On 19 May 2025, the NDIA introduced funding periods to participant’s plans in the PACE system.
These changes apply to all new plans issued from this date onwards and may also apply when a participant receives a plan variation —for example, if new support categories are added or existing funding is adjusted. Existing plans that remain unchanged will not be affected.
What are funding periods?
NDIS plans will now be divided into funding periods. A funding period determines a timeframe during which a portion of your NDIS budget can be used and how long it needs to last.
Funding periods are designed to ensure the steady use of supports across your NDIS plan. They don’t impact your total NDIS budget, only when you can access the funds.
Moving forward instead of receiving your full plan funding upfront, you’ll get access to smaller amounts in stages, aligned to your funding periods.
How do funding periods work?
Funds will be released at the start of each funding period. When one funding period ends the next portion of funding will be released.
In each funding period you’ll be able to spend up to the allocated amount.
Unspent funds from one funding period will roll over into the next funding period within the same plan.
Unspent funds won’t roll over to your next plan, as that is treated as a separate agreement.
In exceptional circumstances, participants may be able to access funding from future funding periods.
Funding period duration and support types
Funding periods can apply to the whole plan or to individual funding components (previously budget categories). While most funding periods will be for 3 months, some plans may include periods of 1, 6 or 12 months, depending on the type of support and the participants needs
Where to view funding periods in your NDIS plan
If funding periods have been applied to your NDIS plan it will clearly show:
- Which supports have funding periods
- The start and end dates of each funding period
- How much funding is available in each period
Key things to know
- If a participant’s needs change they can request changes to their funding periods. This requires a plan change request to be submitted to the NDIA with supporting information.
- Support Coordinators have full visibility of funding components in PACE, making it easier to monitor usage, plan supports and help participants to stay on track.
What’s changing at MyIntegra?
To support participants, their support networks and providers during this transition, MyIntegra is implementing several key updates:
Reserved funds
For participants with funding periods in their plan, reserved funds will now be created by funding period instead of by the full plan period. Providers are strongly encouraged to include this breakdown when submitting reserved fund requests. It’s important for participants and providers to discuss funding periods to ensure sufficient funds are available for agreed supports, and to avoid over-servicing participants.
Please note that the ability for reserved funds via the MyIntegra portal will be temporarily removed and reintroduced in a future update. To make a reserved fund request, please email [email protected] or call us on 1800 696 347.
Budget Visibility
We’ve updated participants monthly budget reports to clearly distinguish between the total allocated budget and the current released amount.
The MyIntegra portal will also display how much funding has been released for the current plan, providing clearer visibility.
Invoice processing
Our internal systems have been updated to ensure invoices continue to be processed promptly and accurately in line with these changes.
Invoices can still be processed for previous funding periods if funds are available. We encourage prompt invoicing once supports are delivered.
Tips for managing a NDIS plan with funding periods
To help you make the most of your plan:
- Discuss funding periods with your providers to ensure they understand when funding becomes available.
- Make sure your service agreements are aligned with your funding periods to avoid disruptions to support.
- Check your monthly budget reports or the MyIntegra portal regularly to monitor how much funding is available and how it’s being used
- These changes make it more important than ever to plan how your funds will be spent across the lifetime of your NDIS plan. Use our online budget calculator to help plan your budget and supports.
Need more info?
The NDIA is running information sessions to explain these changes – you can find upcoming dates on the NDIS events page here.
You can also read more here about how NDIS funding is included in your plan which includes an explanation of funding components and funding periods.
Join MyIntegra’s webinar: Understanding funding periods in NDIS plans
To better understand what the new changes mean for you and your participants, join us for a practical and informative webinar featuring Jess Harper from Disability Intermediaries Australia (DIA). This is a valuable opportunity to hear directly from a sector leader, ask any pressing questions you have and gain practical strategies to support your participants with confidence.
When: Wednesday 2nd July at 12pm (EST) / 10pm (AWST)
Register today: MyIntegra Webinar: Understanding funding periods in NDIS plans
As always, our team at MyIntegra is here to help you understand and manage your or your participants plan with confidence so you can make informed decisions.
