NDIS Core vs. Capacity Building: What’s the Difference?

A joyful moment as a person and their NDIS support worker collaborate on a cooking lesson, fostering skills in a nurturing environment.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) offers a wide range of supports to individuals with disabilities, helping them live more independently and access essential services. However, understanding the different types of support available can be confusing.

Two of the main categories of support in an NDIS plan are Core supports and Capacity Building supports. While they may seem similar, they have different purposes and are designed to meet different needs. In this blog, we’ll explore the key differences between these two types of supports.

What Are NDIS Core Supports?

Core supports are the most commonly used and flexible category in an NDIS plan. They are designed to help participants with everyday activities and support them in achieving their daily living goals. Core supports are generally the most basic and immediate needs and include the following:

• Assistance with Daily Living: Help with personal care tasks such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.

• Transport: Funding to help with transport costs, whether it's to attend appointments, social activities, or work.

• Consumables: Basic items like continence aids, dressings, and other necessary products.

• Assistance with Social & Community Participation: Support for attending social, recreational, and community activities.

Core supports are essential for day-to-day life and provide the foundation for independence. They are flexible in how they can be used, and participants can use the funding as needed to meet their immediate needs.

What Are NDIS Capacity Building Supports?

Capacity Building supports, on the other hand, are aimed at building skills and independence in the longer term. They help participants improve their ability to manage daily activities, increase their participation in the community, and develop skills that enhance their independence. These supports are focused on long-term goals and personal growth rather than immediate needs.

Capacity Building supports may include:

• Skill Development: Training and programs to improve life skills, like budgeting, cooking, or personal care.

• Employment Support: Assistance with finding and maintaining employment, including job training or support for workplace integration.

• Therapy & Counselling: Services that help participants manage physical or mental health challenges, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or mental health support.

• Improved Daily Living: Support to develop greater independence in areas like household tasks or social interactions.

Capacity Building is about empowering individuals, so they can increase their capacity to live independently, manage their lives, and achieve personal goals. These supports are essential for participants who want to grow and increase their self-sufficiency over time.

Key Differences Between Core and Capacity Building

While both Core and Capacity Building supports aim to improve the quality of life for participants, there are a few key differences:

1. Focus:

   • Core supports are focused on immediate, day-to-day needs.

   • Capacity Building supports are focused on long-term growth, skill development, and independence.

2. Purpose:

   • Core supports help participants manage daily activities and engage in the community.

   • Capacity Building supports help participants build skills to manage their lives and achieve greater independence.

3. Flexibility:

   • Core supports are generally more flexible and can be used as needed across various areas of life.

   • Capacity Building supports are typically used for specific goals or programs aimed at personal development.

4. Funding:

   • Core supports tend to be the largest part of an NDIS plan and are typically used for regular support services.

   • Capacity Building supports are generally a smaller part of the plan, as they focus on development rather than ongoing support.

How Lvl Up Support Services Can Help

At Lvl Up Support Services, we understand that navigating the NDIS system can be overwhelming. Whether you’re looking for core supports to assist with daily activities or capacity building to enhance your skills, we offer tailored support to help you get the most out of your NDIS plan. Our experienced team can help guide you through the process, providing you with the knowledge and resources you need to make informed decisions about your support needs.

We can assist you in understanding which types of support best meet your goals, as well as help you manage your NDIS funding to ensure you’re getting the most out of your plan.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between NDIS Core and Capacity Building supports is crucial to making the most of your NDIS plan. Core supports focus on day-to-day needs, while Capacity Building supports are designed to help you build skills and independence in the long term. Both types of support play an important role in helping individuals with disabilities lead fulfilling and independent lives.

If you need help navigating your NDIS plan or understanding how to use your supports effectively, don’t hesitate to reach out to Lvl Up Support Services. We’re here to assist you in every step of the way.