myintegra.com.au to learn more or contact our team directly. We’re ready to help.
Phone: 1800 696 347
Email: [email protected]
