What Capital pays for
Capital supports are one of the three support purposes in an NDIS plan. In plans made in the NDIA's PACE system they are split into these categories:
- 05 Assistive Technology: equipment such as wheelchairs, hoists, communication devices, prostheses and vehicle modifications
- 06 Home Modifications: changes to your home so you can live safely and independently, such as rails, ramps or bathroom changes
- 17 Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA): funding for specially designed housing for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs
- 19 Assistive Technology Maintenance, Repair and Rental: servicing, repairs, trials and rental of your equipment
How Capital differs from Core and Capacity Building
Core funding pays for everyday supports and is usually the most flexible. Capacity Building funds supports that build your skills. Capital funds things, and the funding is tied to what was approved.
Low cost assistive technology, under $1,500 an item, is usually paid from your Core budget instead. Capital usually starts at mid cost items.
Evidence and quotes
Because Capital items cost more and can cause harm if they are wrong for you, the NDIA asks for more evidence as the cost rises:
- Mid cost assistive technology, $1,500 to $15,000: written evidence from an assistive technology advisor, usually your therapist. No quote needed
- High cost assistive technology, over $15,000: an assessment from an assistive technology assessor, plus a quote
- Home modifications: an assessment, usually by an occupational therapist, and for more complex works quotes and a building works project manager
- SDA: evidence about your support needs and housing, usually through a home and living request and SDA assessment
Stated funding
Capital funding is usually stated in your plan. That means it can only be spent on the item or type of item described, often up to a set amount. If the item you need changes, or a quote comes in higher, you may need a plan variation rather than simply spending more.
If your plan is agency managed, you must use registered providers. Self managed and plan managed participants can use unregistered suppliers too. Either way, compare quotes for value.
Capital and the 2026 funding reset
Capital supports are not affected by the October 2026 funding reset. The reset reduces social, economic and community participation supports by 50% and improved daily living skills supports by 10%. Home and vehicle modifications, personal mobility equipment and Specialist Disability Accommodation are listed as not affected.
The therapist time to assess and advise on Capital items is a different matter. It usually comes from the improved daily living skills budget, which is reduced by 10% at your next reassessment or renewal, so leave room for it.
Capital under new framework plans
From 1 April 2027 participants begin moving to new framework plans, where your budget is set from a support needs assessment and made up of flexible funding, stated supports, or both. Draft NDIS supports rules released for consultation in August 2026 propose broad categories such as assistive technology assets, assistive technology other, home modifications and specialist disability accommodation, with most supports flexible and some stated where they need specific approval or oversight. These are proposals only, so expect larger Capital items to keep needing evidence and approval.