How To Make The Most Of Your Capital Supports
Written by: Katie Greig l NDIS Plan Management Team
In previous articles, we’ve covered How To Make The Most Of Your Core Supports Funding as well as, Get The Most Out Of Your Capacity Building Supports… which leaves us to the final category of Capital Supports.
Want to dig deeper into the three categories that your NDIS Supports fall into? Check out this previous blog we put together rounding them all off: Understanding The Three C’s: Core, Capital + Capacity Building.
Capital Supports is a bit of a unique and quite specific area of funding. Not everyone will have this category included in their NDIS Plan, however, if it has been included it has likely been included due to a very clear recommendation which would have been made in collaboration with you, the NDIS Participant. Capital Supports include funding for higher-cost assistive technology, equipment, and modifications for home or vehicle, along with financial support for singular acquisitions, such as Specialist Disability Accommodation.
It’s important to emphasise that the NDIS Funding designated within the Capital Supports budget have a specific purpose and are not transferable for other uses. The Capital Supports budget is divided into two distinct support categories:
- Assistive Technology; and
- Home Modifications.
Although this is generally a precise support you can still maximise the use of Capital Supports in your NDIS Plan by careful planning, and strategic utilisation of your allocated NDIS funds. Capital Supports typically cover items such as:
- Assistive Technology;
- Home modifications; and
- Other durable items or equipment.
Tips To Help You Make The Most Of Your Capital Supports:
- Assess Your Needs
Identify your current and future needs related to disability support. Consider assistive technology, home modifications, and other items that can enhance your independence and quality of life.
- Hire Before You Buy
Capital Funding can be used for hiring equipment which may be a cost-effective way for you to access funds whilst finding the right fit. Things like mobility devices can be individualised and your therapist may want you to undertake assessments before finalising the purchase of a piece of equipment, but in the meantime rather than being reliant on the support of other to get you around, you may want to discuss the option to hire and trial a few different models so long as it is safe to do so.
- Consult With Professionals
Seek advice from healthcare professionals, therapists, and assistive technology experts to ensure that the items and modifications you are considering are suitable for your needs.
- Prioritise Essential Items
Prioritise essential items and services that will have a significant impact on your daily life. This may include mobility aids, communication devices, or home modifications that improve accessibility.
- Explore Innovative Solutions
Stay informed about new technologies and innovative solutions that may enhance your independence. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) may cover cutting-edge assistive technology that can improve your quality of life.
- Request Multiple Quotes
When purchasing equipment or arranging modifications, obtain multiple quotes to ensure you are getting value for money. This can help you make informed decisions and potentially negotiate better prices.
- Plan For Future Needs
Consider your long-term needs and plan your Capital Supports accordingly. This may involve investing in equipment or modifications that will support your evolving requirements over time.
- Review + Adjust
Regularly review your NDIS Plan to ensure it aligns with your current needs. If your circumstances change, you may need to request an NDIS Plan review to adjust your Capital Supports accordingly.
- Advocate For Your Needs
If you encounter challenges or believe certain supports are essential for your well-being, advocate for your needs during NDIS Plan reviews or discussions with your NDIS planner. Effective communication is key to ensuring your NDIS Plan meets your requirements.
Are My Capital Supports Flexible?
Capital Supports are usually a Stated Support and often with Quote required.
This would mean you need to use the funds explicitly as stated in your NDIS Plan and present the National Disability Insurance Scheme with a quote for the equipment required. However, there may be some flexibility in how you can use your Capital Supports, provided that it is not a Stated Support and usage aligns with your identified needs and goals. It would also need to be recommended by a member of your allied health team.
Want to know more about flexibility within NDIS Funding? Check out this previous blog we put together: So, Just How Flexible Is Flexible… In The NDIS?
Assistive Technology -VS- Home Modifications
Capital Supports are divided into the two main categories:
Assistive Technology
-
- Assistive Technology includes a wide range of devices or systems that help you perform daily activities or achieve specific goals. Examples include mobility aids, communication devices, and personal care aids.
- The NDIS allows flexibility in how you use your Assistive Technology Budget and you can choose the specific equipment that best meets your needs. You may have the flexibility to upgrade or replace items if your needs change.
Home Modifications
-
- Home modifications are changes to your living environment that enhance your ability to live independently and safely. This can include ramps, handrails, bathroom modifications, and more.
- You have some flexibility in choosing the types of modifications that best suit your needs. The NDIS aims to provide reasonable and necessary modifications to support your ongoing independence.
- The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) will fund reasonable contributions towards a home modification, when necessary, but this usually means base level products are purchased. They may see it as reasonable to make your bathroom accessible, but the amount provided is based on basic fittings and tiles. You need to be comfortable living in your home and be happy with any home modifications that take place, some NDIS Participants may opt to make a contribution to their home modifications so that they can have a certain bathroom fixture or tile.
While there is some flexibility, it’s important to note that the use of NDIS Funding should align with the reasonable and necessary criteria outlined by the NDIS. Additionally, you should keep in mind that any proposed changes or flexibility in usage need to be discussed and agreed upon during your NDIS Plan review meetings with your NDIS Planner.
If you have specific questions or if you’re considering using your Capital Supports in a way that deviates from the original NDIS Plan, it’s advisable to communicate with your NDIS Planner or Support Coordinator. This way they are able to provide guidance on the appropriate use of NDIS Funds and assist you in making adjustments to your NDIS Plan if needed.
Assistive Technology in Different Support Categories
Sometimes, there can be some confusion around the difference between Assistive Technology when referring to Capital Supports compared to Assistive Technology when referring to Consumables and/or Core Funding.
The distinction between Assistive Technology (AT) in the Capital Supports and Consumables Assistive Technology in the Core Supports lies in the nature of the items, their expected lifespan, and their purpose. Here’s a breakdown of the differences:
Assistive Technology in Capital Supports
-
- Purpose: Capital Supports cover higher-cost items and modifications that have a more durable and long-term impact on your independence and quality of life.
- Examples: This can include major assistive technology items such as power wheelchairs, communication devices, home modifications (e.g., ramps, lifts), and other complex or high-cost equipment.
- Lifespan: The items funded under Capital Supports are expected to have a longer lifespan and are considered as investments in your ongoing well-being.
Consumables Assistive Technology in Core Supports
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- Purpose: Consumables in the Core Supports funding category cover items that are regularly used and need frequent replacement. These are typically lower-cost items that support your daily living needs.
- Examples: This can include items such as continence products, wound care items, low-cost assistive devices, and other disposable or regularly replaced supplies.
- Lifespan: Consumables are generally designed for short-term use, and they are consumed or replaced regularly based on your ongoing needs.
Understanding Your Supports with Canny Plan Management
Understanding the differences between Capital Supports and Consumables Assistive Technology in Core Funding is crucial. Capital Supports cover higher-cost, durable items with a lasting impact, while Core Funding’s Assistive Technology includes regularly replaced, lower-cost items essential for daily living.
Canny Plan Management has been working with NDIS providers since inception of the scheme in 2020 and has become a specialist in advice in this sector. Here you can find all you need to know about the NDIS, NDIS Providers and Plan Managers and how best to build your core and capital supports.
Get in touch with our NDIS Plan Management team of experts to help guide you.
