Capital Supports

Funding for higher-cost items like assistive technology and home modifications.

What it means

Capital Supports is one of the three NDIS budgets. It covers higher-cost, one-off items rather than ongoing everyday assistance. This budget is for larger purchases that need specific approval.

Capital typically funds assistive technology (equipment such as wheelchairs, communication devices, or other aids), home modifications (changes to your home so it works better for you), and specialist disability accommodation, often shortened to SDA, which is housing designed for people with high support needs. This funding is usually tied to the specific approved item, and it often needs an assessment or a quote before it is included in your plan.

In practice

Because Capital funding is linked to a particular item, it is generally not flexible in the way Core is. Money approved for a specific piece of equipment or a home modification is meant for that item, so you usually cannot redirect it to other supports.

Getting Capital supports often involves a few steps. You may need an assessment from a professional, such as an occupational therapist, to confirm what you need, along with quotes from providers. This helps show the item is reasonable and necessary and suited to your goals. Higher-cost or more complex items can take longer to approve, so it helps to plan ahead and keep any assessments and quotes together. A support coordinator or your planner can guide you through what is required.

A real example

For example, after an occupational therapy assessment, Aroha receives Capital Supports funding for a custom wheelchair and a ramp at her front door. Because the funding is tied to those approved items, she cannot use the wheelchair funding for something else, and she provided quotes before the supports were added to her plan.

Capital Supports — FAQs

What does Capital Supports fund?
Capital Supports funds higher-cost, one-off items. This includes assistive technology (equipment like wheelchairs and communication devices), home modifications (changes to your home), and specialist disability accommodation, or SDA, which is housing for people with high support needs. It is for larger, specific purchases rather than ongoing everyday assistance.
Is Capital Supports funding flexible?
Generally no. Capital funding is usually tied to the specific approved item, so money set aside for a particular piece of equipment or a home modification is meant for that item. Unlike Core Supports, you usually cannot move Capital funding to other supports. This helps make sure higher-cost items are used as approved.
Why do I need an assessment or quote for Capital supports?
Because Capital items are often higher-cost and tailored to you, the NDIS usually wants evidence they are reasonable and necessary. An assessment, often from an occupational therapist, confirms what you need, and quotes show the cost. Together they help the item get approved and included in your plan for the right purpose.
What is specialist disability accommodation (SDA)?
SDA is housing designed for people with high support needs or very significant functional impairment. It is funded under Capital Supports and covers specially built or modified homes rather than day-to-day support. Not everyone is eligible for SDA, and it usually involves assessment to confirm it is reasonable and necessary for your situation.
How long does it take to get Capital supports approved?
It varies. Higher-cost or more complex items, like major home modifications or SDA, can take longer because they often need assessments and quotes. Simpler equipment may be quicker. Planning ahead, gathering your assessments and quotes early, and working with a support coordinator or your planner can help the process move more smoothly.

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