NDIS Changes to Funding – What You Need to Know
Effective from 19 May 2025
From 19 May 2025, the NDIS is changing the way it gives funding to participants. This change has caused confusion for some people, and we want to help clear things up.
Some participants are worried that:
- Their NDIS funds will disappear if not used each quarter.
- They are losing money or getting less support than before.
Let’s set the record straight:
You are not losing money, and your unspent funds will not disappear. These changes are designed to help you use your funding more fairly and evenly over your full plan.
Why the Change?
In the past, many participants were given their full yearly budget upfront.
This gave flexibility but sometimes caused big problems funds were spent too quickly, leaving people without support for the rest of the year.
Now, with this change, your funds will be given to you in smaller parts across the year. This helps you plan and get the support you need all year round.
| Aspect | Old System | New System (from 19 May 2025) |
| Funding Access | Full annual budget provided at once | Funds released in planned, regular intervals |
| Release Frequency | All at the start of the plan | Quarterly (most supports), Monthly (Home & Living), or as needed (Assistive Tech & Home Modifications) |
| Budgeting Pressure | Easy to overspend early and run short later | Steady, reliable funding supports consistency |
| Who’s Affected? | All plans | Only new or reassessed plans from 19 May 2025 |
What Stays the Same?
- You still get your full annual budget.
- If you don’t use all your funds in a quarter, they roll over to the next quarter.
- You still receive one-off payments for Assistive Technology or Home Modifications.
- You still have choice and control over how your supports are delivered.
Why This Is Good for You
- No more panic halfway through your plan – your funds are spread out to last the full year.
- More support, more often – avoid running out of funds too early.
- Better planning – you and your support team can plan services more evenly across your plan.
- Less stress – no more managing a big lump sum on your own.
- Still flexible – funds not used in one quarter move to the next, so you don’t lose them.
What Should You Do?
If you’re getting a new NDIS plan or your current one is being reassessed after 19 May 2025:
- Talk to your support coordinator, planner, or NDIS partner.
- Work with your team to plan how to use your funding across the year.
- Ask questions – it’s okay to be unsure. You deserve clear answers.
If you’re unsure about anything, we’re here to help.
We’re Here to Help
At SEQ Disability Support, we can:
- Help you understand how the new funding release works.
- Support you with budgeting and planning your supports.
- Connect you with services when you need them.
📞 Contact us today to make the most of your NDIS plan.
Final Word
These changes are not about cutting your support—they are about making it last, reducing stress, and giving you more control.
You still have the power to choose. You still get your full budget. And now, your funds can support you more evenly across your plan. If your budget feels too small, work with your support team to request a reassessment. Don’t wait for the end of your plan—get help early.
Let’s make your NDIS plan work better for you.
