For many NDIS participants, Core Supports form the foundation of their plan. NDIS Core Supports are designed to help participants with everyday activities, providing day-to-day help, supporting independence and meaningful community involvement. Core funding is the most flexible part of an NDIS plan and covers supports that help make life easier by assisting with daily routines, tasks and transport.
Mind & Body Support can assist participants with relevant funded supports. This blog discusses what NDIS Core Supports are, how they work & how Mind & Body Support can help!
What Are the Four NDIS Core Support Categories?
NDIS Core Supports are divided into four categories. Each category covers different types of everyday assistance.
1. Assistance with Day-To-Day Life
The first category covers support with everyday tasks at home and also in the community. Some of these tasks may include:
- Assisting with morning and evening routines
- Meal preparation
- Household tasks
- Personal care
- Support when attending appointments
- Assistance with daily organisation
Daily Life supports can help NDIS participants complete essential and daily tasks safely and independently.
2. Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation
This category of support can assist with community participation such as social, recreational and group activities. It may include:
- Support to attend social groups and meetings
- Help accessing community events
- Recreational activities
- Skill-building through community engagement
- Encouragement to build confidence in new environments and meeting new people
These community supports aim to help participants stay connected, active and involved in their community whilst building confidence in social situations.
3. Consumables
Consumables are everyday items that assist with disability-related needs. Examples include:
- Continence products
- Low-cost assistive equipment
- Feeding equipment
- Wound care supplies
Consumables are practical items that support daily living and specific health necessities.
4. Transport
Transport funding supports participants travel to different places such as school, work, appointments or community activities when they cannot use public transport independently.
Transport support may include:
- Travel to community programs and activities
- Transport to appointments
- Transport and assistance to shopping centres or local grocers
- Support worker mileage (depending on plan rules)
Transport support helps encourage independence and travelling confidence. Transport funding can vary depending on individual circumstances and goals.
What Can NDIS Core Supports Be Used For?
Core Supports are designed to be practical and flexible, dependent on the participants needs and goals. They can be used for many everyday activities that help participants live safely, independently and confidently.
Some of these examples may include:
- Support with morning and evening routines
- Meal preparation and cooking
- Household tasks such as cleaning or laundry
- Grocery shopping
- Attending medical or therapy appointments
- Community access
- Social and recreational activities
- Support worker assistance at home or in the community
- Help to build daily structure and routines
NDIS Core Supports places a large focus on what a participant needs right now to live their daily life with greater ease and independence.
Examples of NDIS Core Supports
Here are a few simple scenarios showing how Core Supports may be used in everyday life.
Scenario 1: Daily Living Support
Sarah receives Core funding for Assistance with Daily Life. A support worker visits three mornings per week to help her prepare breakfast, organise her day, complete household tasks and attend appointments.
Scenario 2: Community Participation
Liam uses Core Supports for social and recreational activities. His support worker helps him attend a weekly art class, go for walks and participate in community events that build confidence and routine.
Scenario 3: Transport
Emily receives Transport funding to help her travel to work and therapy appointments. Her NDIS plan includes regular transport payments that support her independence and participation.
These different examples show how Core Supports can be tailored to each person’s needs and goals.
Are NDIS Core Supports Flexible?
Core Supports are often the most flexible part of an NDIS plan. Many participants can move funding between Core categories depending on their needs. Flexibility will depend on:
- The individual plan
- Whether the plan is agency-managed, plan-managed or self-managed
- Current NDIS rules
- Each participant’s goals
Some of the Core categories are more flexible than others. For example, Assistance with Daily Life and Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation are often interchangeable, while Transport and Consumables tend to have specific rules around them and what is eligible to be accessed.
To make the best use of your Core funding, it is vital for participants to always check their plan and speak with their support coordinator to understand how their Core funding can be used effectively.
Core Supports vs Capacity Building Supports
Core Supports help with everyday activities, while Capacity Building Supports focus on developing skills and long-term independence.
Core Supports
- Daily routines
- Community access
- Social participation
- Support worker assistance
- Practical, day-to-day help
Capacity Building Supports
- Life skills development
- Therapy
- Building independence
- Learning new skills
- Long-term growth and development
Both types of each funding work together to support participants in different ways.
Can Core Supports Pay for a Support Worker?
Yes – Dependent on each individual participant plans, many support worker services fall under Core Supports. Assistance with Daily Life and Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation commonly include support worker funding.
Support workers may assist with:
- Daily routines
- Household tasks
- Community access
- Social activities
- Appointments
- Building confidence and independence
For more support regarding support workers – make sure you see our blog What Does A Disability Support Worker Do for further information.
Using Your NDIS Core Supports
It is vital to use your NDIS funding as appropriately and effectively as you can. Our team at Mind & Body Support can provide a range of services that may be funded under Core Supports, depending on your plan and goals. Our team offers personalised, disability-inclusive support across Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
Relevant services may include:
Community Access & Transport Support
Support to attend appointments, social activities, programs and community events.
Social & Recreational Support
Assistance with hobbies, community outings, confidence-building activities and community participation.
In-Home Support & Family Assistance
Help with daily routines, meal preparation, household tasks and personal organisation.
Community Respite & Engagement Support
Short-term, supportive respite options that help participants engage in safe and enjoyable activities.
Capacity Building & Life Skills Development
Skill-building programs that complement Core Supports and help participants build their independence.
Our team at Mind & Body Support works closely with participants, families and support coordinators to ensure supports align with NDIS goals and individual needs.
FAQs
What are the four NDIS Core Support categories?
Assistance with Daily Life, Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation, Consumables and Transport.
What does NDIS Core funding cover?
Funding covers everyday activities, support worker assistance, community access, household tasks, consumables and transport – dependent on each participants plan.
Can Core Supports pay for a support worker?
Absolutely! Many support worker services fall under Core Supports depending on the participant’s plan.
Can Core funding be used for community access?
Yes – Community access can be classed under Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation.
Can Core Supports be used for transport?
Transport funding is part of Core Supports but has specific rules depending on the plan.
What is the difference between Core and Capacity Building Supports?
Core Supports help with everyday activities whereas Capacity Building Supports help develop skills and long-term independence.
Talk to Mind & Body Support
NDIS Core Supports play an important role in helping participants manage everyday activities, build independence and stay connected within their community. With flexible funding and practical assistance, Core Supports make day-to-day life safer, easier and more supported. Mind & Body Support is here to help you use your Core Supports in the most effective and meaningful ways by providing personalised, inclusive support.
Unsure where to start? Contact the team at Mind & Body Support to discuss your NDIS Core Support – we can’t wait to help you live with confidence & independence!
