The NDIS provides funding across different categories, and three of the most important are Core Supports, Capacity Building Supports, and Capital Supports.
At first, these terms can sound a bit confusing—but once you understand the differences, it becomes much easier to use your funding wisely. Let’s break it down.
🔹 Core Supports
Core supports cover your everyday needs. They’re the things that help you live your daily life, stay safe, and take part in your community.
Examples:
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Help with showering, dressing, or getting ready for the day
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Assistance with meals or grocery shopping
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Transport to appointments or activities
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Everyday consumables (like continence products)
👉 Think of Core Supports as day-to-day essentials.
🔹 Capacity Building Supports
Capacity building supports focus on your future growth and independence. They’re about learning new skills, building confidence, and achieving personal goals.
Examples:
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Support coordination (help managing your plan)
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Therapy (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychology)
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Employment-related supports
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Building social and communication skills
👉 Capacity Building is all about learning, improving, and moving forward.
🔹 Capital Supports
Capital supports are for bigger, one-off purchases or investments. These are not everyday items—they’re significant, long-term supports that often need special approval.
Examples:
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Assistive technology (like a wheelchair, hearing aids, or communication devices)
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Home modifications (like installing ramps, rails, or bathroom changes)
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Specialist disability accommodation (SDA)
👉 Capital Supports = big-ticket items that create lasting impact.
📊 Comparison
Here’s a quick look at the differences:
| Support Category | Purpose | Examples | Frequency/Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Supports | Everyday assistance for daily needs and activities | Personal care, transport, consumables | Ongoing / regular |
| Capacity Building Supports | Building skills, independence, and future opportunities | Therapy, employment supports, social skills programs | Regular but goal-focused |
| Capital Supports | Large, one-off purchases or investments | Assistive tech, home modifications, specialist accommodation | Occasional / long-term |
💬 Final Thoughts
Understanding the three main NDIS support categories helps you use your plan more effectively. Core is about today, Capacity Building is about tomorrow, and Capital is about long-term needs.
At Equality Care and Support Services, we help you make sense of your funding and use it in ways that support your independence, growth, and wellbeing. Because your journey should always be about more than just supports—it’s about building a life that feels truly yours.