Navigating NDIS Funding Periods: Making the Most of Quarterly Budget Cycles

If you've recently had your NDIS plan reassessed or are starting a new plan, you might have noticed something different: your funding is no longer available all at once. Welcome to NDIS funding periods – a major change that's rolling out across Australia to help participants manage their budgets more effectively.

For Adelaide participants and carers working with Parability Support, understanding these new quarterly budget cycles is essential to making the most of your NDIS plan. Here's everything you need to know about navigating funding periods and ensuring you have the supports you need, when you need them.

What Are NDIS Funding Periods?

Since May 19, 2025, the NDIA has been gradually introducing funding periods into all new and reassessed NDIS plans. Instead of receiving your entire plan budget upfront (which used to be the standard 12-month allocation), your funding is now released in smaller, manageable instalments throughout your plan's duration.

Think of it like a regular pay cycle rather than an annual lump sum. Your total funding amount hasn't changed – only when you can access it.

Here's how it typically works:

• Quarterly (3-month periods): Most supports will be released every three months. For example, if you have $20,000 allocated for Assistance with Daily Life over 12 months, you'll receive approximately $5,000 at the start of your plan, then another $5,000 every quarter.

• Monthly releases: High-cost ongoing supports like Supported Independent Living (SIL) are usually released monthly to align with how you use these services.

• Upfront funding: One-off purchases like Assistive Technology or home modifications may still be released at the start of your plan so you can make those important purchases right away.

Why the Change?

The NDIA heard feedback from participants that having access to their full budget from day one made budgeting difficult. Around 15% of participants were running out of funds before their plan ended, leading to gaps in support and the need for emergency plan reviews.

Funding periods are designed to reduce the risk of overspending early in your plan and help you pace your spending more consistently across the full 12 months. The goal is to give you flexibility while also protecting you from accidentally exhausting your budget too soon.

Three Things You Need to Know About Funding Periods

1. Unused Funds Roll Over (Within Your Current Plan)

One of the best features of funding periods is that if you don't spend everything in one period, it doesn't disappear. Those unused funds automatically roll over into your next funding period within the same plan.

For example: You have $3,000 available for occupational therapy in your first quarter, but you only spend $1,500. When the next funding period begins, you'll have $4,500 available ($3,000 from the new period plus $1,500 carried over).

Important: This rollover only works within your current plan. Any unspent funds remaining when your plan ends will not carry over into your next plan. This makes it crucial to use your allocated funding during your plan's lifecycle.

2. You Can't Borrow from Future Periods

Unlike a credit card, you can't access funding from future periods early. You can only use what's available in your current funding period, plus any rolled-over amounts from previous periods within the same plan.

If your needs change significantly and you require more funding sooner than planned, you'll need to discuss a plan reassessment with the NDIA. Getting ahead of this conversation is important – don't wait until you've exhausted your current funds before reaching out.

3. Your Funding Period Starts with Your Plan Start Date

This is a detail that trips people up: your funding periods don't align with calendar months. They start on the day your plan begins.

So if your plan starts on March 15th, your first quarterly funding period runs from March 15th to June 14th, the next from June 15th to September 14th, and so on. You can see your exact funding period dates in the NDIS myplace portal or your plan documentation.

Practical Tips for Managing Quarterly Funding Periods

Track Your Spending Regularly

With quarterly releases, staying on top of your budget becomes even more important. Check your remaining balance in the myplace portal every few weeks. Many participants find it helpful to set a monthly reminder to review their spending.

Plan Your Supports Strategically

Sit down with your support coordinator or a trusted family member at the start of each funding period and map out the supports you'll need for those three months. Consider:

• Regular weekly supports (like support workers or therapy sessions)

• Seasonal variations (you might need more transport funding in winter, or more social participation support in summer)

• Any upcoming assessments or reviews

• Buffer room for unexpected needs

Don't Let Funds Sit Unused

Remember, any unspent money at the end of your plan doesn't carry over. If you notice you're consistently underspending each quarter, it's worth exploring whether there are additional supports that could benefit you.

Could you book a few extra therapy sessions? Would some assistive technology improve your daily life? Is there a social program you've been curious about? Your NDIS funding is there to support you in living your best life – make sure you're using it.

Keep Good Records

Maintain copies of all invoices, service agreements, and receipts. This documentation helps you understand your spending patterns and makes it easier to justify funding needs during your next plan review.

If you find that certain supports are costing more than expected or that you're regularly running short in specific categories, having clear records will support your case for increased funding in those areas.

What If Your Circumstances Change?

Life doesn't always fit into neat three-month boxes. If your disability support needs change unexpectedly – perhaps due to a health setback, a change in living situation, or new goals you want to pursue – you can request a plan reassessment.

Don't wait until you've completely exhausted your funding before raising concerns. Early communication with the NDIA means you're less likely to experience gaps in support.

How Parability Support Can Help

At Parability Support, we understand that these funding changes can feel overwhelming, especially if you're new to the NDIS or managing your plan for the first time. We're here to help you navigate quarterly funding periods and make the most of every dollar in your plan.

Whether you need support with understanding your funding breakdown, connecting with service providers, or simply want someone to talk through your options with, our Adelaide-based team is ready to partner with you on your NDIS journey.

The introduction of funding periods is ultimately about giving you better control and helping you avoid the stress of running out of funding before your plan ends. With the right planning, regular monitoring, and support from experienced providers like Parability, you can make quarterly funding periods work for you.

Ready to discuss how funding periods affect your NDIS plan? Contact the Parability Support team today for personalised guidance and support.