How to Use Your NDIS Capacity Building Budget for Physio

By Jacob Sciacca, APA Titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, Darwin Health Group

Most NDIS physiotherapy is paid from your Capacity Building budget, in the category called Improved Daily Living. This money is meant to build your skills and independence, so physio sessions, assessments and home programs that support your goals usually fit well here.

Understanding the three budgets

Your NDIS plan is split into three main budgets:

•      Core supports, for everyday help such as support workers and consumables

•      Capacity Building, for therapy and skill building, including physio

•      Capital, for assistive technology and home modifications

Funds generally cannot be moved freely between these budgets, so it is important that therapy funding sits in the right place from the start.

Working out how many sessions you have

Divide the amount in Improved Daily Living by the hourly rate. At the 2026 to 2027 national price limit of $183.99 per hour, $5,000 covers roughly 27 hours of physio. Remember to leave room for reports, travel if your physio visits you, and any other therapists drawing from the same budget, such as an occupational therapist.

Getting the most from your hours

•      Agree on a plan with your physio early, including how often you will attend

•      Ask for a home exercise program so progress continues between sessions

•      Book a progress review before your plan reassessment so a report can be written

•      Let your physio know if your budget is running low, so sessions can be spread out

Who manages the money

If your plan is agency managed, the NDIA pays providers directly and you must use registered providers. If you are plan managed, your plan manager pays invoices for you. If you are self managed, you pay and claim yourself. Darwin Health Group is registered, so we can work with all three.

Talk to us

If you are unsure what your budget can cover, bring your plan to your first appointment. We will help you map out sessions across the plan period so the funding lasts.

Frequently asked questions

Can Core funding be used for physio?

Generally no. Therapy is usually funded from Capacity Building. Some flexibility exists within budgets, so check with your plan manager or the NDIA.

What if I need more physio than my plan allows?

Speak with us about a report to support a change at your next reassessment, or a variation if your needs have changed.