Over this series, we've walked through the key changes to NDIS legislation, from clearer definitions of NDIS supports, to separate access pathways, disability requirements, and impairment notices.

In this final post, we're bringing it all together with a practical look at funding periods and what they mean for you.

For plans approved after 3 October 2024, you'll see your total funding, the amounts in each funding component, and the funding periods those amounts are meant to cover. It's designed to make things clearer and help you stay on top of your budget.

From 19 May 2025, most plans have moved to new funding periods, so funding is released in shorter time periods, usually every 3 months.

Below, we explain what funding periods mean, why they've changed, and what the new rules are. For the official details, see the NDIS Changes to Legislation on the NDIS website here.

What's changed?

When the NDIS approves a plan after 3 October 2024, it now shows your total funding, funding component amounts and funding periods. This change aims to make funding clearer and support you to manage your budget.

At A Glance

Your plan now lists total funding and component amounts: Each plan has a total budget for all reasonable and necessary supports plus separate amounts for groups of supports.
Funding periods release money in stages: A funding period is the time that part of your funding becomes available and how long it needs to last. Any unspent funds roll over to the next period within the same plan.
12‐month periods now, 3‐month periods from mid‐2025: Plans approved after 9 October 2024 have 12‐month funding periods; from 19 May 2025 most new or reassessed plans will use three‐month funding periods.
Participants won't be affected until they get a new or reassessed plan.
Budgeting flexibility without losing funds: Funding periods don't change the total amount of funding in your plan. The NDIA sets the length and amount of funding periods based on your individual needs, preferences and any risks like overspending or financial exploitation.

Need help? Reach out to our team to learn more on 1800 275 223 or on our contact page.

When and why funding periods are changing?

Section 33 of the NDIS Act introduced the requirement for plans to show total funding amounts, component amounts and funding periods. From 9 October 2024, plans approved under the new legislation have 12‐month funding periods.
Starting 19 May 2025, most new or reassessed plans will generally use three month funding periods. This change will roll out gradually and won't affect participants until they receive a new or reassessed plan after talking with the NDIA about their circumstances.
Shorter funding periods are designed to make budgeting easier. The NDIA had feedback that receiving all funding upfront (usually a 12‐month amount) can make it hard to plan spending and increases the risk of overspending.
By releasing funds every three months, funding becomes available at regular intervals, supporting more consistent use across the length of the plan.
Importantly, funding periods don't change your total budget; they only change when the funding becomes available.
Funding periods also provide safeguards. The NDIA sets the length and amount of funding periods in line with NDIS laws, taking into account your individual needs and circumstances. Factors include your preferences, the risk of overspending, and risks of harm, fraud or financial exploitation.
A funding period can apply to the entire plan or to specific funding components.

What does your new plan show?

New NDIS plans include three funding elements: a total funding amount, funding component amounts and funding periods.

The total funding amount is the full budget for all reasonable and necessary supports in your plan.
The funding component amount refers to funding allocated to a specific group of supports, such as Core, Capacity Building or Capital. You can only use each component amount to purchase the supports covered by that category.
Funding components group together related types of supports in a participant's plan. Each component has an allocated amount that can be used to purchase supports covered under that component. For example, the Core funding component might include support for daily activities, while Capacity Building could cover therapies.
A funding period is the time period when your funding becomes available and it's how long it needs to last for.
Funding periods will generally be three months, but they can be three, six or twelve months depending on your circumstances and the type of support.Some supports may need a shorter one month funding period.

Your plan will tell you when each funding period starts and ends. If you don't spend all your funds in a funding period, the remaining amount will roll over into your next funding period within the same plan.

Budgeting within each funding period

Under the new format you can spend up to the amount of funding available in each period.

If you don’t use all the funds, the unspent amount rolls over into the next funding period within the same plan.

However, you generally cannot bring funding forward from future periods. In exceptional circumstances, such as an urgent need, the NDIA may bring forward a future funding period, but this doesn't increase the total amount of funding and careful budgeting is still needed.

To budget effectively:

Check your allocation: Your plan shows the start and end dates for each funding period and how much is available.
Varying lengths: Funding periods can be three, six or twelve months depending on your needs. Some supports may require one month periods while others may have longer periods.
Plan ahead: Because funding is across time periods, it's important to plan ahead. Use the myplace portal or My NDIS app to track how much funding is available, how much you've spent and when the next amount will be released.

FAQ

When will shorter funding periods start, and do they affect my current NDIS plan?

Funding periods were introduced for plans approved after 9 October 2024 and initially set at 12 months. From 19 May 2025, most new or reassessed plans will use three‐month periods. Participants won't be affected until they receive a new or reassessed plan.

What's the difference between the total funding amount and funding component amounts?

The total funding amount is the overall budget for all reasonable and necessary supports in your plan. Funding component amounts are smaller budgets allocated to specific groups of supports (e.g., Core or Capacity Building). You can only use each component amount for the supports included in that category

Where can I find or view my funding periods and budget details?

You can see your funding periods and how much funding is available in each period in the participant portal, the My NDIS app and your plan document. With your consent, plan managers can also view this information in the provider portal.

Learn More

Visit our FAQ page for more information or our guide to NDIS Funding Periods .

Need Help?

If you're looking for support with managing your NDIS plan, we're here to help. Feel free to reach out if you'd like to learn more about our disability support. . Call the BCD team on 1800 275 223, we're here to help you.

At BCD, our disability support services are all about helping individuals with disabilities achieve their goals, grow their independence, and enjoy a life full of possibilities.

Information correct as at 8 September 2025. Please refer to the NDIS website for the latest updates.

Sources:
NDIS Summary of Legislation Changes - https://www.ndis.gov.au/changes-ndis-legislation/summary-legislation-changes

NDIS FAQs about Legislation - https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/improving-ndis/changes-ndis-legislation/frequently-asked-questions-about-legislation#funding

NDIS Funding Periods - https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10721-changes-ndis-funding-periods

Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the content, we encourage you to visit the relevant government websites for the most up-to-date and official information.

NDIS Changes To Legislation: Total Funding Amounts and Funding Periods - (Section 33)