NDIS Claiming Timeframe Reduced to 90 Days: A guide for Providers

From December 2026, claims must be submitted within 90 days of the date the support was delivered. Providers currently have up to two years to submit a payment request.

The change come from the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Act 2026. Parliament passed the Bill on 19 August 2026 and it received Royal Assent the following day.

This article explains how the shorter claiming timeframe affects providers, why invoice timing matters and what you can do before the changes.

The NDIA has not yet published every detail about how the change will work in practice, including how it will apply to supports delivered before the new timeframe begins.

What providers need to know

The 90-day timeframe is counted from the date the support is delivered. It is not counted from the invoice date; the date we receive the invoice, or the date the provider is paid.

Each support date has its own claim deadline. If one invoice covers supports delivered on several dates, each service date has a separate claim deadline.

For plan-managed funding, the 90 days cover the full claiming process. This includes the provider sending the invoice, we check it, any correction being completed and the eligible claim being submitted to the NDIA.

For example, an invoice received on day 80 leaves limited time for checking, correction and submission, even when the invoice is complete and correct. Sending invoices soon after supports are delivered gives each stage enough time.

The current NDIS guide to getting paid sets the present limit. It also advises providers to ask for payment as soon as possible after delivering a NDIS support. That guidance remains useful as providers prepare for the shorter timeframe.

The NDIS has not yet explained how the new timeframe will apply to every support delivered before December 2026. Until official guidance is published, review any outstanding invoices and send them as soon as possible.

What providers can do before December 2026

Review your records. Compare the supports you have delivered with the invoices you have issued and the payments you have received. Check for:

• supports delivered but not yet invoiced

• invoices sent but not confirmed as received

• invoices returned for correction

• payments requiring follow-up

• subcontractor invoices your business has not yet received

This review can help identify supports that still need to be invoiced.

Send outstanding invoices promptly. Prioritise invoices for supports delivered earlier in the year. Include accurate service dates, so these are used to work out each claim deadline. If First2Care provides the participant's plan management, we can confirm which invoices are recorded as received or submitted. You can compare this information with our own records.

Invoice regularly. A weekly or fortnightly invoicing leaves more time to check information and correct errors before a claim deadline. It also gives you a more current record of the supports delivered and amounts invoiced.

Check your subcontractor arrangements. If subcontractors deliver supports through your business, set a clear timeframe for them to send their invoices. Ask them to include accurate service dates and enough information to identify each support delivered. Receiving their invoices promptly gives your business more time to prepare and send its own invoice.

Make sure invoices meet NDIS requirements. This mostly includes your ABN, the participant's name and NDIS number, the service date or dates, a clear description of the support, the correct support item or claiming code and a price within the NDIS Pricing Schedule for that support and location.

If information is missing or appears incorrect, we may need to contact you before we can complete the invoice check and submit an eligible claim. This may increase the time needed to process the invoice.

For further guidance, refer to Invoicing and Record-Keeping for NDIS Providers.

How First2Care works with providers

First2Care checks each invoice against the participant's plan-managed funding, the funding currently available and the NDIS claiming requirements that apply.

We aim to check complete and correct invoices and submit eligible claims to the NDIA within 1 to 2 business days of receiving them.

Any information's missing or appears incorrect, we contact the provider and explain what needs to be updated. The provider can then send a corrected invoice. We may also send follow-up reminders while we are waiting for information or a corrected invoice.

If you already invoice soon after delivering supports, your current process is likely to meet the new timeframe. However, if you have outstanding invoices, now is a good time to review and send them.

If you are not sure whether you have any unsubmitted invoices with participants whose plan is managed by First2Care. we are here to help. You may call our team at 1300 322 273 or email accounts@first2care.com.au.

Frequently asked questions about 90-day claiming timeframe

When does the 90-day claiming timeframe start?

It applies from December 2026.

What date does the 90 days count from?

The date the support was delivered. It is not counted from the invoice date, the date the plan manager receives the invocie, or the date you are paid.

What is the current claiming timeframe? 

The NDIS Guide to getting paid states that payment requests must be submitted within two years after an NDIS support has been delivered.

If one invoice covers several service dates, which deadline applies?

Each service date has its own claim deadline. The earliest date on the invoice carries the earliest deadline.

How long do providers need to keep claim records? 

From 27 August 2026, providers must keep records relating to NDIS claims for 7 years. Participants and plan managers keep records for 3 years.