NDIS Support Types: What They Cover (Plain English Guide)

Support types in plain English (the big picture)

NDIS “support types” are the different ways help is provided under your plan. In plain terms, they describe what the support is for (like daily living, getting support in the community, or building your skills) and how it’s delivered (for example, by a person you see regularly, by therapy sessions, or through equipment). Most people use a mix of support types, not just one.

Think of your plan as having 2 parts: funding for support and how you pay for it. The support type tells you what you’re buying with your funding. Your plan management (how the money is handled) tells you what paperwork or processes are involved. If you use plan management, you may get help with invoices and payments through a plan manager such as MyMoney NDIS.

If you’re new to the NDIS, it can help to ask providers the same set of questions: What support type does this relate to? How will it help with my goals? How often will I receive support? What does “success” look like? Can you explain costs clearly (including any fees that might be outside my plan)? My Care Finders can help you compare providers so you can choose options that fit your needs and your budget.

Key takeaway: Support types explain “what you’re getting,” while plan management helps explain “how it’s paid.”

• Core supports often cover day-to-day things that help you live your life (like daily personal support or help at home).
• Capacity building supports usually focus on skills and independence (like therapy, training, or support to build routines).
• Capital supports may be for certain one-off items or equipment that help you access services and live more independently (when approved in your plan).