Updated 21/05/2025
Here is the latest information to support your child and family.
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NDIS funding periods
The NDIS has introduced funding periods for all new and reassessed plans that start from the 19th May 2025.
Funding periods start on the first day of your child’s plan.
Most plans will have three-month funding periods. This means the funding in your child’s plan will be released in smaller chunks, every three months.
You will receive a budget for core and capacity building every three months. This may affect how you plan school holidays, especially during the longer summer break.
If you have a budget for assistive technology or home modifications, funds will be released in full at the start of the plan.
If you don’t use all the money in one period, it will be rolled into the next period. But any money left at the end of your child’s plan won’t be rolled into a new plan.
When you or your plan manager claims for a service that goes across two funding periods, you must make two separate claims.
You will be able to see how you are tracking against the funding period in your NDIS portal.
Generally, plans will have three-month funding periods, but the NDIS can set the funding period from one month to 12 months. Check the NDIS portal to find out what funding periods apply to your child’s plan.
Useful link
Funding amounts, components and periods | NDIS
NDIS support lists
There are new rules from October 2024 that make it clear what NDIS funding can and can’t be spent on. These are called NDIS supports.
Firstly, don’t panic. During 2025 the NDIS is taking an education approach to helping participants understand how they can use their plan.
Most things that families use their child’s NDIS plan for are all on the list of things you CAN buy.
When you buy things with your child’s NDIS plan they need to be on the list of things you can buy PLUS they must relate to your child’s disability and support their goals.
This includes:
- Support workers
- Allied health therapies, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and key workers
- Specialist positive behaviour support
- Specialist equipment
- Adaptive products
- Short-term accommodation
- Support coordination
- Plan management
Things you CAN’T buy include:
- Day-to-day living costs, e.g., food, rent, clothes
- Standard indoor or outdoor play equipment
- General health, fitness, social or recreational activity costs
- General parenting programs
- Costs associated with early childhood education or school
- Smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets
Replacement items
There is also a list of items that are called replacement items. This includes smart phones, smart watches and tablets.
You can apply to the NDIS to use your child’s NDIS plan to purchase a replacement item. You will need evidence that the replacement item will be better value and provide better outcomes for your child.
If you buy something that is not an NDIS support
If you make a minor mistake (less than $1,500) and buy something that is not on the list, the NDIS will work with you to understand the rules.
Useful link
Easy Read information
More information
This is general information only.
For specific information about your child’s NDIS plan, please contact your Early Childhood Coordinator, Local Area Coordinator, or Support Coordinator.
You can contact the NDIS on 1800 800 110