If you've read through an NDIS plan, you may have seen the phrase "Capacity Building." It sits alongside Core Supports, but it works towards something different: helping you build skills and independence over the longer term. Here's a plain-English guide.
This is general information only. What your plan includes always depends on your goals and circumstances.
Core Supports vs Capacity Building
Core Supports helps with your everyday, current needs. Capacity Building is more forward-looking — it funds supports designed to help you develop skills, confidence and independence so that, over time, you may need less assistance with certain things.
What capacity building can look like day to day
With a support worker, capacity building often isn't a formal "lesson" — it's woven into everyday support. For example:
- Being supported to do part of a task yourself rather than having it done for you
- Building confidence to get out into the community at your own pace
- Practising everyday routines so they become more manageable
- Growing social confidence through companionship and connection
The mindset: support that steps back
Good capacity-building support is about doing things with you, not for you. The aim is that you gradually take the lead, with support there for the parts that are still difficult. It's a patient, encouraging approach rather than taking over.
How it fits with everyday support
Capacity building and everyday disability support work hand in hand. You still get the practical help you need now, while also being supported to build towards what you'd like to do more independently in future. How this is funded and arranged depends on your plan — your plan manager or support coordinator can help.
Key takeaways
- Capacity Building funds supports that grow your skills and independence over time.
- It differs from Core Supports, which covers your current everyday needs.
- With a support worker it's woven into daily support — doing things with you, not for you.
- The goal is that you gradually take the lead, at your own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is capacity building in the NDIS?
Capacity Building is NDIS funding aimed at helping you develop skills, confidence and independence over time, so you may need less assistance with certain things in future — distinct from Core Supports, which covers current everyday needs.
How is capacity building different from core supports?
Core Supports helps with your current, everyday needs. Capacity Building is more forward-looking and funds supports designed to build your skills and independence over the longer term.
Can a support worker help with capacity building?
Yes. A support worker can weave capacity building into everyday support — encouraging you to do part of a task yourself, building community confidence, and practising routines — depending on your plan and goals.
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