From 19 May 2025, the NDIA has introduced changes to how NDIS plans are developed under Section 33 (S33) of the NDIS Act. These changes will apply to new and renewed plans. The updates are designed to help participants and providers understand how and when funding can be used, supporting better budgeting and planning throughout the plan period.
What’s changing?
New plans from 19 May 2025 will include:
• The total funding amount for the full plan period.
• Funding component amounts (the total amount of funding for a specific support or group of supports).
• Funding periods (1, 3, 6, or 12 months during which the allocated funding must be used).
• The funding periods will apply from the first day of the plan, not the first day of the calendar period (for example, if the plan starts on 20 May, the first monthly funding period will run from 20 May to 19 June).
Participants can only use funds available in the current funding period.
Claims for supports that go over the available funding within a period will not be paid.
Unused funds from one funding period will roll over to the next funding period within the same plan but not carry over into future plans.
All services and supports must be provided in line with both the funding period and the allocated amount for each funding component.
If a participant is not happy with the funding periods and total budget amounts in their plan they can contact the the NDIA to discuss their options on 1800 800 110 or visiting the NDIS contact page.
Helpful resources
More information can be found at:
• FAQs about funding amounts, components, periods (s33) on the NDIS website.
• The NDIA has released a message from the CEO, including an explanation of funding periods.
• Summary of legislation changes on the NDIS website.
We’re here to support you navigate these changes, if you have questions, please contact our friendly team.
– The Instacare Team
