One of the ways the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) assists you is by giving you a personalised NDIS plan with three types of support budgets. These include Core Supports, Capacity Building Supports and Capital Supports. Each of these support budgets is designed to assist you in different ways.

Today, we’re focusing on your Core Supports budget and how this funding can be used according to the NDIS guidelines.

What are Core Supports?

Core Supports are services and equipment that the NDIS provides to assist you with everyday tasks and activities.

This means that your Core Supports budget can be used for things like support with getting ready in the morning, getting a ride to your activities, buying everyday items like special products you might need, or even assisting you to have fun and join in activities with your community.

Types of Core Supports

Assistance with daily life

This category helps you with the things you do every day, such as:

• preparing meals
• bathing
• dressing yourself
• cleaning your home
• maintaining your yard

Mambourin hubs offer skills development programs where you can learn all these skills using your Core Supports budget. Our programs can also help you build other practical, everyday skills such as meal planning, grocery shopping, budgeting and home management.  

Or, use your budget for in-home support, where a support worker comes to your home to help you prepare for the day.

Consumables

If you require specialised products daily to assist with your tasks and activities, include consumables in your NDIS plan.

The items covered under NDIS consumables can range from everyday personal care items to lower-cost assistive technology, including:

• specialised food supplements
• special utensils for eating or modified cups for drinking
• products to help you take care of personal hygiene
• chair and bed protectors
• specialised mattresses and pillows
• safety equipment you need at home

It may also be possible to include Auslan training or interpreting support services as part of your NDIS consumables budget.

All items included in the consumables budget must meet the NDIS reasonable and necessary criteria. These supports are usually intended for low-cost everyday items that are specific to your disability needs.

Assistance with social and community participation

This support assists you in getting involved in activities in your community.

This could include:

• going to the park
• visiting a museum
• being part of a local club
• participating in local events
• joining a hobby or interest group

With this support, you can meet new people, make friends and feel more connected to your community. For example, if you would like assistance in participating in a local inclusive gaming meetup, you can use this part of your Core Supports budget for a support worker to attend with you. Or if you’re looking to practice social and communication skills, you can also use this budget.

How to access NDIS Core Supports

Now that we’ve covered what Core Supports are and how they can help you in daily life, you might be wondering: “How do I get access to these supports?” Here are the steps.

Eligibility criteria

Before you can access NDIS Core Supports, you have to meet certain eligibility criteria. You are eligible if:

• you are aged between 9 and 65
• you live in Australia and are an Australian citizen, a permanent resident or hold a Protected Special Category Visa
• you usually need support from someone or equipment to do everyday things for yourself. This is because of an impairment or condition that is likely to be lifelong.

The application process

To start your application for NDIS Core Supports:

1. Contact the local NDIS office or area coordinator to request an Access Request Form.
2. Complete the form with details about your age, residence and disability.
3. Provide evidence of your disability. This could be reports or assessments from your doctor or specialist.

After you have submitted your application, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) will review your information and decide whether you are eligible. You should receive their reply within 21 days.

If you need assistance, our friendly team can provide guidance.

Discussion about NDIS plans and planning process

Once you become an NDIS participant, the next step is to create your NDIS plan with a local area coordinator or an NDIA representative. 

This plan will be based on your goals and needs. It will outline the funding you have been budgeted for and what supports you can access.

During the planning process, you’ll discuss:

• What supports you currently have, and who provides them
• Your daily life and your current abilities
• Your short and long-term goals
• What kind of supports could help you reach those goals

After this meeting, your plan will be developed, and once approved, you will receive your funding.

How to manage and use Core Supports

Once you have your NDIS plan and funding, you can use your Core Supports budget. There are different ways to manage your funds:

• Self-management: When you manage your NDIS funds, you’re the one who pays for the services you use. This means you can decide which supports you want to include in your plan.Managing your own funds comes with jobs you need to do. One is keeping receipts when you buy things with your NDIS money. Also, if you hire support workers directly, you will have to pay them correctly and ensure they have safe work conditions.

• Plan management: If you use a plan manager, you hire someone or an organisation to help you handle your NDIS plan funds.Your NDIS plan manager’s job is to pay the people who provide your supports, keep an eye on your funding, and take care of any money reports for you.They must be registered with the NDIS and will directly use the money in your plan to pay for your supports.

• NDIA-managed: If you let the NDIA handle your NDIS money, they will pay the people who give you services directly. You don’t need to worry about paying bills or keeping track of your money. To see how much money is left or what payments have been made, you can look at the myplace portal or the my NDIS app.But note that when you choose this option, you can use only registered NDIS providers.

You can choose the method that best fits your situation and comfort level. With your plan in place and your funds managed, you can arrange for your Core Supports to begin. Always remember your NDIS plan is there to help you live your best life.

Using Core Supports at Mambourin

There are many ways you can use your NDIS Core Supports budget at Mambourin. Talk to us so we can help you figure out which support options are right for you. Contact us on 9731 9200 or email us at hello@mambourin.org. You can also send our team a message here.