Understanding NDIS Support Categories: A Simple Guide

If you are new to the NDIS or helping a loved one navigate their plan, understanding the different support categories can feel overwhelming at first. This guide breaks down the key categories relevant to the supports Sonke Support provides on the Sunshine Coast.

What Are NDIS Support Categories?

The NDIS organises funding into support categories that cover different types of assistance. Each category has a specific purpose and determines what services you can access with your plan funding.

Core Supports

Core supports cover everyday activities and help with daily living. This is where most of the hands-on support sits, including:

• **Assistance with daily life** (in-home support, personal care, household tasks)
• **Transport** (help getting to appointments and activities)
• **Social and community participation** (community access, group activities)

Core supports funding is generally flexible, meaning you can move funds between different core support areas if your needs change.

Capacity Building Supports

Capacity building supports focus on helping you develop skills and independence over time. This includes:

• **Daily activity** support that builds your ability to live more independently
• **Social and community participation** programs that develop your social skills and confidence
• **Life skills development** programs covering cooking, budgeting, organisation, and communication

Unlike core supports, capacity building funding is usually tied to specific categories and cannot be moved around as freely.

How This Applies to Our Services

At Sonke Support, our services typically fall across both core and capacity building categories:

• **In-home support and household tasks** are funded through core supports
• **Community access and group activities** may be funded through core or capacity building, depending on your plan
• **Life skills development** is generally funded through capacity building supports

Getting the Right Support

The best starting point is reviewing your NDIS plan with your support coordinator or local area coordinator. They can help you understand which categories your funding falls into and what services you can access.

If you have questions about how our services align with your plan, our team is happy to help you work through the details.

Need Help on the Sunshine Coast?

Sonke Support delivers NDIS services across Noosa, Coolum, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Nambour, Buderim, and Caloundra. Get in touch with our team to discuss how we can support you.