If you or a family member has been authorised as a participant, NDIS offers assistance funding for disability support. Participation in the NDIS is intended to give you choice and control over the services you require, meaning you can decide how you wish to receive your support. To exercise that option, you must first comprehend the NDIS support categories.
Your NDIS plan contains four main funding types:
- Core Supports
- Capital Supports
- Capacity Building
- Recurring Supports
Depending on the unique needs and the objectives of your NDIS plan, you can be eligible for funding in multiple areas. The support categories in the previous NDIS plan system and the new NDIS PACE plans now operate somewhat differently. This blog will take you through explanations so you can better grasp how the NDIS funding categories can benefit you.
1. Core Supports Budget
The Core Supports budget is designed to help with daily tasks related to your life and plan goals. This is reflected in your core budget’s support categories. It allows for flexible use of Core Supports funding:
Help with day-to-day tasks.
This helps you stay independent while living at home. This could entail:
- Preparing meals
- Cleaning the house or gardening
- Assist with dressing or taking a shower (personal care)
- Respite care
Assistance with social, economic, and community participation
You can engage in social, recreational, and community activities with the support of this category. Instead of the activity, it usually includes the assistance you would need to participate; however, it may also cover skills-building and independence-building training.
Consumables
- Products that are readily available, such as dressing aids or dietary supplements
- Small, inexpensive, and low-risk assistive devices (such as a walker, adapted flatware, or a kettle stabiliser)
- Assistance dog expenses, including pet insurance
This will not cover your medications.
Transportation
If you cannot use public transportation, you can be eligible for a transport funding allowance.
PACE only: Living and home assistance
It provides funding for the extra assistance needed for participants who have already switched to the PACE plan format so they may continue to live independently and safely. These services could include Medium Term Accommodation (temporary housing) and Supported Independent Living (round-the-clock assistance).
2. Capital Supports Budget
Funding for more costly assistive technology, such as car modifications. Additionally, it can be applied to services such as SDAs (speciality disability accommodations).
Assistive Technology (AT)
This includes any specialised technology required to reach your goals. For instance:
- Wheelchairs
- Prosthetic devices
- Orthopedics
- Transportable hoists
- Modifications to vehicles
- Getting a service dog
- Braille resources
You will require a quote from a service provider and an evaluation from a therapist to be eligible for this.
PACE only: Assistive Technology maintenance, repair, and rental
This new addition covers expanded and ongoing AT costs like:
- Rental of AT
- Repairs and maintenance
- Flexible equipment packages for changing needs
- Early Childhood Flexible AT
Home Adjustments
This explicitly covers improvements and additions to your house that facilitate your independence. The expense of hiring a project manager to carry out the required changes may also be covered by this financing.
PACE only: Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
Previously included in the Home Modifications budget, Specialist Disability Accommodation, or SDA under PACE, is now a separate budget. This type of housing is intended for those with substantial assistance requirements.
3. Capacity Building Supports Budget
This one may be the easiest to understand. Activities that increase your ability to become more self-reliant, social, and capable of learning new skills are known as capacity-building supports.
Although capacity-building supports are not cross-category flexible, they are more adaptable than your capital budget because they can be used for anything within the appropriate category.
Support Coordination (Support coordination and psychosocial recovery coach)
If hiring a Support Coordinator is “reasonable and necessary,” you may be eligible for it. Support coordinators liaise with your selected service providers and assist in connecting you to resources and support.
Increased social and community participation
Helps you engage in social and community activities to increase your self-esteem, competence, and independence, including:
- Studying
- Life skills training
- Sports coaching
Funding may also be available for a mentor to help you become more independent in the community.
Read More: Can I Hire My Own Support Worker For NDIS Support?
PACE only: Behaviour support
This new category covers your assistance in creating behavioural management plans. This may involve specialised intervention services for behaviour support and enhancing your quality of life.
Note: The “Improved Relationships” budget formerly funded some of the services included in this budget. Although these have been there for a while, they now have a dedicated support page thanks to the new “Behaviour Support” category.
4. Recurring Support Budget (PACE only)
There is only one subcategory for this at the moment, and that is Transport. The NDIS may fund this support regularly if you need assistance with daily transport needs. You won’t have to submit extra claims for continuing transportation funding if you have a recurring support budget.
Managing NDIS funding with Kencho
You still have discretion over which service providers you work with, including those not NDIS registered. The financial administrative burden—not your choice—is removed when you work with plan management experts.
At Kencho, participants can maximise their NDIS funding. Our knowledgeable plan managers provide professional services, helping you navigate NDIS funding the right way.