NDIS Funding Periods: Understanding the Recent Changes to Participant Budgets
As of 19 May 2025, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has introduced a new way to manage participant budgets through funding periods, impacting how and when funding is made available across all support categories — including core, capacity building, and capital supports.
These changes, introduced under Section 33 of the NDIS Act, aim to improve financial management and promote consistent use of NDIS funding throughout the plan duration.
What Are NDIS Funding Periods?
Funding periods are shorter, defined blocks of time (e.g., 1 month or 3 months) in which only a portion of a participant’s total plan budget is made available. The total plan value remains the same, but access is staggered to help participants:
- Avoid overspending too early
- Better align services with their ongoing needs
- Manage supports more consistently throughout their plan
For example, if a participant receives $24,000 in core supports for a year, they might receive $6,000 available every three months instead of the full $24,000 upfront.
Key Features of the New Funding Periods
- Applies Across All Support Categories: Unlike previous systems, funding periods now cover core, capacity building, and capital supports.
- Common Duration: 3 Months: Most plans will use 3-month periods, though 1-month periods may apply depending on individual circumstances or participant preferences.
- Funds Roll Over Within Plan: Unspent funds at the end of a funding period roll over to the next period — but not beyond the life of the current plan.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Participants can track available funds and their usage through the my NDIS app or NDIS participant portal.
Introduction of 5-Year NDIS Plans
In line with funding period reforms, the NDIS now offers plans of up to five years for participants with stable, long-term support needs. These long-duration plans still feature shorter funding periods (e.g., quarterly releases), combining flexibility with long-term security.
How Hands to Hearts Can Help You Navigate These Changes
At Hands to Hearts, we understand that change can be confusing — but you don’t have to navigate the new NDIS funding periods alone.
Our experienced team supports participants by:
- Helping you understand and manage your budget across funding periods
- Assisting with plan reassessments or plan variations as needed
- Working alongside support coordinators and plan managers to ensure services align with your funding availability
- Advising on transitions to 5-year plans for participants with ongoing stable needs
Whether you need help budgeting monthly or planning long-term, Hands to Hearts is here to support your NDIS journey.
0 Comments