The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is introducing a new way to manage participant funding to help improve budgeting, reduce stress, and make sure supports are available when they are needed most. From 19 May 2025, funding periods will apply to all new and reassessed NDIS plans. This means participants will no longer receive their full plan funding at the start of the plan. Instead, funds will be released in smaller, more manageable portions – typically every three months.

What Are Funding Periods?

• Help participants manage their funding more effectively
• Ensure supports are available consistently over the life of the plan
• Reduce the risk of running out of funds too early
• Improve transparency around spending and budgeting

You’ll be able to view your funding periods, available balances, and upcoming release dates in your:

• NDIS plan documents
• Participant portal
• My NDIS app

Key Things to Know

• Your total funding amount stays the same – only how and when you access it will change.
• Unused funds will roll over to the next funding period within the same plan.
• Unused funds will not carry over to a new plan once your current one ends.
• You can only use the funds released for the current funding period – once exhausted, you must wait until the next release.
• These changes will only apply to plans approved or reassessed after 19 May 2025.
• Existing plans will continue as normal and will not be affected unless reassessed.