At SAN Support, we are dedicated to helping NDIS participants achieve their goals and live independently. Understanding how the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) works is crucial for making the most of your plan. One of the key components of NDIS is Capacity Building, a support budget designed to enhance your long-term independence. This article will explain what Capacity Building is, how it fits within the broader NDIS funding types, and the specific categories that can help you grow your independence.
Understanding NDIS Capacity Building
Capacity Building is one of the three main support budgets in your NDIS plan. This budget focuses on helping you develop the skills and resources needed to live independently and achieve your long-term goals. Capacity Building supports a wide range of therapies, activities, and advocacy services, each tailored to enhance different aspects of your life. These supports can include:
- 🏃♀️ Physical, mental health, and wellbeing
- 🤝 Social activities and relationship building
- 📚 Education and training
- 🏠 Living arrangements and lifestyle choices
NDIS Funding Types
NDIS funding is divided into three primary categories, each with distinct purposes and rules around budget flexibility:
Core Supports
Core supports funding is the most flexible, covering essential daily activities and immediate needs related to your disability. This budget can be used across four categories, focusing on helping you manage day-to-day tasks and work towards longer-term goals.
Capacity Building Supports
Capacity Building funding is designed specifically for developing your independence. Unlike core supports, each category within Capacity Building has a fixed allocation that can only be used for specific types of support. You can choose which services or products to invest in within these categories, but funds cannot be transferred between categories.
Capital Supports
Capital supports funding covers major purchases such as assistive technology and home modifications. This budget is less flexible and is allocated for specific, justified expenditures like ramps, handrails, or specialized digital devices.
What Does Capacity Building Funding Pay For?
There are nine distinct categories in Capacity Building funding, each targeting a specific area of personal development. You can decide how to use your allocated funds within each category to best meet your goals. Here’s a closer look at each category:
Support Coordination
Support coordination helps you make the most of your NDIS plan. This includes working with a Support Coordinator to connect with service providers, manage your supports, and navigate the NDIS system. The NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) is responsible to deem if the funding is reasonable and necessary for achieving your goals and approves them.
Improved Living Arrangements (CB Home Living)
This category supports you in finding and maintaining suitable housing. It can include help with rental applications, contract negotiations, and ensuring your home meets your needs. The goal is to provide a stable and supportive living environment.
Increased Social and Community Participation (CB Social Community and Civic Participation)
This funding helps participant engage fully with community. It can cover tuition fees, sports coaching, community programs, and activity-based transport. The focus is on developing skills and training to participate in social, recreational, and community activities.
Finding and Keeping a Job (CB Employment)
This category supports employment-related training and assessments. It can include a support worker to assist at your workplace, recruitment specialists, and employment mentors. The goal is to help you find and maintain meaningful employment.
Improved Relationships (CB Relationships)
Improved Relationships funding helps you develop positive behaviors and social skills. This can include behavioral therapy, body language training, and other supports to foster better interactions and a sense of belonging.
Improved Health and Wellbeing (CB Health and Wellbeing)
This funding supports exercise and diet advice to manage the impact of your disability. It can include working with a nutritionist or personal trainer to improve health outcomes. Note that this does not cover gym memberships.
Improved Learning (CB Lifelong Learning)
This category provides support for transitioning from school to further education, such as university or TAFE. It can include help with applications, study skills, and having a support worker accompany you to class.
Improved Life Choices (CB Choice and Control)
This funding allows you to have a plan manager to help manage your NDIS plan. It offers more choice and control over your supports without the administrative burden of managing finances yourself. A plan manager can help you engage with non-registered NDIS providers and handle provider invoices and record keeping.
Improved Daily Living (CB Daily Activity)
This category supports assessments, training, and therapies to develop skills for daily life. It can include occupational therapy, speech therapy, physiotherapy, and more alternative therapies like equine therapy. The focus is on building capacity and confidence in managing daily activities.
Managing Your NDIS Funding
Managing NDIS funding can be complex and time-consuming. Engaging a plan manager can alleviate the administrative burden and ensure you make the most of your funding opportunities. A plan manager will help you understand your plan, find providers, and manage financial aspects, allowing you to focus on achieving your goals.
Conclusion
At SAN Support, we are here to help you navigate the complexities of NDIS and maximize your Capacity Building supports. Whether you need assistance with daily activities, employment, or improving your health and well-being, we are here to support you in your journey with all dedication to achieve greater independence.
For more information on how SAN Support can assist with your NDIS plan, visit our website and explore our comprehensive range of services designed to empower you and help you achieve your goals.
For more information on how SAN Support can assist you or your loved one, reach out to us today and take the first step towards a brighter future.