Knowing the details of your NDIS plan may be difficult initially, but when you can break it down into smaller pieces, it can become a useful instrument that can help you meet your goals and live more comfortably. One of the main components that you will receive is your NDIS support budget, which is the core of your plan. This blog will outline how it functions and how you can utilise it, and how it connects to your support needs in the day-to-day.
What Are NDIS Core Support?
Core supports are one of the three main types of NDIS support budgets, alongside Capacity Building and Capital Supports. Your core budget is the most flexible and is designed to help you with everyday activities and support needs.
NDIS defines core supports as essential services. NDIS defines core support as the essential services that assist you in your daily activities, including social activities, as well as consumables. These services are crucial in helping you meet your goals, whether it’s personal care mobility, household chores, or help with your daily living.
The Four Categories in Your Core Supports Budget
Your NDIS core supports funding is divided into four categories:
- Assistance with daily Life Support for personal care, household chores, and assistance you require during the day.
- Consumables include consumables of the NDIS, such as the continence product, nutrition supplement, or assistive technology that is low-cost.
- Assistance with Community and Social Participation – Supports you to engage in leisure activities, go to events, or take part in your community.
- Transportation – Provides assistance with transport when you are unable to use public transport because of your handicap.
You can use your core supports flexibly across most categories, except where your plan specifically outlines stated supports.
Why the Core Budget Is the Most Flexible
One of the best features of the core budget is its flexibility. In most cases, you can use the funding across the first three categories (daily life, consumables, and community participation) based on what suits your goals.
For example, if you need more funding for a support worker to help you attend a community event, but less on consumables one month, you may be able to use your funding flexibly between those categories.
However, there are exceptions. Some support options are “stated,” which means you need to follow the budget as stated in your budget. It is recommended to always speak with your plan’s administrator or support coordinator prior to shifting funds from one category to another support category.
Budgeting Tips: How to Use Your Core Support Budget Wisely
Your NDIS plan will state how much funding you have in your core budget. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Track your spending via the NDIS portal or with your plan manager
- Prioritise supports that align with your goals
- Use core funding for both daily living support and social or recreational activities
- Don’t forget to include support that helps you travel if you have mobility needs
- Consider purchasing everyday items or equipment items for mobility that fall under the consumables category
Core Supports vs Capital & Capacity Building Supports
Your NDIS support budget includes three types:
- Core Supports Budget – As outlined above, flexible funding for daily support and participation
- Capacity Building Supports Budget – Targeted at building skills and independence in areas like employment, relationships, and health
- Capital Supports Budget – For assistive technology or home modifications; this budget is not flexible and must be used as approved
Example of Using Core Supports
Let’s say you’re a participant in the NDIS who needs help cooking meals, traveling to a day program, and purchasing continence supplies. Your core support budget can cover:
- A support worker to assist with meal preparation
- Transport assistance to get to your program
- NDIS consumables budget for hygiene items
This makes it much easier to make use of your money in a way that fits your everyday life.
Working with Your NDIS Team
To ensure you’re using your plan effectively:
- Work closely with your NDIS planner
- Use a plan manager for financial oversight
- Work and a coordinator for support to guide you through service providers and suppliers.
They can help you customise your NDIS plan to ensure that your support plans are in line with your individual goals, particularly when you have a lot of requirements for support.
Final Thoughts
The budget for core support is a crucial component of the NDIS plan. It gives you the flexibility to spend your money in ways that will help you live your daily activities. It could be getting help at home, connecting to your community, or purchasing daily consumables; this portion of your budget was created to allow you the freedom and control. Always go through your approved NDIS plan, learn the details from Unmatched Support, and utilise your sources–plan coordinators, support coordinators, and the NDIS portal — to assist you in making an informed decision.
