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Lady in wheelchair with headphones on sitting in wheelchair at her computer desk, looking at changes to her NDIS plan's funding period.

New NDIS Funding Periods

Lady in wheelchair with headphones on sitting in wheelchair at her computer desk, looking at changes to her NDIS plan's funding period.
Lady in wheelchair with headphones on sitting in wheelchair at her computer desk, looking at changes to her NDIS plan’s funding period.

Important Update: New NDIS Funding Periods – What You Need to Know

From Monday, 19 May 2025, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) introduced new NDIS funding periods – a new method of releasing funding for participants with new or reassessed plans. Instead of receiving the full amount of funding upfront, participants will now receive their funds in smaller, scheduled instalments known as funding periods.

At QPAH, we understand that NDIS plans can be complex, and these changes may raise questions. Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s changing and how it may affect you or your child’s services.

🗓️ What Are Funding Periods?

Funding periods divide your plan’s budget into smaller portions, typically released quarterly (every 3 months). Some supports may be released monthly, while others may still be released in full.

Good news: If you don’t use all your funds in one period, the unused amount will roll over into the next period within the same plan.

📅 When Do They Start?

Funding periods begin on the start date of your new or re-assessed plan, not the beginning of the calendar month. For example, if your plan starts on 21 May, that’s when your first funding period begins.

💰 What Happens to Leftover Funds?

  • Within your plan: Unused funds from one period roll into the next.
  • Between plans: Any leftover funds at the end of your plan do not carry over into a new plan.

👀 Who Can See My Funding Periods?

You can view your funding periods in the NDIS participant portal. If you are plan-managed or have an approved Support Co-ordinator, they will also have access to this information. Other providers will not be able to see these details.

📤 How Do Claims Work?

Claims must align with the current funding period. While early guidance suggested that services across two funding periods would require separate claims, recent updates indicate that invoices can span multiple funding periods. This is a welcome clarification!

❌ What If I Go Over My Budget?

If a claim exceeds the available funds in your current period (including any rolled-over funds), the entire claim will be rejected. You cannot access funds from future periods unless a plan variation is approved.

This is important, as you are responsible for payment of fees if the NDIS does not fund them.

🔁 Can I Move Funds Between Periods?

No, funds cannot be shifted between funding periods. If your needs change, you can:

  • Request a plan variation to adjust the timing of funding periods.
  • Request a plan re-assessment if you need additional funding.

🔓 Is My Plan Still Flexible?

  • Core Supports remain flexible (depending on how they’re managed).
  • Capacity Building Supports are generally flexible (unless otherwise specified in your plan).

🧒 What About Early Childhood Participants?

These changes apply to all new and re-assessed plans, including those under the Early Childhood Approach.

✅ Summary of Key Points

  • New plans = staged funding release.
  • Unused funds roll into the next period (but not into new plans).
  • Claims must stay within available funds.
  • Plan-managed and Support Co-ordinators can view funding periods.
  • Flexibility remains for most supports.

📌 What You Should Do

  1. Speak Up at Your Planning Meeting
    If you anticipate needing more funding early in your plan, let your planner know. Provide supporting documentation.
  2. Review Your Service Agreements
    Ensure your agreements align with your funding periods. Whether you are self or plan-managed, mismatches could result in out-of-pocket costs.
  3. Ask for Help Early
    If your circumstances change, don’t wait – contact the NDIA or request a re-assessment ASAP.
  4. Contact Us
    We’re always here to help! We have a variety of therapy options available to suit every budget.

📄 Need Help Understanding Your Plan?

NDIS plans can be confusing at the best of times – even without these new changes. If you’d like help reviewing your plan or ensuring your budget is sufficient for the services you need, you can provide us with a copy of your plan. Our system has the capability of tracking your spending to ensure you do not over-spend within a given funding period. This is important, as you are responsible for payment of fees, regardless of whether the NDIS funds them.

We’re always happy to help. Please contact us any time on 07 5647 6120 or email info@qpah.com.au for more information or support, or to discuss different therapy options to suit every budget.