Capital Supports is one of the NDIS funding categories (alongside Core and Capacity Building Supports) that can make up part of your NDIS plan. This funding category typically covers one-off purchases for items that are categorised as higher cost assistive technology or, home or vehicle modifications. Let’s breakdown the Capital Support categories so you can gain a better understanding of how they are funded and how they can work for you.
Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology (AT) covers specialised technology, equipment or items that can help you to live your life more independently. It’s important to know that the NDIA will only fund AT that is reasonable and necessary. It needs to relate to your disability and not be considered a general household appliance or item.
Technology or equipment the NDIA may fund if it falls under reasonable and necessary:
Smart devices*
Apps
Communication devices
Wheelchairs and other mobility equipment
Assistive technology rental costs
Vision assistive technology
Hearing assistive technology
Prosthetics and orthotics
Assistive products for personal care and safety (non-standard beds/mattresses, personal alarms etc.)
Transfer equipment
Bathing and other bathroom related equipment
Assistance dog
*Smart devices like tablets, iPads and computers are typically considered as general household items and are not funded under the NDIS unless sufficient evidence is shown that the cost of the electronic device is an extra cost due solely and directly because of your disability needs. For more information on this topic, you can view the NDIS Operational Guidelines for Smart Devices here.
Home Modifications
Home modifications fund structural changes made to your home in order to make everyday life and tasks easier and to ensure you can safely access your home and move around comfortably.
Home modifications may be included in your plan if:
You or your carers cannot reasonably access and use the rooms in your home due to the impact of your disability
Your home has significant and adverse impacts on the sustainability of your current living and care arrangements
An assessment by a qualified Occupational Therapist recommends home modifications (after considering other alternatives or equipment use)
This funding category typically includes funding to pay for the assessment, delivery, set up, adjustments and maintenance costs associated with any home modifications that have been approved and funded.
As with any building work, there are laws and regulations that need to be adhered to when undertaking home modifications. You can find more detailed information on this in the NDIS Operational Guidelines.
Specialist Disability Accommodation
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) falls under the Home Modifications category. It covers specialist accommodation costs for participants who need specialist housing for their delivery of services and have very high needs.
For more information on SDA, check out our dedicated blog here.
Using your Capital Support Budget
Funding for AT or Home Modifications can only be used for their intended purpose. This means they are not flexible. So, if you have been funded for specialist footwear then you will need to use your funding for that purpose. In some cases, you may need to organise a quote prior to your planning meeting or plan review meeting for the particular type of AT or Home Modification you are seeking funding for. If you haven’t organised a quote prior to your planning meeting or plan review meeting, speak with your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or NDIA planner about this. They can add Capital Supports to the plan pending a quote. You will need to get a quote from a provider and send it to the NDIA for approval before funding can be made available to purchase AT or commence Home Modifications.
Read more about the benefits of working with an independent, professional Plan Manager. Alternatively, contact our friendly team on 1300 322 273 or support@first2care.com.au.