Understanding NDIS Funding Periods: How They Work and What You Need to Know
If you’ve noticed your NDIS funds being released in smaller amounts throughout the year, you’re not alone. This is part of the NDIS’s new approach called funding periods — a system designed to help participants manage budgets more evenly and make sure funds last the entire plan duration.
At The Plan Management People, we help you navigate these changes and make the most of your NDIS plan. Here’s everything you need to know about funding periods and how to manage them effectively.
What are NDIS Funding Periods?
Funding periods are the way the NDIS releases your plan funds.
Instead of receiving your total budget all at once, your funding is now divided into smaller amounts that are released at the start of each period.
This doesn’t change your overall funding — it simply spreads it out over time to help manage your supports more sustainably.
Most participants will see their funding released in three-month periods, but some supports have different schedules depending on their type.
Example timeframes:
1-month periods: Home & Living, Supported Disability Accommodation, Plan Management
3- or 12-month periods: Support Coordination, Psychosocial Recovery Coaching
12-month periods: Assistive Technology (full amount available from the start)
Why do some periods have more funding than others?
Some supports are front-loaded, meaning you receive more funding early in your plan. This helps cover initial or one-off expenses, such as:
Assessments or professional reports
Behaviour support plans
Transition or hospital discharge supports
Bulk purchases of consumables
Set-up costs for new services
This approach ensures you can access the right supports straight away — without running short later in the plan.
What if I run out of funds before the next period?
You can only use funds available in your current period (plus any leftover funds from previous periods). Unfortunately, you can’t draw from future periods, even if your overall plan still has money available.
If your funds are running low, it’s best to:
Talk with your providers early about adjusting services or frequency.
Ask your plan manager to provide an updated budget report.
Plan spending carefully to make sure your funding lasts through the period.
What happens to unused funds?
If you don’t use all your funding in the current period, unused funds roll over to your next period.
However, it’s important to note that any remaining funds at the end of your plan will not carry over into your new NDIS plan.
Can my provider change invoice dates to fit the next period?
No. The NDIS requires that services are invoiced in the period they were delivered.
Invoices can’t be adjusted or back-dated to shift funding between periods.
At The Plan Management People, we work closely with your providers to ensure invoices are submitted correctly and on time, keeping everything compliant and transparent.
Can I share my funding period details with providers?
Yes — if you’re comfortable doing so.
Your providers may ask for budget information to help plan your supports more effectively. You can:
Share a copy of your plan; or
Give your plan manager or support coordinator permission to view the details directly through the portal.
This can make service planning smoother and avoid overspending or delays.
Can I change my funding periods?
In some cases, yes.
You can request longer funding periods via a plan variation if:
You have a specific reason (for example, a degenerative condition)
You’ve consistently used your funds appropriately
There’s no risk in releasing funds longer-term
You’re expected to continue spending as planned
If you believe this applies to your situation, speak with your plan manager or NDIS planner.
How we can help
Managing your NDIS funds across multiple periods can feel complicated, but that’s where we come in.
At The Plan Management People, we help participants:
Track funding across all periods
Monitor balances and spending trends
Communicate with providers about budgets
Stay compliant with NDIS claiming rules
We’re here to make plan management simple, transparent, and stress-free.
📞 Call us: 0456 977 362
💌 Email: admin@pmpeople.com.au
🌐 Visit: www.planmanagementpeople.com.au