Maximising Your NDIS Funding: Common and Surprising Ways to Make It Work for You

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) opens up a world of possibilities to support your independence, skill development, and everyday life. While most people are familiar with using their NDIS funding for essentials like support workers or assistive technology, there’s so much more it can do.

Did you know your funding could cover yard maintenance, music therapy, or even an adapted gaming console? Your NDIS plan is as unique as you are, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Knowing all the ways to use your funding can empower you to make the most of it.

Let’s explore the NDIS support categories and uncover the diverse, and sometimes unexpected, services you can access.

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Understanding NDIS Support Categories

Your NDIS plan is broken down into three main support categories. Each category is tailored to meet specific needs and goals, giving you choice and control over how your funding is used.

1. Core Supports

This budget helps with your day-to-day life. It’s flexible, allowing you to shift funds across different services to suit your needs.

2. Capacity Building Supports

This budget is about skill development and increasing independence. It’s divided into specific areas based on your goals and is less flexible than core supports.

3. Capital Supports

This budget covers high-cost, disability-specific items such as home modifications, mobility equipment, or assistive technology. Most purchases in this category require prior NDIS approval.

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Core Supports: More Than Daily Tasks

Your core supports are there to help with the practicalities of daily life, but they also go beyond the basics.

Example: I need assistance around my house.

Common Uses:

• Assistance with daily life, such as help with cleaning, cooking, or grocery shopping.

• Support to develop skills like meal planning or managing household tasks.

Uncommon Uses:

• House Cleaning and Maintenance: Use funding for professional cleaners or handymen to assist with tasks like decluttering or minor repairs.

• Yard Maintenance: Funding can cover lawn mowing, weeding, or tidying outdoor areas.

• Meal Preparation and Delivery: Access meal delivery services (excluding food costs) if specified in your plan.

• Laundry Services: Get your laundry picked up, cleaned, and returned, with prior approval.

With core supports, it’s all about flexibility. These services can adapt to fit your lifestyle and give you back valuable time and energy.

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Capacity Building: Unlocking Your Potential

Capacity building supports are designed to help you develop new skills, gain independence, and build confidence.

Example: I want to improve my social skills.

Common Uses:

• Psychology Sessions: Learn strategies to boost your social confidence.

• Occupational Therapy: Manage over-stimulating environments or situations.

• Community Participation: Join community participation groups to connect with others.

• Specialist Behavioural Intervention: Develop techniques to handle sensory triggers.

Uncommon Uses:

• Art Therapy: Express yourself creatively while enhancing communication and connection.

• Music Therapy: Collaborate and connect through shared rhythms and melodies.

• Hydrotherapy: Build physical confidence and social interaction in a supportive environment.

• Equine Therapy: Improve emotional regulation and engagement through horseback activities.

• Virtual Reality Therapy: Practice social interactions in a simulated, low-pressure setting.

These supports are about finding what works for you, helping you thrive both personally and socially.

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Capital Supports: Investing in Independence

Capital supports fund high-cost items that make a big impact on your life. These items are tailored to your specific needs and often require NDIS approval.

Example: I need assistive equipment to support my independence.

Common Uses:

• Mobility Equipment: Wheelchairs, scooters, or walking aids.

• Personal Care Products: Shower commodes or specialised car seats.

• Communication Devices: Adapted tablets or software for easier communication.

• Home Modifications: Structural changes like ceiling hoists or step-free access.

Uncommon Uses:

• Assistance Animals: Includes guide dogs and ongoing costs like grooming or vet bills, if specified in your plan.

• Recreational Equipment: Adapted bicycles, gaming systems, or other leisure tools.

• Rental Equipment: Test high-cost items before purchasing to ensure they meet your needs.

Capital supports are all about investing in tools and technologies that empower your independence and improve your quality of life.

Take Control of Your Journey

Your NDIS funding isn’t just about accessing services—it’s about building a life you love. Whether it’s improving daily routines, discovering creative therapies, or investing in the right assistive technology, your plan is a toolkit for living life your way.

Explore your options, think outside the box, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice. With the right knowledge and support, you can unlock the full potential of your NDIS plan—and your future.

Ready to learn more or find support that’s tailored to you? Get in touch with United for Care today and take the next step in your journey:

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