As the NDIS continues to evolve, we know that many people are seeking clarity about how funding periods work and what they mean for day-to-day supports. We want to provide a clear explanation and reassure you that the Wallara team is here to guide you through these changes.
What is a funding period?
A funding period outlines the amount of funding that can be used within specific dates. These periods can vary — some are monthly, others are every three months — and most NDIS plans now run for two to five years, with funding periods clearly stated in the plan.
Different supports, different funding periods
Funding periods are designed to match the way supports are delivered. While there are exceptions, generally:
- Plans with Home and Living supports use monthly funding periods, with funds released 12 times a year.
- High-cost, regular supports such as Supported Independent Living (SIL) often follow the same monthly structure.
- For larger one-off purchases, such as a custom wheelchair, more funding is available at the start of the plan to allow for that purchase.
- CORE and Finding and Keeping a Job typically have 3 month funding periods
How funding works across these periods
The funding period model is intended to support steady, consistent use of supports throughout your plan. There are some important rules to be aware of:
- Unused funds at the end of a funding period will roll over into the next period.
- Funds not spent by the end of your plan will not carry over into a new plan.
- You cannot access funds from a future funding period early.
In urgent situations, the NDIA may choose to bring forward funds from a future period, but this does not increase the total budget of your plan.
Overspending cannot be covered by future funding periods. If supports exceed the available budget for that period, the NDIS will reject those invoices.
We understand that navigating these rules can feel complex. Please know that our team is here to support you — whether that’s helping you understand your plan, monitoring your funding, or preparing for a review.
