NDIS Funding Periods: What Providers Need to Know
Some NDIS plans make funding available in set periods.
Funding periods began being introduced gradually from 19 May 2025 for new and reassessed plans. Most are set at 3 months, although the NDIA may set another length based on the participant's needs and circumstances.
Funding periods keep the participant's total plan funding the same. They change when each part becomes available.
This article explains how funding periods may affect service planning and invoice processing.
What is a funding period?
A funding period is a set block of time during which part of a participant's funding is released. A funding component is the pool of funding attached to a support or group of supports, and each component has its own funding periods. This means the periods that apply to one type of support may differ from another within the same plan.
Each participant's funding periods may be structured differently. We encourage providers to check in regularly with participants about the current and upcoming supports, and to confirm budget information with the participant or their plan manager where needed.
What happens to unused funding?
Any unspent funding remaining at the end of a funding period rolls over automatically into the next funding period within the same plan.
When the plan comes to an end, unspent funds do not roll over into the new plan. The new plan has its own funding amounts.
For more information, refer to the NDIA's What is NDIS funding and its news update change to NDIS funding periods.
When does future-period funding become available?
A participant can use the funding released for the current period. Funding assigned to the next period usually becomes available when that period starts.
Providers should plan supports using the funding currently available. If the participant's circumstances or support needs change, they can speak with their my NDIS contact about the options that may apply.
Participants can also ask the NDIA or their plan manager what support may be available before the next funding period starts.
Invoices for supports delivered in an earlier funding period
A provider may send an invoice after the funding period in which the support was delivered.
Once the relevant funding has been released, First2Care can review the invoice using the available plan, funding and invoice information. We consider:
the date the support was delivered
whether the date falls within the participant's plan
the applicable funding component
the funding currently available
whether the support is in line with the participant's plan
whether the invoice includes the information required for processing
Continue to send invoices with accurate information about the supports delivered. If further information is required, First2care will contact you and explain what to provide.
Once the invoice matches the participant's plan and current NDIS requirements, the claiming process continues as usual.
Two things that help during a funding period
Invoice soon after delivering supports. This gives the participant and their plan manager a current view of plan spending. If you use monthly or quarterly billing cycles, allow time for invoice checks and updates. For the full checklist, refer to First2Care Invoicing Guide for Faster Payments.
Keep service agreements current. If there is a change to the supports delivered, the agreed price, how a service is charged or provider travel, a new service agreement will need to be created and signed. Discuss proposed changes with the participant and record what you agree before applying.
How First2Care handles provider invoices
First2Care checks each invoice against the participant's plan-managed funding, the relevant funding component, the amount currently available, and the information included on the invoice.
We aim to process complete and correct invoices within 1 to 2 business days. This is our internal processing aim. NDIA processing also forms part of the overall payment timeframe. If we need more information, we will contact you and explain what to provide.
You may send invoices to accounts@first2care.com.au. For questions about how a funding period may affect an invoice, call us at 1300 322 273.
Frequently asked questions about funding periods and invoicing
Do funding periods reduce a participant's total funding?
No. Funding periods keep the total plan funding the same. They change when each part becomes available.
How long is a funding period?
Most funding periods are set in three months though some budgets such as Home and Living are monthly. The NDIA may set another length based on the participant's needs and circumstances.
What happens to funding a participant does not use?
Unspent funding rolls over into the next funding period within the same plan. It does not carry over over into the new plan.
Can I still invoice for a support delivered in an earlier funding period?
Yes. Once the relevant funding is released, First2Care can review the invoice. We check the support date, the applicable funding component, the funding currently available and the invoice information.
Can First2Care release funding from a future period?
No. Plan managers cannot release funding early or change a plan. If a participant's circumstances or support needs change, they can speak with their my NDIS contact about the options that may apply.
