The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has introduced a new way of managing participant budgets—funding periods. This change, which came into effect on 19 May 2025, is designed to make it easier for participants to manage their funding over time and reduce the risk of overspending or running out of funds too early.
At Sylvanvale, we’re here to help you understand what this means and how it may affect your plan.
What Are Funding Periods?
Funding periods divide your NDIS plan budget into smaller, time-based segments. For most supports, this means your funding will now be released quarterly, rather than all at once. This approach helps with budgeting and ensures funds are available throughout the life of your plan.
Some supports are treated differently:
- Home & Living supports: Released monthly.
- Assistive technology and home modifications: Usually paid as a lump sum upfront.
If you don’t use all your funds in one period, the remaining balance rolls over to the next—so you won’t lose it during your plan. However, any unspent funds at the end of your plan won’t carry over into a new one.
When Do Funding Periods Start?
Funding periods begin from the start date of your new or reassessed plan—not the start of the calendar month. For example, if your plan starts on 25 May, your first funding period also begins on that date.
These changes apply only to plans approved or reassessed from 19 May 2025 onwards. If your current plan was approved before this date, it will continue under the previous arrangements.
How Does This Benefit You?
At Sylvanvale, we believe that strong financial management supports better outcomes. These changes are designed to:
- Help you plan and pace your spending.
- Reduce the risk of running out of funds early.
- Provide more consistent access to supports throughout your plan.
When funding is managed well, it creates stability—not just for you, but for your support team too. That means better continuity of care and more time focused on what matters most: achieving your goals.
Need Help or Have Questions?
More information, including details on how funding periods work, can be found here
We understand that changes like these can be confusing.
Our team is here to support you every step of the way. If you have questions about your plan specifically, please contact our Customer Engagement Team on
1300 244 577 or email customers@sylvanvale.com.au.
