Complete Core Support Guide
Master your most flexible NDIS funding category. Learn how to use Core Support for daily living, transport, consumables, and community participation with proven strategies and tips.
Why Core Support is Your Most Valuable Category
Core Support typically represents 85% of your NDIS funding and offers the highest flexibility. Understanding how to use it effectively is crucial for getting the most from your plan.
Maximum Flexibility
Unlike other NDIS categories, Core Support lets you move funding between different support types without approval. Need more transport this month? Less personal care? You can adjust instantly.
Smart Budgeting
With great flexibility comes responsibility. Learn to track spending, plan ahead, and make strategic decisions about how to use your Core Support funding most effectively.
85% of funding: Core Support is typically your largest budget category, making it crucial to use effectively.
Understanding the 4 Core Support Types
Core Support is divided into four main types. Each serves different needs but you can move funding between them freely to match your changing requirements.
Personal care, domestic assistance, and daily living support
Common Examples:
Best for:
• People who need help with personal care tasks
• Those requiring domestic assistance
• Participants who need support with daily routines
Usage Tips:
• Can be used for both ongoing daily support and one-off assistance
• Includes both hands-on support and supervision/prompting
• Can combine different types of daily living support
• Flexible timing - use when you need it most
Getting to appointments, community activities, and social events
Common Examples:
Best for:
• People who cannot use standard public transport
• Those needing support to travel safely
• Participants in areas with limited accessible transport
Usage Tips:
• Combine errands and appointments to maximize efficiency
• Include support worker travel time if needed
• Can be used for both essential and social travel
• Consider training in public transport use for independence
Disability-related items you use regularly and need to replace
Common Examples:
Best for:
• People with ongoing consumable needs
• Those requiring specialized dietary supplements
• Participants needing regular replacement items
Usage Tips:
• Buy in bulk when possible for better value
• Keep receipts for all consumable purchases
• Focus on items that directly support your independence
• Consider low-cost assistive technology options
Support to participate in community, social, and recreational activities
Common Examples:
Best for:
• People wanting to increase community involvement
• Those developing social skills and relationships
• Participants seeking recreational opportunities
Usage Tips:
• Focus on activities that build long-term social connections
• Combine with other participants to share costs
• Use to try new activities and discover interests
• Document how activities support your NDIS goals
Why Core Support Flexibility Matters
The flexibility of Core Support gives you real control over your daily support. Here's how to make the most of this unique advantage.
Move Funds Between Core Types
Unlike other categories, you can move funding between different Core Support types without NDIS approval
Example: Need more transport funding this month and less personal care? You can adjust without paperwork.
Adapt to Changing Needs
Your support needs might vary month to month - Core Support flexibility allows you to respond
Example: Winter months might need more domestic support, summer more community access funding.
No Prior Approval Required
Most Core Support services can be accessed immediately without waiting for NDIS approval
Example: Find a new support worker or service? Start using them right away within your Core budget.
Combine Services Creatively
Mix and match different Core Support types to create the exact support package you need
Example: Combine personal care, transport, and community access in one outing for efficiency.
Core Support Budgeting Strategies
Learn proven strategies to maximize your Core Support funding and ensure it lasts your full plan period.
Track your spending patterns
Monitor how much you spend on each Core Support type monthly to identify trends
Action: Create a simple spreadsheet or use an app to track monthly spending by category
Plan for seasonal variations
Some months cost more than others - plan for holidays, weather changes, health variations
Action: Set aside 10-15% of monthly budget for unexpected needs or seasonal increases
Review and adjust regularly
Check your spending monthly and adjust the balance between Core Support types
Action: Monthly review: What worked well? What would you change next month?
Group activities for efficiency
Combine errands, appointments, and social activities to maximize support worker time
Action: Plan weekly outings that combine shopping, appointments, and social activities
Build independence over time
Use Core Support to practice skills that gradually reduce your need for paid support
Action: Work with support workers on skill development, not just task completion
Compare provider costs
Core Support providers have different rates - shop around for value
Action: Get quotes from multiple providers for regular services like cleaning or personal care
Document outcomes for plan reviews
Keep records of how Core Support helps you achieve your goals
Action: Monthly notes on progress towards independence, skills gained, and quality of life improvements
Build backup support options
Have multiple providers or support options to ensure continuity of care
Action: Identify 2-3 reliable providers for each type of Core Support you use
Prepare for plan reviews
Use your Core Support experience to advocate for appropriate funding in future plans
Action: Compile 6-12 months of spending data and outcomes before plan review meetings
Common Core Support Scenarios
See how different participants typically split their Core Support funding based on their needs and goals.
Participants requiring significant personal care and domestic assistance
Typical Budget Split:
Focus Areas:
Key Tips:
• Focus on skill development within personal care
• Streamline domestic tasks for efficiency
• Combine errands with personal care visits
Participants prioritizing social engagement and community participation
Typical Budget Split:
Focus Areas:
Key Tips:
• Join group activities to share costs
• Use transport strategically for social activities
• Document social outcomes for plan reviews
Participants working towards greater independence
Typical Budget Split:
Focus Areas:
Key Tips:
• Set specific independence goals
• Practice skills with support worker guidance
• Gradually increase unsupported activities
Core Support Questions & Answers
Find answers to frequently asked questions about using Core Support funding effectively.
Explore Other Funding Categories
Now that you understand Core Support, learn about the other NDIS funding categories.
Need Help Optimizing Your Core Support?
Our experienced team can help you develop strategies to make the most of your Core Support funding and achieve your independence goals.
