Core supports vs capacity building
Understanding the NDIS can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to choose supports that actually match your daily needs and long-term goals. Many participants find themselves confused between core supports vs capacity building, unsure which category provides what or how to use both effectively.
At Elmur Community Services, we help participants across Western Australia understand the difference between daily living vs capacity building supports so they can make confident decisions that truly improve their wellbeing.
If you want a deeper overview of NDIS support categories, you can also read our pillar blog:
👉 Registered NDIS Provider in Western Australia
Table of Contents
Core Supports vs Capacity Building: What Are Daily Living (Core) Supports?
Daily Living also called Core Supports are the essential supports that help you manage everyday tasks. These supports are designed to help you live safely, comfortably, and independently right now.
Examples of Core Supports (Daily Living) Relevant to Elmur
- Personal care (showering, dressing, grooming)
- Meal preparation and nutrition support
- Community access and social participation
- Household tasks such as cleaning and laundry
- Transport assistance for appointments, shopping, or community activities
NDIS core supports explained: They are flexible, meaning you can use this funding across several daily support categories as long as the support is reasonable and necessary.
Learn more about how the NDIS defines core funding categories on the NDIS Support Categories.
Core Supports vs Capacity Building: What Are Capacity Building Supports?
Capacity Building supports are designed to help you build long-term skills, independence, and confidence. Instead of simply helping with daily tasks, they help you learn, develop, and grow.
Examples of Capacity Building Supports:
- Support Coordination
- Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy & Speech Therapy
- Life skills development (cooking, budgeting, social skills)
- Employment support
- Improved Relationships (behaviour support)
- Improved Daily Living (therapy services)
If you’ve ever wondered, “What is NDIS capacity building?” it simply means any support that helps you become more independent over time.
HealthDirect provides helpful guidance on disability supports and therapy information through their Disability Support Resource.
Key Differences Between Daily Living and Capacity Building
Below is a clear comparison to help you understand the differences:
| Category | Daily Living (Core Supports) | Capacity Building Supports |
|---|---|---|
| Main Purpose | Assist with immediate daily needs | Build independence for the future |
| Flexibility | Highly flexible | Less flexible & category-specific |
| Examples | Personal care, community access, meal prep | Therapy, employment, life skills, support coordination |
| Impact | Short-term, essential, ongoing | Long-term skill development |
| Funding Type | Core Supports | Capacity Building budget |
Which One Should You Choose? (A Simple Decision Guide)
Choosing between core supports vs capacity building depends on your goals:
✔ Choose Daily Living (Core) if:
- You need immediate support with daily tasks
- You require help with personal care or home tasks
- You need transport or community access regularly
✔ Choose Capacity Building if:
- You want to build confidence and long-term independence
- You need therapy (OT, physio, speech)
- You are working on employment, behaviour, or life skill development
✔ You can use both at the same time
Most participants benefit from a combination:
- Core Supports help you with the “now”
- Capacity Building Supports help you with the “future”
The NDIS allows you to access both categories each one plays a different role in your progress.
Common Mistakes Participants Make
Avoid these frequent NDIS misunderstandings:
❌ Using core supports for everything
❌ Not using their capacity building funding (therapy often goes unused)
❌ Not realising therapy sits under capacity building
❌ Running out of core funding early due to poor budgeting
❌ Forgetting that NDIS funding categories have different rules
For clear government-approved guidance on funding rules and NDIS plan budgets, visit the NDIS Plan Budget & Rules
How Elmur Helps You Choose the Right Supports
At Elmur Community Services, we work closely with you to understand:
- Your current needs
- Your long-term goals
- Your strengths and challenges
- Your NDIS plan budget and categories
Our team helps you balance daily living vs capacity building supports so you can feel supported today and empowered for tomorrow.
You can explore more on our
👉 About Us | Contact Us
Real Reviews
⭐ “Elmur helped me understand my plan and showed me how to use capacity building for therapy. I’m finally making progress.”
— Sarah W.
⭐ “The team explained core supports clearly and helped me balance my daily help with long-term goals.”
— Daniel T.
FAQs
1. Are core supports and capacity building funded separately?
Yes, the NDIS assigns separate budgets for each category, and they cannot usually be swapped.
2. Can I get both types of supports?
Absolutely. Most participants use a combination of the two.
3. Is therapy part of capacity building?
Yes. All OT, physio, speech, and psychology services fall under Capacity Building: Improved Daily Living.
4. What if I run out of core support funding?
Your provider or support coordinator can help you adjust your plan usage.
Conclusion: Let Elmur Help You Make the Right Choice
Choosing the right mix of core supports vs capacity building can completely change your NDIS experience. Whether you need daily assistance, therapy, skill-building support, or a balanced combination, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
📞 Call us: (08) 6558 8814
📧 Email us: info@elmur.com.au
🌐 Visit: https://elmur.com.au/
Follow Elmur Community Services on Facebook for updates, community stories, and support tips.