Understanding Core Supports in NDIS Plans and Supports

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a revolutionary program that provides support for people living with a disability. As part of the NDIS, individuals can access funds to pay for services and supports that are essential for living a full and independent life. One important part of the NDIS is understanding the different types of core supports that are available. Core supports provide individuals with the basic essentials they need to live a safe, healthy, and meaningful life.

These supports cover a range of activities, from personal care to transport, and home modifications to assistive technology. This article will provide an overview of core supports under the NDIS, and explain how these supports can help individuals achieve their goals. We will explore how to access core supports, how they are funded, and how they can be used to enhance independence and quality of life.

Types Of Core Supports

The types of core supports available will depend on the individual’s needs and goals.

Generally speaking, core supports fall into five categories: daily living, transport, assistance with social and community participation, assistance with finding and maintaining employment, and assistance with managing finances. Daily living supports help participants with everyday activities such as personal care, shopping, meal preparation, and housekeeping. Transport supports can help participants access the services they need, such as travelling to work or medical appointments. Assistance with social and community participation can help participants access recreational activities and build social connections in their community.

Assistance with finding and maintaining employment can help participants find a job that meets their needs. Finally, assistance with managing finances can help participants budget their money and pay bills.

What Are Core Supports?

Core supports are an essential part of any NDIS plan. They are designed to help participants achieve their objectives and access the services they require. Core supports may include assistance with daily living, transport, community access, social and economic participation and other areas. Core supports may be provided in the form of direct funding or a combination of funding and services.

Direct funding for core supports can be used for items such as personal care, home modifications or assistive technology. Services may include assistance from an allied health professional, such as a physiotherapist or occupational therapist, or support from a disability support worker. The range of core supports available will vary depending on the individual’s plan, however some of the common core supports include:

• Personal Care: This may involve assistance with activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting and mobility.
• Transport: This may include assistance with public transport or funding towards the purchase of a vehicle.
• Community Access: This may involve support to participate in activities within the community such as attending social events or recreation activities.
• Social and Economic Participation: This may include assistance with finding employment, attending education or training courses, or participating in activities to build independence.

Core supports can also be used for additional needs such as respite care or travel expenses. The range of supports available will depend on the individual’s needs and how their plan is tailored to meet these needs.

Funding For Core Supports

It is important to consider all funding options when creating an NDIS plan.

Core supports are funded through the NDIS, but participants may also access additional funding from other sources. These can include government assistance programs, private health insurance, or the participant’s own financial resources. The NDIS covers the cost of core supports up to a certain amount. The amount of support available depends on the participant’s individual circumstances and goals.

The NDIS may also provide additional funding for core supports if the participant’s needs are more complex or require more support than the standard package. In some cases, participants may receive funding from multiple sources to pay for their core supports. For example, a participant may receive financial assistance from both the NDIS and a government program. This is known as ‘blended funding’ and is designed to ensure participants have access to the services they need.

It is important to consider all funding options when creating an NDIS plan. Some core supports may be eligible for funding from multiple sources, while others may only be eligible for funding from one source. Participants should speak with their NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator to determine which funding options are available for their individual needs.