NDIS Funding Period Changes Starting 19 May 2025
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is introducing important updates to how participant funding is structured and released, based on the Section 33 legislative amendments passed in October 2024.
These changes form part of the new Section 33 Determination, which outlines how the NDIA will group supports into funding components and release budgets in structured funding periods—such as monthly or quarterly—rather than making the full annual budget available upfront.
This updated model is designed to promote more consistent use of funds, improve budget oversight, and align with participants’ needs across the plan duration. The NDIA has now upgraded its systems to support this new funding structure.
What does this mean for you?
Participants and providers will need to adapt to managing supports and services within the available funds released in each period. Planning ahead will become essential to ensure supports continue smoothly throughout the plan.
Key Changes to NDIS Funding Rules
From 19 May 2025, the NDIS is introducing exciting changes to how participant funding is structured—designed to bring more clarity, confidence, and control to your plan.
This positive update will apply to all new participants and to existing participants at their next plan reassessment.
The most significant improvement is the introduction of funding periods—a structured and predictable way for plan funds to be released over time. This change supports better planning, smoother service delivery, and more consistent support throughout the duration of your NDIS plan.
What Are Funding Periods?
Funding periods are a new and improved way to access your NDIS budget, designed to make managing your plan easier, more predictable, and stress-free.
Instead of receiving your full approved funding amount all at once, your budget will now be released in regular instalments across the life of your plan. This approach supports smarter budgeting, better service planning, and improved flexibility for both participants and providers.
Your NDIS planner or delegate will determine how often your funds are released, based on your individual goals and support needs. The release schedule may vary across different support categories and could include:
Monthly – 12 funding periods per year
Quarterly – 4 funding periods per year
(most common)Semi-annually – 2 funding periods per year
Annually – 1 funding period per year
This new structure ensures you can plan ahead with confidence, knowing your supports are backed by a funding model that works with you, not against you.
Example Plan Breakdown
To show how NDIS funding periods work in practice, here’s an example of a 12-month plan starting on 19 May 2025. In this scenario, funding is thoughtfully allocated across different support categories—designed to meet the participant’s goals while offering flexibility, consistency, and control.
Core Supports – $80,000 released over 4 funding periods
Offers quarterly flexibility to meet everyday needs throughout the year.Home and Living – $120,000 released over 12 monthly funding periods
Provides steady, month-to-month support for stable living arrangements.Improved Daily Living (Capacity Building) – $30,000 released in 1 funding period
Delivers full access upfront to support regular therapy and skill-building activities.
Monthly Funding Release Snapshot
Here’s a month-by-month look at how funding could be made available throughout the plan, helping participants and providers plan ahead with confidence:
| Month | Core - Installment Releases | Home & Living - Installment Releases | Improved Daily Living - Installment Releases |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | 20,000 | 10,000 | 30,000 |
| June | 10,000 | ||
| July | 10,000 | ||
| August | 20,000 | 10,000 | |
| September | 10,000 | ||
| October | 10,000 | ||
| November | 20,000 | 10,000 | |
| December | 10,000 | ||
| January | 10,000 | ||
| February | 20,000 | 10,000 | |
| March | 10,000 | ||
| April | 10,000 | ||
| Total | $80,000 | $120,000 | $30,000 |
Who Will Benefit from the New NDIS Funding Structure?
These exciting updates to NDIS funding will bring greater clarity and flexibility to a wide range of participants. The new funding period structure will apply to:
All new NDIS participants from 19 May 2025
Current participants at their next scheduled plan reassessment
If you’re already on an active plan, there’s no need to worry—this change will take effect at your next reassessment, unless you request an earlier review. This gives you plenty of time to understand the benefits and prepare for a smoother, more structured funding experience.
Whether you’re new to the NDIS or continuing your journey, this improved funding model is designed to help you stay on track, plan ahead, and get the most out of your supports.
Why This Matters
The introduction of funding periods is a smart move towards greater financial stability within your NDIS plan. By releasing funds in instalments rather than all at once, the NDIS is helping participants:
Stay within budget
Avoid unintentional overspending
Plan services more effectively across the full plan duration
This structure gives you better visibility and control over your funding, making it easier to pace your spending, stay on track, and ensure your supports are available when you need them most.
Let a Plan Manager Help
Managing funding periods can be complex—especially when you’re juggling multiple providers, tracking budgets, and ensuring invoices are submitted and paid correctly. With this new funding structure, it’s more important than ever to stay organised and have a clear view of your plan’s financial flow.
An experienced NDIS Plan Manager can make a big difference by helping you:
Track budget releases with confidence
Know exactly when funding becomes available and how much has been released for each category and period.Maintain full visibility
Understand your approved total budget, how much has been made available in the current period, and what has already been spent—so you can make informed decisions.Process invoices accurately and efficiently
Avoid delays or declined payments by ensuring invoices align with the released funds and NDIS requirements.Plan ahead with your support coordinator
Strategically coordinate services and funding so supports are delivered smoothly across the year, even when needs change.
At Awesome Plan Management, we’re here to guide you through these changes. You’ll get clear communication, reliable service, and ongoing support to help you stay in control of your NDIS funding—without the stress.
