NDIS Funding Period Changes Explained: 2026 Guide

A funding period is the time when a set amount of your NDIS funding is available. 

Your NDIS plan may show: 

• Your total funding amount. 
• Funding amounts for different parts of your plan. 
• The dates of your funding periods. 

Different parts of your plan may have different funding periods. Most funding periods are three months, but some can be longer. 

Your plan will show the dates and amounts that apply to you. 

Learn more in the NDIS guide to funding amounts and periods. 

No. 

Funding periods do not change the total amount approved in your current plan. They only change when that money becomes available. 

For example, imagine you have $12,000 for one part of a 12-month plan. 

If your funding is split evenly into four periods, you might receive: 

• Months 1–3: $3,000 
• Months 4–6: $3,000 
• Months 7–9: $3,000 
• Months 10–12: $3,000 

That's still $12,000 in total. The amounts and dates in your own plan may be different. 

You can check the rules in the NDIS guide to how funding is included in your plan. 

Good news. Unused funding can roll into your next funding period within the same plan. 

For example, you have $3,000 available for three months. 

You spend $2,500. 

The remaining $500 rolls into your next period. 

If another $3,000 becomes available, you now have $3,500 to use for eligible supports in that part of your plan. 

But there's one important rule: 

Unused funding does not roll over into a new NDIS plan. 

Read the NDIS explanation of unused funding. 

Life doesn't always fit neatly into three-month blocks. You may need more support than planned during one period. 

In some cases, a claim for an eligible support can be made in your next funding period. 

This may be possible if: 

• You and your provider agree. 
• There will be enough funding available. 
• Your provider agrees to wait for payment. 
• You can still afford the supports you need for the rest of your plan. 

You may also need to update your service agreement or support schedule. 

This does not mean you can bring future funding forward. 

It means an eligible claim may be delayed until the next period starts. 

See the NDIS guidance on claiming across funding periods. 

If you use all the funding available in your current period, more claims cannot be paid from that period. You may need to wait until the next period starts. 

That's why it's important to keep track of your spending. 

Think of it like having money behind another door. 

It's part of your plan, but you can't access it yet. 

If you're worried about running out, speak with your plan manager or NDIS contact before booking more supports. 

You can also read the NDIS guide to understanding your plan. 

No. They do different jobs. Your support budgets tell you what your funding can be used for. 

The four main support budgets are: 

• Core Supports. 
• Capacity Building Supports. 
• Capital Supports. 
• Recurring Supports. 

Your funding periods tell you when your funding becomes available. 

So, the simple difference is: 

Support budget = what the money is for. 

Funding period = when you can access it. 

Learn more in the NDIS guide to support budgets. 

You can find your funding periods in your NDIS plan. You can also check your funding through the my NDIS app or participant portal. 

Look for: 

1. How much funding is available now. 
2. When your current period ends. 
3. When your next funding amount becomes available. 
4. How much funding you have already spent. 

You can find more information in the NDIS guide to using your funding. 

Your NDIS plan manager should help you understand your funding, track spending and avoid unexpected payment problems.

The NDIA has highlighted three ways plan managers should support participants with funding periods.

1. Explain how funding periods work

Your plan manager should explain when your funding is available and what happens if you use all the funding in a period.

Once the available funding for a period is used, further claims cannot be paid until more funding becomes available.

In some cases, you can agree with your providers to claim eligible supports in the next funding period within the same plan.

For this to happen:

• You and your providers must agree.
• Your provider must agree to wait for payment.
• You must have enough funding for your supports in the next period and the rest of your plan.
• Claims must still meet NDIS claiming deadlines.

Your plan manager should also help you review your service agreements and spending so you can plan for the rest of your supports.

2. Provide monthly budget updates

Your plan manager must provide monthly financial statements showing how much you've spent and how much funding remains.

They should also help you understand whether your spending is on track.

If you're using funding faster than expected, they should raise this early so you can review your supports and spending.

Remember, invoices that haven't yet been claimed may not appear in your recorded spending. Ask your plan manager about outstanding invoices when checking your balance.

3. Submit eligible claims promptly

Your plan manager should check that invoices meet NDIS requirements and submit eligible claims promptly.

This helps keep your budget information up to date and reduces the risk of payment delays.

From 1 December 2026, claims must generally be submitted within 90 days of the support being delivered. Limited exceptions may apply.

Read our guide to 90-Day NDIS Claiming Changes for more information.

You can also read the official NDIS guidance for plan managers.

The key takeaway: Your plan manager should do more than pay invoices. They should help you understand your funding, monitor your spending and plan ahead.

Your plan manager can help you track your funding and manage eligible provider invoices. 

But it's still useful to know how your funding periods work. 

If you book regular supports, check how much funding is available and how long it needs to last. 

For example, if you have therapy every week, make sure your funding can cover those sessions until the next period starts. 

A quick check now can save a fair bit of mucking around later.