Core Supports Under the NDIS Australia: A Complete Guide

Core Supports are one of the most important parts of an NDIS plan in Australia, providing funding for everyday assistance that helps participants live independently and participate in their community. If you’re an NDIS participant, carer, or provider, understanding how Core Supports work can help you get the most value from your NDIS funding.

This guide explains what Core Supports are, what they cover, and how they can be used under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

What Are Core Supports in the NDIS?

Under the NDIS Australia, Core Supports are designed to help participants with daily living needs, mobility, consumables, and social participation. They are one of the three main NDIS support categories:

• Core Supports

• Capacity Building Supports

• Capital Supports

Core Supports focus on practical, everyday assistance and are often the most flexible part of an NDIS plan.

What Does NDIS Core Supports Funding Cover?

NDIS Core Supports funding is divided into four main categories, each supporting a different area of daily life.

1. Assistance with Daily Life

Assistance with Daily Life covers help with routine personal and household tasks that a participant may not be able to complete independently due to their disability.

Common supports include:

• Personal care (showering, dressing, grooming)

• Meal preparation and cooking

• Cleaning, laundry, and household tasks

• In-home support workers

This type of support helps NDIS participants live safely and comfortably in their own homes.

2. Transport Supports

NDIS Transport funding helps participants travel to essential activities when their disability prevents them from using public transport independently.

Transport supports may cover:

• Travel to work or education

• Medical and therapy appointments

• Community and social activities

Transport funding helps improve independence and access to the community.

3. Consumables

Consumables are everyday items that participants need because of their disability. These are generally low-cost, regularly used items.

Examples include:

• Continence aids

• Low-cost assistive technology

• Disposable medical supplies

• Sensory or communication tools

Consumables are a critical part of Core Supports for maintaining health and comfort.

4. Assistance with Social and Community Participation

This category supports participants to engage in social, recreational, and community activities.

Supports may include:

• A support worker attending community events with a participant

• Help joining social groups or classes

• Support to build confidence in public or social settings

Community participation supports wellbeing, inclusion, and mental health.

How Flexible Are Core Supports?

One of the biggest benefits of NDIS Core Supports funding is flexibility. In many plans, funding can be used across different Core Support categories based on the participant’s changing needs.

For example:

• Reduced household support may allow more community participation

• Increased consumables may reduce the need for other supports

However, all spending must:

• Be related to the participant’s disability

• Follow NDIS pricing arrangements

• Align with the participant’s plan goals

Who Can Provide NDIS Core Supports?

Depending on how an NDIS plan is managed, Core Supports can be provided by:

• Registered NDIS providers

• Unregistered providers

• Independent support workers

Participants who are self-managed or plan-managed generally have more flexibility in choosing providers.

Why Core Supports Are Important for NDIS Participants

Core Supports help participants:

• Maintain independence

• Stay safe and healthy

• Access their community

• Improve quality of life

Because they address essential needs, Core Supports often make up a significant portion of an NDIS plan.

Core supports and Peer2Peer Mentors

Understanding Core Supports under the NDIS in Australia is essential for making informed decisions about support services and funding use. With the right supports in place, participants can live more independently, stay connected to their community, and achieve their personal goals.

If you need help navigating your NDIS Core Supports, Peer2Peer Mentors is here to help. To make the process easier and more effective, reach out to us today.