What Does the NDIS Cover ?
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If you are a newbie with NDIS, that feeling of doubt as to what the plan actually covers is quite normal. Most people come across the terms “Core Supports” and “Capacity Building” and still have no idea what they stand for. Thus, we should clarify it in an easy manner and concentrate on the support without the complicated talk.
Knowing NDIS cover can assist you to take the right choices regarding your needs, having clear objectives, and also, steering clear of errors in your budget.
Understanding what does the NDIS cover early on makes it much easier to plan the right supports.
How NDIS Funding Works
NDIS funding is based on what is considered reasonable and necessary for your disability needs.
That means the NDIS looks at:
• Your goals
• What supports help you with day-to-day life
• What is safe for you
• What helps you build independence over time
Funding is divided into three main categories. Each one pays for different types of support.
Healthdirect also provides general information about disability supports if you want an outside reference:
Core Supports
A lot of people ask what does the NDIS cover under Core Supports, because this is where most daily assistance comes from. Core Supports help with daily tasks and everyday needs. This is the most flexible part of your plan.
Common examples include:
• Support workers
• Personal care
• Assistance with meals and household tasks
• Community access
• Transport related to your disability
• Consumables like continence products
Anything that helps you with daily life often sits under Core Supports.
Capacity Building Supports
This category helps you build skills and become more independent over time.
It is less flexible than Core Supports because each section has its own purpose.
Common Capacity Building items include:
• Therapy (physio, OT, psychology, speech)
• Exercise physiology
• Skill-building for daily living
• Support coordination
• Social skills programs
• Behaviour support
This part of your plan is closely linked to your goals.
Capital Supports
Capital Supports include larger, one-off or long-term items.
These usually require assessments and quotes before the NDIS approves them.
Examples include:
• Assistive technology (wheelchairs, hoists, walkers)
• Home modifications (ramps, bathroom changes)
• Vehicle modifications
• Communication devices
Safe Work Australia has guidelines about safe equipment use that often guide NDIS decisions on equipment needs.
What the NDIS Usually Funds
If you’re still unsure what does the NDIS cover, this section gives a simple list of the most common supports. To put things simply, the NDIS covers supports that:
• Are directly related to your disability
• Help with daily activities
• Build your skills
• Improve independence
• Keep you safe
• Support long-term goals
Here are common supports that are regularly funded:
• Support workers
• Personal care
• Therapy services
• Assistive technology
• Home modifications
• Community access
• Transport linked to disability needs
• Daily living support
• Plan management
These are everyday items that help you live more comfortably and confidently.
What the NDIS Does NOT Cover
The NDIS does not cover general life expenses that everyone has whether they have a disability or not.
This is where people often get confused. It helps to know what does the NDIS cover before looking at what it doesn’t, because many people mix the two up.
Here are items the NDIS normally won’t pay for:
• Rent, groceries, and utility bills
• Standard household items (normal furniture, appliances)
• Medical treatments or hospital fees
• Everyday transport not related to disability
• Entertainment or holidays
• Services not linked to your disability
• Items considered “luxury upgrades”
If something is not needed for your disability, the NDIS won’t fund it.
Why Some Claims Get Rejected
Sometimes, a claim is rejected even when it feels reasonable.
Common reasons include:
• The support isn’t linked clearly to your disability
• It doesn’t match your goals
• It’s considered a day-to-day cost
• The item is too expensive without a cheaper alternative being explored
• No supporting evidence from therapists
• It doesn’t meet the NDIS “reasonable and necessary” rules
Most rejected claims come down to lack of evidence or unclear goals both things that can be fixed with the right planning.
Tips to Use Your NDIS Funding Well
Using your funding wisely can help you make the most of your plan and avoid running out early.
Here are some simple tips:
• Keep your goals visible make decisions based on them
• Check in with your therapists regularly
• Choose providers who explain things clearly
• Track your spending every month
• Ask your support coordinator if something seems confusing
• Use your plan flexibility where it exists (mainly Core Supports)
• Save reports and evidence for plan reviews
The NDIS website also has guidance on plan management and supports.
A good rule of thumb:
If a support helps you live safely, move better, communicate, or manage daily life it’s worth asking about.
How Elmur Helps You Understand Your NDIS Funding
Elmur works with participants and families to help them understand their plan clearly and use funding in a way that supports everyday life.
We explain things in simple terms, help plan your supports, and make sure everything lines up with your goals.
You can also visit our Registered NDIS Provider in Western Australia page to understand what supports we offer and how they fit into the NDIS.
Conclusion: What Does the NDIS Cover?
Knowing what the NDIS covers helps you to take the right steps, prevent funding errors, and create the necessary supports for your life. It is much easier to use and understand your plan when you know what is covered and what is not. Once you understand what does the NDIS cover, it becomes much easier to organise your supports confidently.
Elmur will be with you through every phase, particularly when you do not know how to arrange your supports or starting point.
Email: info@elmur.com.au
Phone: (08) 6558 8814
Website: Elmur Community Services
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