NDIS Glossary: Plain English Terms You’ll Use

Quick glossary: the words that confuse most people

NDIS forms and letters can feel like a different language. Below are the most common terms people find confusing, explained in plain English. If you’re not sure what something means, it’s okay to ask your planner, support coordinator, or provider. You can also use My Care Finders to compare providers side-by-side, so you can see how different supports are offered and priced in real life.

First, participant means the person who receives NDIS supports. Supports are the services you can receive (for example, personal care or therapy). A service provider is the organisation or individual who delivers the support. Capacity building means supports that help you become more independent over time, like learning daily living skills. In contrast, daily living focuses on supports you need to do tasks now.

Plan management is how bills are paid. If you use registered plan management, a plan manager pays providers for approved supports. In many cases, you can manage paperwork with a plan manager such as MyMoney NDIS (www.planmanager.net.au). Budget categories (like Core or Capacity Building) are the “buckets” in your plan. They help decide what supports can be funded, but your provider should still talk with you about what’s practical for your life.

Key takeaway: If a word is confusing, ask for it in plain English—then check whether it affects what you can actually get and who pays the bills.

• Core supports: help with day-to-day living.
• Capacity Building supports: help you build skills for independence.
• Assistive technology: tools or devices to help you do things (for example, mobility aids or communication devices).
• Support worker: the person who delivers the day-to-day supports you’ve agreed on.