From 19 May 2025, the NDIA has begun introducing funding periods in new NDIS plans which impacts how participants access their funding.

What is a funding period?

A funding period is a shorter portion of a plan period where participants can only use part of their available funding. 

Funding will continue to be released at regular points until the full amount outlined in the plan is available. 

These changes can apply to a participant’s whole plan or to specific budgets.

Why are funding periods changing?

Previously, the entire funding in the plan would be immediately available when the plan began.

Amendments to the NDIS Act, effective from October 2024, introduced the concept of funding periods but funding remained fully accessible throughout the plan until now.

The NDIA believes that the implementation of these periods will help participants manage their budgets and support the consistent use of funding over the course of the plan. 

What does this mean for Participants?

Participants should be aware that not all funding will be available immediately. Planning ahead will be essential for those needing increased support during a specific part of their plan period.

Participants will still be able to contact the NDIA to request a reassessment should their situation change and current supports no longer meet their needs.

Who will the NDIS funding change affect?

The addition of NDIS funding periods will be rolled out for:

• New plans.
• Reassessed plans.
• Varied plans.

Participants will not be affected until a new or reassessed plan has been established, and only after a discussion about the participants’ circumstances. 

How long is a funding period?

Most funding periods will be set at three months, but the duration may be adjusted based on factors such as:

• Participant preferences.
• Identified risk of overspending.
• Potential risks of harm, fraud, or financial exploitation.

Is funding flexible between funding periods?

• Unused funds from one period may carry over into the new funding period, provided they both fall within the same plan.
• Future funding periods will not be accessible until the specified date regardless of overspending.

Participants who are unsatisfied with their plan including budget allocation or funding period schedules, may request an internal review within three months of the initial decision.

If circumstances change significantly, participants can request a plan reassessment through the NDIA.

Can a provider claim across funding periods?

Providers will be able to claim for services delivered across two funding periods provided:

• The dates of the invoice fall within the same plan.
• There is sufficient funding remaining in the current funding period (including unspent funds that have been carried over).