NDIS Support Types 101: What You Can Ask For

Support types in plain English (and who they help)

NDIS support types describe the kind of help you can ask for. They’re not “labels” of what you’re like; they’re tools to match your goals. The right mix usually depends on your needs, what helps you to be independent, and what’s reasonable in your plan. If you’re not sure where you fit, start by explaining what you want to achieve and what gets in the way—then ask for supports that directly relate to those barriers.

Core supports help you with everyday things like daily living, transport, consumables, and assistance with household tasks. People often use core supports when they need practical help to get through the week, attend appointments, or manage personal care safely. Capacity building supports focus on improving skills and independence, such as therapies, learning daily routines, building employment readiness, or developing social and communication skills. These supports can suit participants who want long-term improvement, not just help in the moment.

Capital supports are for one-off items like assistive technology (for example, home modifications or certain equipment). They’re usually about making your home or environment work better for you, reducing future barriers, or helping you participate more fully. Support coordination is about helping you understand your plan and connect with the right providers, especially if navigating services feels overwhelming. For plan management, you might also use tools like MyMoney NDIS (www.planmanager.net.au) to understand plan-managed processes, pricing, and how payments can work.

Key takeaway: When you ask for supports, connect each request to a goal (what you want to do), not just the problem (what’s happening now).

If you’re comparing providers, it can help to look at how they deliver each support type and whether their approach fits your goals. My Care Finders can be a useful resource for comparing providers, asking the right questions, and finding options that suit your preferences and support style.

• Core supports: helps with daily living and practical tasks.
• Capacity building supports: helps you build skills for greater independence.
• Capital supports: helps fund one-off items and home/environment changes.
• Support coordination: helps you find, manage, and coordinate services in your plan.