Capacity Building Supports

Funding to build your skills and independence over time.

What it means

Capacity Building Supports is one of the three NDIS budgets. It funds supports that help you build skills, independence, and confidence over time, so you can work toward the goals in your plan.

This budget can cover things like therapy (such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, and speech pathology), support coordination, improved daily living skills, and finding or keeping a job. Unlike Core, Capacity Building funding is generally allocated to specific categories. That means money set aside for one category, such as employment support, usually cannot be moved to another, such as therapy.

In practice

Because funding sits in set categories, it helps to understand which category each of your supports comes from. Your plan will show separate amounts for the different types of Capacity Building supports, and you use each amount for its intended purpose.

The aim of this budget is longer-term change rather than day-to-day assistance. For example, therapy might help you build practical skills, while support coordination can help you connect with providers and make the most of your plan. Because these supports are about growth, it can take time to see results, and providers often work with you toward specific goals. If your needs change during your plan, you may be able to discuss adjustments at your next plan review with the NDIS.

A real example

For example, Daniel uses his Capacity Building funding for regular occupational therapy to build daily living skills, and a separate amount for a support coordinator who helps him find providers. Because the funding is set by category, the money for his support coordinator cannot be redirected to extra therapy sessions.

Capacity Building Supports — FAQs

What does Capacity Building Supports fund?
Capacity Building funds supports that build your skills and independence over time. This can include therapy such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, and speech pathology, plus support coordination, improved daily living, and support to find or keep a job. The focus is on longer-term growth toward your goals rather than everyday assistance.
Can I move Capacity Building funding between supports?
Generally no. Unlike Core, Capacity Building funding is usually allocated to specific categories, and money in one category cannot be moved to another. For example, funding set aside for employment support typically cannot be used for therapy. It helps to know which category each of your supports draws from so you use each amount as intended.
How is Capacity Building different from Core Supports?
Core funds everyday assistance and activities and is usually flexible across its supports. Capacity Building funds skill-building supports like therapy and support coordination, and its funding is generally fixed to set categories. In short, Core helps with day-to-day life, while Capacity Building helps you develop skills and independence over the longer term.
Does Capacity Building include support coordination?
Yes, support coordination is usually funded under Capacity Building. A support coordinator can help you understand your plan, connect with providers, and make the most of your funding. Because Capacity Building funding sits in set categories, support coordination funding is generally separate from other supports like therapy and used for its own purpose.
What if my Capacity Building needs change during my plan?
Because funding is tied to categories, you generally use each amount for its set purpose during your plan. If your needs change, you can raise this at your plan review with the NDIS, where your supports and funding can be reconsidered. A support coordinator can help you prepare and explain what has changed and why.

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