How to use your Core Supports funding flexibly

Key Points

• Due to the flexibility of the funding allocated for Core Supports in an NDIS plan, participants can adjust this budget to accommodate their changing needs, ensuring that they are still able to access the support services that they need. 
• The Core Supports budget is designed to cover activities to make your life easier and be independent, such as cleaning, gardening, and hiring helpers to provide health-related supports.
• The funding for Core Supports can also be used to access assistive technology, which includes tools, gadgets, and home add-ons designed to make daily tasks easier and safer. 
• NDIS participants with health needs that are connected to their disability can also use their Core Supports budget to cover the costs of activities designed to help them live more independently, such as nutritional guidance and incontinence management. 

Summary

The allocated budget for Core Supports is the most flexible aspect of participant’s NDIS plan. Participants can use this funding to cover the costs of various support services aimed at helping them live an easier, safer, and more independent life. These include assistance with daily tasks at home, assistive technology, and disability-related health supports.

Outline

1. Introduction
2. Flexible Support for Everyday Life
3. Tools to Make Life Simpler
4. Support for Your Health
5. What’s Next?
6. Want Further Assistance?

Making the Most of Your Core Supports Budget

Did you know that your Core Supports budget is the most flexible part of your NDIS plan? It’s designed to cover everyday things that make life easier, like hiring a cleaner, getting help with health-related supports, or even arranging meal delivery.

What many people don’t realise is just how much freedom they have to use this funding in ways that suit their life and goals.

This part of your plan is about the things that help with everyday activities and your disability related needs. That’s the things that keep your day-to-day life running smoothly. But it’s not one-size-fits-all.

You can move funds around within the Core Supports categories (with transport being the only exception). This flexibility lets you adjust as your needs change, ensuring your budget works for you, not the other way around.

If that sounds a little daunting, don’t worry. You’re not alone in figuring this out. Your AIIM Choices plan manager can help you understand the options and even suggest creative ways to make the most of your funding.

Flexible Support for Everyday Life

Your Core Supports budget can cover many of the tasks that keep your home in order. If your disability makes it tough to handle chores like cleaning, gardening, or changing light bulbs, you can use your funding to hire help.

In good news, you can claim these supports from your Core Supports funding if your disability prevents you from doing these jobs yourself and if the supports meet the reasonable and necessary criteria.

These small supports can make a big difference, allowing you to live independently with disability in your home.

Sometimes, you just need a break.
That’s where Short Term Accommodation (STA) comes into play. 

This funding gives you the chance to spend time somewhere new, whether that’s to recharge, meet new people, or try activities outside your usual routine. 

It’s also a great way for your informal caregivers to take a breather.

Respite like this helps everyone stay on track with their current living arrangements, making it a win-win for all involved.

Food is another area where your funding can step in. If cooking isn’t an option for a while, whether due to a gap in support or because you’re focusing on building your independence—meal delivery services can be a lifesaver. 

Your Core Supports budget may cover the cost of prepared meals delivered to your door. Typically, this is approved for up to 90 days without extra paperwork, but after that, you might need written approval from the NDIA.

If meal prep isn’t already in your plan but you think it would make a difference, talk to your plan manager. They can help explore whether it could be included in your budget.

Tools to Make Life Simpler

Another great use for your Core Supports budget is assistive technology. These are the little tools and gadgets that make daily tasks easier and safer.

Whether it’s a jar opener for the kitchen, a grab rail in the bathroom, or something as simple as a walking stick, these items are all about helping you navigate your day with more ease and confidence.

If the item costs less than $1500 and meets the NDIS’s criteria, there’s a good chance you can claim it under this budget. 

Not sure if something qualifies? Double check with your plan manager is always a good idea before making a purchase.

Support for Your Health

Your Core Supports budget can also help with health needs tied to your disability.

This might include assistance with eating or swallowing, managing diabetes, or receiving care for wounds or pressure areas.

It can even cover things like podiatry or epilepsy management if they’re part of your regular routine.

For example, if you need help managing incontinence or require nutritional guidance, your Core Supports budget can often step in to cover those costs. It’s all about helping you participate in everyday activities and live as independently as possible.

Disability-related health supports are expected to assist in areas such as:

• Dysphagia: for participants who have trouble eating, drinking or swallowing on a daily basis.
• Respiratory: for participants requiring help with their breathing and maintenance of their respiratory health, including any associated care, comfort, planning or supports
• Nutrition: for participants requiring help with the way they eat or understanding the food they need.
• Diabetes: for participants who have daily problems with how much sugar is in their blood.
• Continence: for participants who need daily assistance with toileting (bladder and bowel).
• Wound & Pressure Care: for participants who need daily wound and pressure care (resulting from pressure wounds or swollen limbs).
• Podiatry: for participants who require help looking after their feet, ankles and lower limbs.
• Epilepsy: for participants who need daily help managing the way epilepsy affects the way their brain and nerves work.
• Botox and Splinting: It is unlikely Botox and splinting supports will be reasonable and necessary to include in a plan, as these are generally provided in a clinical setting.

Not everything health-related is funded through the NDIS.

Some supports, like hospital care or emergency medical equipment, are usually covered by the broader healthcare system. If you’re unsure what’s included, a quick chat with your plan manager can clear things up.

What’s Next?

Your Core Supports budget is more than just a pool of funding. 

It’s a resource to help you live your life your way. Whether it’s tackling household chores, enjoying a short getaway, or investing in tools to make things easier, there are plenty of ways to use it in ways that truly support your needs and goals.

If you’re unsure where to start, don’t hesitate to reach out to your plan manager. 

They’re there to help you navigate the options, understand the rules, and explore opportunities you might not have considered. 

This is your life, and your plan is designed to support it every step of the way.

Take the time to explore your options. You might be surprised by how much flexibility you have to create a life that feels right for you. 

And if you’re stuck or have questions, help is just a call away to your plan manager.

This is your funding. Use it to shape a life that works for you.

Want Further Assistance?

If you or someone you know needs help accessing Core Supports funding so they can live a more independent life at home, then make sure to reach out to AIIM Choices.

We can serve as your personal guide in navigating through the application process. Through our tailored Application Assistance service, we’ll help you become part of this government-funded insurance program, allowing you to access life-changing Core Supports funding.

Also, we are a trusted plan management provider that operates in Wodonga, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, and Perth.

Through our experienced and reliable Plan Managers, we’ll oversee the daily administration of your plan, which includes settling your invoices from service providers, monitoring your funding, and making sure that the supports you’re getting are aligned with your goals.

Contact AIIM Choices today to learn how we can help you create a better life through our Application Assistance and Plan Management services.

AIIM Choices is committed to creating a stronger healthcare community that provides people with the care and support they need. Through partnerships with like-minded organisations such as Fort Healthcare and The Personnel Group, AIIM Choices aims to deliver compassionate, inclusive, and high-quality care to those who need it the most. Visit our Community page to learn more about how this initiative is making a difference.