What is the difference between Core and Capacity Building in your NDIS plan?
When you look at your NDIS plan, you’ll see different types of funding. Two of the main ones are Core supports and Capacity Building supports.
At first, they might seem similar—but they actually serve very different purposes. Understanding the difference will help you make the most of your funding.
What Are Core Supports?
Core supports are designed to help you with everyday activities right now so you can live your life more easily right now.
Think of Core supports as “doing with or for you.”
Examples include:
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Support workers helping with daily activities
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Assistance to get to appointments or community events
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Services that make life easier, like meal delivery
What Are Capacity Building Supports?
Capacity Building supports are designed to help you learn skills, become more independent, and reach your long-term goals.
Think of Capacity Building as “teaching you skills for independence.”
Examples include:
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Learning how to plan and cook meals with a dietitian
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Developing coping strategies with a psychologist
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Building social skills and confidence with a mentor
Core vs Capacity Building: What’s the Difference?
The table below shows examples of how this difference plays out in your NDIS plan using funding areas like Improved Health & Wellbeing and Improved Social & Community Participation.
Remember, the key difference is:
Core = doing with/for you (direct support).
Capacity Building = teaching you skills (building independence)
| Area | Examples of Core Supports (doing for you) |
Examples of Capacity Building (teaching you skills) |
| Improved Health & Wellbeing | A support worker drives you to the gym and supervises you during exercise.
Meals are delivered to your home. A support worker reminds you to take your medication. |
An exercise physiologist teaches you how to use equipment safely and build your own routine.
A dietitian teaches you how to plan, shop for, and cook healthy meals. A psychologist helps you learn coping strategies to manage stress and anxiety. |
| Improved Social & Community Participation | A support worker attends a community event with you.
You are taken to a social group each week without skill-building focus. Transport is arranged so you can attend a class. |
A mentor helps you develop social skills and confidence to make friends.
You learn how to use public transport so you can get to events independently. A coach supports you to join a local club and build independence over time. |
Why It Matters
Both Core and Capacity Building supports are important, but they serve different purposes:
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Core helps you manage today
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Capacity Building helps you prepare for tomorrow
When you know the difference, you can make informed choices about how to use your NDIS funding.
Tip: If you’re not sure how your funding can be used, ask your NDIS planner, Support Coordinator, or Plan Manager to explain your options.