New NDIS funding periods: What you need to know

Managing your NDIS budget can be tricky – especially when all your funding arrives at once. That’s why the NDIS is introducing funding periods from 19 May 2025 to help you better manage your supports across the life of your plan.

So what’s changing? And how will it affect you?

Let’s break it down.

What are funding periods?

Funding periods are a new way of releasing your NDIS funding in smaller chunks (usually every 3 months). This gives you more flexibility while helping you make sure your funding lasts for your whole plan.

You’ll still receive the same total amount of funding – the only change is when you can access it.

Why is this happening?

The goal is to:

• make sure supports are available when you need them
• reduce the chance of running out of funds too early

It also helps people track their spending more easily using the my NDIS app or participant portal.

What do I need to do?

Nothing will change until your next new or reassessed plan. When that happens, you’ll have a chance to talk to the NDIA about your circumstances and get support to understand the changes.

Once funding periods apply, you’ll be able to see:

• how much funding you have
• how much you’ve spent
• when your next funds will be released

Any unused funding within a funding period will roll over to the next one – but it won’t carry over into a brand new plan. So budgeting well is still really important.

What can I spend NDIS funds on?

It’s also important to remember the NDIS has clear rules about what it can and can’t fund. These rules were updated last year and split into two lists:

• supports the NDIS can fund
• supports the NDIS cannot fund

Before you spend your funding, check that the support is part of your plan and aligns with these rules. If you claim something that isn’t approved, you might need to pay it back.

 You can read the full lists at What does the NDIS fund?

What if my situation changes?

You can always request a change to your plan if your needs change – and your current plan will stay the same until it’s reassessed.

Need more info?

You can find all the details about funding periods, what you can claim, and how to manage your plan at the official NDIS website.



Or check out their FAQs on legislation and sign up to the NDIS newsletter to stay in the loop.