From 3 October 2024, NDIS plans approved on or after this date now include funding component amounts (specific funding for a support or group of supports), funding periods (a defined time when a portion of that funding is available), and the total budget amount for your plan.
By law, the NDIA can only pay for supports listed in your approved plan, and only within the correct funding component or period.
A major shift: from 19 May 2025, funding periods are being implemented in instalments (often quarterly) instead of lump-sum annual budgets. Most plans will have three-month funding periods by default, though durations may vary depending on the type of support (for example, Home & Living or SIL may have monthly periods).
How it works:
- Your total plan budget is broken into funding components (e.g. Core, Capacity Building, for example therapy and Support Coordination, Capital) and released over several funding periods.
- Unspent funds roll over into the next funding period within the same plan. However, funds not used by the end of your plan will not carry over into a new plan.
- Overspending past a funding component or period will result in NDIA refusing the payment—even if the service was delivered. There are no top-ups as there may have been previously .
- NDIA may bring forward funds in urgent circumstances, but this does not increase your total funding .
Why this matters
These changes affect NDIS budget management, plan utilisation, and claim planning. Better understanding helps avoid funding gaps or rejected claims.
Need support?
If you’re concerned about overspending or have a change in needs, it’s wise to contact your support coordinator, Local Area Coordinator (LAC), or early childhood partner early. You can also reach the NDIA at 1800 800 110.
This information is being shared with Autism Advisory & Support Service Followers to help them stay informed and is to the best of our knowledge correct at the time of publishing.
