NDIS funding changes have been rolling out since May 2025 to make it easier for you to manage your budget.
In the past, most participants received their annual NDIS funding budget upfront. While that might sound helpful, many found it challenging to make funds stretch the full 12 months. Some spent too much early on, while others held back too much out of fear they’d run out.
To make things simpler, the NDIS is now introducing new funding periods — smaller, more regular payments across the life of your plan.
These changes to NSID funding aim to give you more control, less budget stress, and ensure your supports are there when you need them.
In this blog, we explain the new NDIS funding periods and how these scheduled payments can help you make the most of your plan.
What are NDIS funding periods?
NDIS funding periods are set timeframes that determine when and how much of your plan funding becomes available.
In other words, these periods define the portion of funding accessible during a specific time — such as monthly, quarterly, or annually — and how long that portion is intended to last.
Funding periods can apply to the total budget of an NDIS plan or specific categories within the plan, like Core, Capacity Building, or Capital Supports.
The purpose of funding periods is to support steady, manageable use of funds throughout your plan. They help you stay on track with spending, plan supports more evenly, and avoid running out of funding too early.
This approach follows a common model used across other Australian Government programs, where funding is released in stages over time.
For instance, payments like the Age Pension also operate on regular schedules to help with budgeting and day-to-day expenses.
When will the 2025 NDIS changes apply to my NDIS plan?
Funding periods were first introduced in October 2024, with all new and reassessed plans since then including a standard 12-month period.
From May 19th 2025, different funding period lengths will gradually be introduced to better match how participants use their supports and to help reduce the risk of running out of funds too early.
These new periods will only apply when you receive a new or reassessed plan. This means your current plan won’t change until it’s reviewed or renewed — and only after a conversation with you about your individual needs and circumstances.
How long is each new NDIS funding period?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. NDIS funding periods can run for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on what works best for you.
Factors that affect the length of an NDIS funding period include:
- The types of supports you need
- How frequently you use those supports
- How you’ve managed your funding in previous plans
- Whether your supports require high or regular costs
For example, equipment purchases, assistive technology, and home or vehicle modifications often need a greater NDIS funding amount upfront. In these cases, the money might be available at the very beginning of your plan.
No matter how your funding is structured, each period begins as soon as the previous one ends, with no gaps.
Why is a NDIS funding period usually three months?
Under the new NDIS changes, most funding periods are set to three months to help you manage your budget more easily and consistently throughout your plan.
A three-month cycle provides enough flexibility to adjust spending as needed, without overwhelming participants with access to their full annual budget all at once.
It strikes a balance between giving choice and control, while reducing the risk of overspending too early in the plan.
Can one NDIS plan have funding periods that vary in length?
Yes. Under the NDSI funding changes, a single plan can have a mix of funding period lengths tailored to suit your needs.
Think of your NDIS plan like a budget made up of different buckets. Some buckets might refill every month, others every three, six, or even twelve months, depending on how your supports are set up and how your funding is managed.
For example, your Core Supports might be divided into quarterly funding periods, while another category, like Assistive Technology or Capacity Building, could refresh every month.
This flexible setup helps align funding with how and when you actually use your supports.
Where can I keep track of my NDIS funding periods?
You can view your NDIS funding periods through the participant portal, the my NDIS app, and in your plan document.
These tools show how your funding is structured across your plan and help you stay on top of your budget.
In each of these places, you’ll be able to see:
- How much funding is available in your current period
- How much funding you’ve already used
- The total amount released so far
- When your next funding period begins, and how much will be available
If you have a plan manager or support coordinator, they can also view your funding period details through the NDIS provider portal (as long as you’ve given consent).
What happens when NDIS funding runs out?
If your NDIS plan funding runs out before the end of a funding period, you won’t be able to access more financial support until the next period begins.
That said, if you have unspent funding at the end of a period, it will roll over into the next funding period, provided you’re still within the same plan.
Once your plan ends and a new one begins, any unused funds from the previous plan won’t carry over.
This structure is designed to help you pace your spending and ensure support is available when you need it, throughout the life of your plan.
Can I bring forward NDIS funding from a future period?
In most cases, you can’t access NDIS funding from a future funding period early.
However, in exceptional circumstances, the NDIA may approve an early release of future funds if there is an urgent and genuine need.
Bear in mind that bringing funding forward doesn’t increase your overall plan budget; it just shifts when the money becomes available.
That means it’s still important to budget carefully to ensure you have enough funding for the rest of your plan.
If your circumstances have changed and you need additional or different supports, you can request a plan reassessment by contacting the NDIA.
It’s a good idea to speak up early if you’re concerned about your funding. Getting help before your funds run low can prevent gaps in support.
Make the most of your NDIS funding with Hunter Care Group
Setting up a realistic and sustainable support schedule at the beginning of your plan is key to making it work for you, especially with the 2025 NDIS funding changes in place.
At Hunter Care Group, we’re passionate about empowering NDIS participants to live more independently and confidently.
Our experienced support coordinators in Newcastle are here to guide you through this process, helping you plan ahead so your supports are consistent, effective, and aligned with your goals.
Whether you’re new to the NDIS or adjusting to changes in your plan, we can work with you to make the journey smoother.
Give our friendly team a call on (02) 4950 2269 or enquire online. We’re always happy to chat and help you move forward with confidence.