What Is Core Support? A Quick Overview for NDIS Participants
If you’re new to the NDIS, the word “Core” can sound a bit vague. But Core Supports are one of the most flexible and practical parts of your plan.
And yet, many people don’t really understand them or worse, they don’t use them at all. This means they miss out on supports that could make life easier and give them more freedom every day.
In this post, I’ll break it down in simple terms: what Core Supports are, what you can use them for, how they work, and why they’re so important. I’ll also share some common mistakes and tips to get the most value out of them.
What are Core Supports?
Core Supports are there to help you with everyday activities that relate to your disability. Think of them as the “bread and butter” of your plan the funding that helps you live your daily life with more confidence, safety, and independence.
The NDIS splits Core Supports into four main categories:
1. Assistance with Daily Life
This is support to help you with everyday tasks at home or with personal care. It can include things like:
Help with showering, dressing, or getting ready for the day
Meal preparation or help with eating
House cleaning, laundry, or gardening
Support workers coming in to help you maintain your home environment
These supports are crucial because they help you stay at home safely and maintain your independence. They can also give your family members or informal supports a break, which is called "respite."
2. Transport
Transport funding is there to help you get out into the community. This might mean:
Getting to medical or therapy appointments
Going to work or volunteering
Attending social or community activities
Visiting family and friends
Many participants think they have to rely on family or pay for taxis out of pocket, but transport funding can be used to make sure you stay connected and don’t feel isolated.
3. Consumables
This category covers everyday items you might need because of your disability. Examples include:
Continence products (like pads or catheters)
Low-cost assistive technology (AT), like shower stools or eating aids
Nutritional supplements
Wound care supplies
This funding can be claimed through simple invoices or receipts, and it’s usually one of the most straightforward parts of your plan. Many people don’t realise just how many items they can claim here.
4. Assistance with Social & Community Participation
This is support to help you get out and about. It can include:
A support worker going with you to a community group
Help to attend a class or hobby group
Assistance to go to concerts, sporting events, or festivals
Social outings or holidays (within reason)
The goal is to help you engage with your community, build relationships, and improve your mental and physical health.
How flexible is Core Supports funding?
One of the best things about Core Supports is flexibility. In most cases, you can move money between the four Core categories to meet your needs as they change.
For example, you might decide one month that you need more help around the house, but the next month you want to focus on getting out and about more. If you’re self-managed or plan-managed, this flexibility is even greater.
However, there are a few rules. For example, transport funding is sometimes set as a separate item with a fixed amount, so you can’t always move funding into or out of it. And if you’re NDIA-managed, the rules are stricter you can’t shift funding as freely.
If you’re not sure, it’s always good to check with a plan manager or someone experienced in NDIS funding (like a support coordinator or an independent coach).
Why are Core Supports so important?
Core Supports are designed to cover the “must-haves” in your life. Without them, many people wouldn’t be able to live independently or participate in their community.
Here’s why they matter so much:
Independence: With proper use of Core Supports, you can do more on your own terms.
Safety: Supports like personal care and cleaning keep your home safe and reduce health risks.
Inclusion: Social and community participation funding helps you stay connected and avoid loneliness.
Freedom: Flexible funding means you can respond to life’s ups and downs without waiting for a plan review.
Too often, participants don’t use their Core Supports fully because they’re not sure what they’re “allowed” to do. Or they’re scared of spending the funding in case they “get in trouble” later. But if it relates to your disability needs and is reasonable and necessary, it’s there for you to use.
Common mistakes people make with Core Supports
Many participants make these common mistakes:
Not asking for enough support
Some people under-report their needs when they’re first applying for the NDIS or at plan reviews. They might say they don’t need help with showering or cooking, even if they struggle sometimes. This can lead to getting less funding than they actually need.
Thinking they can’t be flexible
People often think they have to stick rigidly to each category. In reality, Core Supports are designed to move with your life. Don’t be afraid to adjust spending as your needs change.
Not keeping receipts and records
Even if you’re plan-managed or NDIA-managed, you still need to keep some records to show that supports were used appropriately. This helps protect you in case you’re audited.
Not knowing what “reasonable and necessary” means
This phrase scares a lot of people. But it just means the support or product must:
Be related to your disability
Be good value for money
Not be something everyone normally has to pay for
If you’re unsure, talk to a professional before you buy or book.
How to make the most of your Core Supports
If you want to really get value out of your plan, here are a few tips:
Get clear on your goals
Your goals guide how you can use your funding. For example, if your goal is to be more active in your community, you can justify using support workers to attend social activities. Write your goals clearly and refer back to them.
Keep talking to your support coordinator or plan manager
They can help you understand what’s possible and check if you’re spending funds in line with the NDIS guidelines. If you don’t have a support coordinator, you can still ask for help from an independent coach or someone who knows the system well.
Review your budget regularly
Check how much you’re spending each month and what’s left. This helps you avoid running out of funds early or having unspent money sitting there unused.
Use it — don’t lose it
If you don’t use your funding, it doesn’t roll over. Each plan period is a chance to get support that makes your life better now. Don’t save it “just in case” unless you have a clear plan for it.
Real stories: How Core Supports changed lives
Many of my clients have seen big improvements when they start using Core Supports properly. Here are a few examples (names changed for privacy):
Sarah, who used to feel isolated, started using social participation funding to join an art class. Now she’s made new friends and her mental health has improved.
James started using more daily living assistance to get help with meals and cleaning. He now feels more independent and has more energy to focus on his hobbies.
Lisa didn’t realise she could use funding for continence aids. Once she started claiming them properly, she saved hundreds each year and felt more confident going out.
These are simple changes, but they make a huge difference in daily life.
Need help?
If you’re unsure about your Core Supports or feel you’re not using them properly, it’s okay to ask for help. Working with someone who understands the NDIS can save you stress and help you feel more in control.
At Strong Foundation Support, we help you break down your plan, understand your funding, and work out practical ways to use it. We focus on simple, clear steps so you can make decisions that work for you.
Want to learn more or get help with your NDIS plan? Contact us here. We’re here to help you make the most of what you have.
