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 may 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, but they do impact when you can access the funds.
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.
Can I pay an old invoice from a future funding period?
You may be able to claim supports in your next funding period if:
- You and your provider agree to claim in the next funding period,
- You have enough funding for the supports you need in that period, and
- Your provider agrees to wait for their payment until your next funding period
If you do need to claim from the next funding period because your current funds have been exhausted, you should review your supports with your providers to ensure you have enough funding for the supports you need. If you don’t think you have enough funding for the supports you need, you could consider a plan variation or reassessment.
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.
How MyIntegra supports funding periods
Reserved funds
For participants with funding periods in their plan, reserved funds are 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-spending.
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?
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.
