May 2025

NDIA Sector Update – 30/05/25

Funding Periods: Updated Information and CEO Message

New information about NDIS funding periods is now available on the NDIS website, including updated FAQs to support participants, families and providers.

Participants and nominees will receive an email from the NDIA CEO explaining funding periods and reminding them of the NDIS supports lists. The email is available in Easy Read and Auslan on the NDIS website.

The email rollout will continue over the coming weeks for all participants and nominees with a valid email address.

You can also access the updated FAQ Word Document regarding funding periods. 

The website also includes:

• A news item on changes introduced to help participants better manage their budgets

• A message from the NDIA CEO about supporting participants in managing their NDIS funding

Key Website Updates and Stories

New NDIS stories now available highlight participant experiences and sector partnerships:

• Joshua: Found meaningful employment with the right supports in Mackay

• Lesley: Living independently in specialist disability accommodation

• NDIA x The Salvation Army: Supporting Melbourne’s most vulnerable through Project 614 Café

• Jessie: A graduate making a difference through a meaningful NDIS career

‘Would We Fund It?’ Updates

Minor updates have been made to 15 guides in the Would We Fund It? section, with outdated language relating to impairment removed.

Coming Soon: NDIS Engage

The NDIA is developing NDIS Engage – a new platform for stakeholders to find and participate in co-design and engagement activities. Participant and sector consultation is currently underway, with more details to be shared soon.

Improvements to NDIS Enquiries

Improvements have been made to how people submit, manage and track enquiries and feedback:

• The NDIS Service Hub now allows secure document uploads and supports multiple file attachments.

• Participants and nominees can submit enquiries through the my NDIS participant portal, with personal details pre-filled and the ability to track enquiry status.

• Every enquiry is assigned a case number for easy follow-up.

• The updated NDIS Contact page now includes clearer contact options, including web chat, forms, and phone support.

These updates respond to community feedback and are part of ongoing improvements planned throughout 2025. Enquiries can now be submitted through the new NDIS Service Hub.

National Assistance Card Now Available

The National Assistance Card is now available to people with brain injury or Autism across Australia. It helps cardholders communicate their needs in daily and emergency situations.

Resources to raise awareness and support inclusive communities are now available, including:

• Flyers, videos, and testimonials

• Business and community guidance material

• A stakeholder kit with key messages and social media content

The project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.

NDIA Update: Changes to Funding Periods – 19/05/25

To better support participants in managing their NDIS funding, the NDIA is introducing funding periods to all new and reassessed plans from 19 May 2025. This means participants will no longer receive their full funding amount at the start of their plan – instead, funding will be released in smaller amounts at regular intervals (typically every 3 months).

Why they’re making this change

Participants have told the NDIS that receiving all their funding upfront can make budgeting difficult and increase the risk of overspending or running out of funds too early. Funding periods are designed to:

• Improve budget management

• Ensure more consistent use of supports

• Reduce risks of harm, financial exploitation, or fraud

This approach aligns with how other government programs manage staged payments and supports a fairer and more sustainable NDIS.

What this means for you

• Total funding amounts won’t change – only the timing of when funds become available.

• Participants will typically receive funding every 3 months, but this can vary depending on individual needs, risks, or preferences.

• In some cases, more funding may be provided upfront (e.g. for assistive technology or home modifications).

• Unused funds from a period will roll over to the next period within the same plan, but not into future plans.

• You’ll only be able to claim supports using funds from your current funding period. Claims that exceed available funding will not be paid.

Who will be affected

This change will only apply to new or reassessed plans from 19 May 2025 onwards. Current plans will continue as normal until they are reviewed or replaced.

How it’s being implemented

• Funding periods were first introduced in legislation in October 2024, and have since been included in all new/reassessed plans with a 12-month default period.

• The new system will now support shorter or longer funding periods depending on individual participant circumstances.

• We’ve been consulting with participants, carers, advocacy groups, and expert advisory panels since early 2024 to co-design this approach.

• We’re also finalising operational guidance for NDIA delegates to ensure consistent, fair application of funding periods.

Supporting participants and providers

We’re committed to supporting participants and providers through this transition:

• Emails will be sent to all participants and providers in the coming weeks.

• Educational materials and FAQs are available on the NDIS website.