What Are NDIS Core Supports?
NDIS core supports are the everyday assistance funded under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) that help participants live independently and engage with their community. Core supports are one of three support budget categories in an NDIS plan, alongside capacity building and capital supports.
Core supports are the most flexible category in your NDIS plan. Unlike other budget categories, funds within core supports can generally be moved between the four subcategories, giving you greater choice and control over how your funding is used.
The Four Core Support Categories
1. Assistance with Daily Living
This category covers support with everyday personal activities that you may need help with due to your disability. It includes personal care (showering, dressing, grooming), meal preparation, household tasks, and support to maintain your home. In Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Keystone Community Care provides experienced support workers who assist with daily living activities while encouraging independence and skill development.
2. Social and Community Participation
Social and community participation funding helps you engage in social, recreational, and community activities. This can include attending local events, joining sports clubs, visiting parks and cultural venues, or simply spending time with friends. Keystone's support workers help participants across Brisbane and Gold Coast suburbs access community activities, from local markets and libraries to sporting events and social groups.
3. Consumables
Consumables are everyday items related to your disability that you may need on a regular basis. This includes continence products, nutritional supplements, low-cost assistive technology (under $1,500), and other disability-related consumables. Keystone Community Care can help you manage your consumables budget and ensure you have the supplies you need.
4. Transport
Transport funding helps you get to and from activities, appointments, work, and social events. This can cover the cost of taxis, rideshare services, public transport assistance, or funding towards a vehicle modification. Keystone provides transport assistance across Brisbane and Gold Coast, helping participants get to appointments, community activities, and social events safely and reliably.
Who Is Eligible for NDIS Core Supports?
To receive NDIS core supports, you must be an NDIS participant with an approved plan. Eligibility for the NDIS requires that you:
- Are aged between 7 and 65 years
- Are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa
- Have a permanent and significant disability that affects your ability to take part in everyday activities
- Live in Australia when you apply
If you are already an NDIS participant with a self-managed or plan-managed plan, you can choose Keystone Community Care as your core support provider in Brisbane or the Gold Coast without needing to change your plan.
Self-Managed vs Plan-Managed vs NDIA-Managed
How your NDIS plan is managed affects how you access core supports:
Self-Managed
You have full control over your funding. You choose your own providers (including unregistered providers), pay them directly, and claim reimbursement from the NDIS. Keystone Community Care specialises in supporting self-managed participants in Brisbane and Gold Coast, offering competitive rates and flexible scheduling.
Plan-Managed
A plan manager handles the financial administration of your NDIS plan. They pay your providers and manage your budget, while you still choose your own providers. You can use both registered and unregistered providers with plan management.
NDIA-Managed
The NDIA manages your funding directly. You can only use NDIS-registered providers with this management type. If your plan is NDIA-managed, check with your Local Area Coordinator about accessing Keystone's services.
How Much Does NDIS Core Support Cost in Brisbane?
NDIS core support rates are updated annually by the NDIA, typically taking effect from 1 July each year. Current rates are published in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits document. Rates vary depending on:
- Time of day (standard, evening, night, or weekend rates)
- Public holidays (higher rates apply)
- Worker skill level and qualifications
- Type of support provided
- Whether the support is individual or group-based
Keystone Community Care charges at or below current NDIS price guide rates for self-managed participants. Contact us for a quote based on your specific support needs.
Areas We Service in Brisbane and Gold Coast
Keystone Community Care provides NDIS core supports across the greater Brisbane and Gold Coast regions, including:
- Brisbane North: Chermside, Aspley, Kedron, Nundah, Sandgate, Redcliffe
- Brisbane South: Mount Gravatt, Sunnybank, Carindale, Wynnum, Cleveland
- Brisbane West: Indooroopilly, Kenmore, Chapel Hill, The Gap, Brookfield
- Brisbane CBD & Inner Suburbs: South Brisbane, West End, Fortitude Valley, New Farm
- Gold Coast North: Coomera, Ormeau, Pimpama, Upper Coomera
- Gold Coast Central: Southport, Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Robina
- Gold Coast South: Burleigh Heads, Palm Beach, Currumbin, Coolangatta
- Redlands & Bayside: Capalaba, Victoria Point, Redland Bay, Alexandra Hills
- Logan: Springwood, Beenleigh, Browns Plains, Marsden
How to Get Started with Keystone Community Care
Getting started with Keystone Community Care is simple. Here is how the process works:
- Contact us — Call 0403 886 293 or send an enquiry through our website. We will have a friendly chat about your needs and goals.
- Meet and greet — We will arrange a no-obligation meeting (in person or online) to understand your support requirements and match you with the right support worker.
- Service agreement — Once you are happy, we will set up a service agreement that outlines the supports, schedule, and pricing.
- Start receiving support — Your matched support worker begins providing personalised assistance based on your goals and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my core supports budget flexibly?
Yes. Core supports are the most flexible NDIS budget category. You can generally move funds between the four core support subcategories (daily living, social participation, consumables, and transport) to suit your changing needs.
Do I need to be NDIS registered to use Keystone?
You need to be an NDIS participant (have an approved NDIS plan), but Keystone Community Care works primarily with self-managed and plan-managed participants who have the flexibility to choose their own providers.
What qualifications do your support workers have?
All Keystone support workers hold current First Aid and CPR certifications, NDIS Worker Screening clearance, and relevant qualifications in disability support or community services. Many have additional specialisations in areas like mental health, autism support, or complex care.
Can I change my support worker if the match is not right?
Absolutely. We understand that the right match is essential for quality support. If you feel your current support worker is not the right fit, we will work with you to find a better match at no additional cost.
Check if Keystone Can Support You
Find out in 30 seconds whether Keystone Community Care can provide the core supports you need — no commitment, no paperwork.