Core vs. Capacity Building Supports - What's the Difference?

Core vs. Capacity Building Supports: Understanding Your NDIS Plan

Navigating the NDIS can feel like learning a new language, especially when it comes to understanding the different types of supports available. Two key categories that often cause confusion are Core Supports and Capacity Building Supports. Understanding the difference is crucial for making the most of your NDIS Plan and achieving your goals. This blog post will break down these categories in simple terms, providing clarity and empowering you to advocate for your needs.

See our complete NDIS Core Supports Vs Capacity Building guide for even more detailed information.

What are Core Supports?

Think of Core Supports as the foundation of your NDIS Plan. These are supports designed to help you with everyday activities and to live as independently as possible. They are flexible and intended to meet your current needs, ensuring your well-being and participation in daily life. Core Supports are typically funded to give you choice and control over how you manage your day-to-day living.

Core Supports are divided into four categories:

• Assistance with Daily Life: This can include support with personal care (showering, dressing), meal preparation, household tasks, and other activities that you might find difficult to manage independently. It is designed to give you hands-on assistance with your daily life.
• Transport: This covers funding for transport to access activities and services aligned with your Plan goals. This might include taxis, ride-sharing services, or modifications to your own vehicle.
• Consumables: This refers to everyday items you need because of your disability, such as continence products, medical supplies, or assistive technology.
• Assistance with Social, Community and Civic Participation: This support allows you to participate in social activities, hobbies, and community events. It could include support from a Support Worker to attend a class, join a club, or go to a sporting event.

Flexibility with Core Supports:

A key feature of Core Supports is the flexibility they offer. Generally, you can use your Core funding across different support categories within Core as long as the support helps you pursue the goals outlined in your NDIS Plan and is deemed reasonable and necessary. This allows you to adapt your supports as your needs change. However, it's important to remember that Core funding cannot be used for Capacity Building supports.

What are Capacity Building Supports?

Capacity Building Supports are all about investing in your future. They are designed to help you develop new skills, increase your independence, and participate more fully in your community. Unlike Core Supports that address immediate needs, Capacity Building Supports are about long-term growth and skill development. They help you build your ability to do things for yourself and reach your potential.

Capacity Building Supports are divided into nine categories:

• Support Coordination: This helps you understand and implement your NDIS Plan, connect with service providers, and navigate the NDIS system. A Support Coordinator can assist in maximizing the use of your plan and achieving your goals.
• Improved Living Arrangements: This may include support to find suitable housing or to make modifications to your home to improve accessibility and independence.
• Increased Social and Community Participation: This could involve programs to build social skills, participate in recreational activities, or connect with community groups.
• Finding and Keeping a Job: This includes support to find employment, prepare for interviews, and develop skills to succeed in the workplace.
• Improved Relationships: This covers support to develop and maintain healthy relationships with family, friends, and partners.
• Improved Health and Wellbeing: This might include programs to improve physical fitness, manage chronic health conditions, or access mental health support.
• Improved Learning: This supports you to access education and training opportunities, such as attending courses, tutoring, or vocational training.
• Improved Life Choices: This helps you develop decision-making skills, manage your finances, and plan for the future.
• Improved Daily Living Skills: This focuses on developing skills such as cooking, cleaning, budgeting, and using public transport.

Limited Flexibility with Capacity Building Supports:

Capacity Building funding is generally less flexible than Core funding. The funding is usually allocated to specific activities or programs designed to achieve particular goals. You typically cannot transfer Capacity Building funding to other categories or use it for Core Supports. This ensures that the funding is used for its intended purpose: building your long-term capacity and independence.

Key NDIS Considerations

• Reasonable and Necessary: All supports, whether Core or Capacity Building, must be considered "reasonable and necessary." This means they must be related to your disability, assist you to pursue your goals, be effective and beneficial, and represent value for money.
• Plan Reviews: Your NDIS Plan is not set in stone. If your needs change significantly, you can request a plan reassessment. Be prepared to provide evidence to support your request. If you are facing urgent or critical circumstances, contact the NDIS directly to prioritise your reassessment.
• Stated vs. Flexible Supports: Some supports in your Plan might be "stated," meaning the funding is specifically allocated for that support. Others are flexible, allowing you to choose how to spend the funding within a particular category. Understanding which supports are stated and which are flexible is crucial for managing your Plan effectively.
• Using Your Plan While Waiting for a Reassessment: If you've requested changes to your Plan and are waiting for a response, you can continue to use your Core funding flexibly within the existing budget. It's vital to ensure the supports you access are still reasonable and necessary and align with your Plan goals.
• Early Childhood Partners: For children under 9, Early Childhood Partners can provide support and guidance, even before an NDIS Plan is in place. They can connect you with community and mainstream services to support your child's development.

Practical Steps to Maximize Your NDIS Plan

1. Understand Your Goals: Clearly define your goals and how both Core and Capacity Building Supports can help you achieve them. Document these goals and refer to them when making decisions about your Plan.
2. Track Your Spending: Keep track of how you are spending your NDIS funds. This will help you identify if you are on track to meet your goals and whether you need to make any adjustments to your Plan.
3. Communicate with Your Support Coordinator: If you have a Support Coordinator, work closely with them to understand your Plan, connect with providers, and navigate the NDIS system. They can provide valuable guidance and support.
4. Advocate for Your Needs: Don't be afraid to advocate for your needs. If you believe you need different or additional supports, gather evidence and request a plan reassessment.
5. Explore Different Providers: Research different service providers to find those who best meet your needs and preferences. Remember, you have the choice and control to select the providers you want to work with.
6. Document Everything: Keep records of all communication with the NDIS, service providers, and other relevant parties. This will be helpful if you need to request a plan reassessment or resolve any disputes.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between Core and Capacity Building Supports is essential for making the most of your NDIS Plan. Core Supports provide the foundation for daily living, while Capacity Building Supports invest in your long-term growth and independence. By understanding the purpose and flexibility of each category, you can work with your Support Coordinator and service providers to develop a Plan that meets your individual needs and helps you achieve your goals. Remember to regularly review your Plan, track your spending, and advocate for your needs to ensure you are receiving the right supports to live a fulfilling and independent life.