The NDIS Core Supports Budget: What You Can Spend It On
Your NDIS core supports budget is your most flexible funding. Here's what it covers, what's flexible versus stated, and how to make it last the whole plan.
Core is the part of your plan you'll use most days — the everyday help that keeps your week running. It's also the most flexible funding you have, which is a real advantage once you understand how it works. This guide explains what the Core supports budget pays for, why some of it is flexible and some is locked, and how to make it stretch across the whole plan.
What the Core budget is for
The four things Core pays for
Why Core is called "flexible"
What Core doesn't cover
Making your Core budget last the plan
Core under self, plan and agency management
How Core connects to the rest of your plan
Frequently asked questions
What is the NDIS Core supports budget?
Core is the part of your NDIS plan that funds your everyday disability supports — help with daily life, transport, consumables, and community participation. It's your most flexible budget, so you can generally move funding between everyday supports as your needs change through the plan.
Can I move money between my NDIS budgets?
Generally no. You usually can't move funding between Core, Capacity Building and Capital. The flexibility is within Core — most Core funding can be used across its everyday support categories, but stated supports like transport are locked to their purpose.
What can't I spend my Core budget on?
Core doesn't cover therapy or support coordination (that's Capacity Building), equipment or home modifications (that's Capital), or everyday living costs everyone has, like rent, groceries and bills. Core is only for disability-related everyday support that's reasonable and necessary.
What's the difference between flexible and stated Core funding?
Flexible Core funding can be used across your everyday support categories. Stated Core funding is set aside for one named purpose — like transport or Supported Independent Living — and can only be spent on that. Your plan shows which parts are stated.