Understanding NDIS Core vs Capacity-Building Supports

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) empowers individuals living with disability by providing financial support tailored to their goals, needs, and lifestyle. However, many participants find it difficult to fully understand how NDIS funding works—especially when it comes to the difference between Core Supports and Capacity-Building Supports.

If you're a participant in Newcastle or Lake Macquarie, this guide will help you make informed decisions about your plan and get the most out of the services available through EnableU.

What Are Core Supports?

Core Supports are designed to help you with everyday activities and essential needs. This category provides the most flexibility, allowing you to use your funding across several sub-categories depending on your goals.

Key Sub-Categories of Core Supports:

• Assistance with Daily Life: Personal care, meal prep, cleaning, grooming



• Transport: Getting to appointments, work, or community activities



• Consumables: Low-cost daily living items such as continence products



• Assistance with Social and Community Participation: Joining community events or skill-building programs

These supports are practical, day-to-day services. At EnableU, we deliver them with consistency and professionalism—whether you're in Newcastle city or surrounding areas like Wallsend, Charlestown, or Belmont.

What Are Capacity-Building Supports?

While Core Supports address current needs, Capacity-Building Supports are about the future. This category helps you develop independence, achieve life goals, and build your long-term capabilities.

Capacity-Building Categories Include:

• Support Coordination: Help managing your plan, choosing providers, and tracking services



• Improved Daily Living: Occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech therapy, psychology



• Improved Health & Wellbeing: Fitness, dietitians, exercise physiology



• Improved Living Arrangements: Assistance finding suitable housing or supported accommodation



• Increased Social & Community Participation: Skill development to engage more confidently in society

At EnableU, our allied health professionals—such as OTs and physios—are part of your capacity-building journey. We tailor our services based on your unique needs, making sure you’re progressing toward your goals.

How Core and Capacity-Building Supports Work Together

These two support types aren’t separate—they complement each other. For example:

• You may receive Core support to help you get out of bed, and Capacity-Building support to learn how to do it more independently.



• You might access Core transport funding to reach your community group, while using Capacity-Building funds to gain confidence in social situations.

The most successful NDIS plans use both support categories in synergy—short-term care and long-term growth.

How to Make the Most of Your Funding

Here are some practical ways to maximise your NDIS budget in Newcastle:

• Work with an experienced Support Coordinator who understands local providers



• Set clear goals in your planning meetings—this guides funding distribution



• Track usage monthly through the myplace portal



• Choose providers (like EnableU) who deliver both Core and Capacity-Building services for continuity

Get Help From EnableU

Our team is here to simplify the NDIS process. Whether you’re unsure which category your needs fall into or you want to reallocate funding before your plan review, we can help.

Contact EnableU to speak with a local NDIS expert today.