NDIS Funding Periods Explained: Plan Rollover vs. Renewal and What It Means for Your Budget

With the recent shift to the new PACE system, many NDIS participants and providers are being introduced to unfamiliar terms such as funding periods, plan rollovers, and plan renewals. These changes affect how and when funds can be used, and in some cases, whether unspent funds remain available.

This article aims to clearly explain what these changes mean — and how to navigate them.

What Are Funding Periods?

As of mid-2025, NDIS plans built in the PACE system are structured into funding periods, which divide the overall plan budget into smaller, time-based segments. These are typically quarterly, although some categories — such as Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Plan Management — may be split monthly.

Each funding period has a specific start and end date, and you are only able to access:

• The funding allocated to your current funding period
  
  
• Any unspent funds from previous funding periods within the same plan
  
  

You cannot access funding from upcoming periods unless there are special circumstances and a plan variation is approved by the NDIA.

How Unspent Funds Work Within a Plan

If you do not use all of your funding in a current funding period, the remaining balance will roll over into the next funding period — but only within the same plan.

For example, if you have $2,500 allocated for January–March and you only use $1,000, the remaining $1,500 will be added to the April–June funding period. This can be helpful when planning larger purchases, such as assistive technology or assessments, particularly if funding was not front-loaded.

However, funding is still limited to the total budget of the plan, so overspending in early periods can reduce availability later.

What Happens When a Plan Ends?

When a plan reaches its end date, the NDIA may either roll over the existing plan or issue a plan renewal. These are not the same thing — and the distinction has real implications for funding access.

Plan Rollover (Extension of the Same Plan)

• The existing plan is extended, typically by 12 months.
• The funding amounts and structure remain the same.
• Unspent funds from the original plan remain available, in addition to the renewed budget.
• Common, when a review hasn’t been completed in time.

Plan Renewal (New Plan, New Dates)

• A new plan is issued with fresh start and end dates.
• While the supports may be similar, it is treated as a new plan.
• Unspent funds from the previous plan do not carry over.
• This is often offered when the NDIA determines that a full review is not needed.

It’s important to note that NDIS letters do not always clearly explain which of these has occurred. If you are unsure whether your plan has been rolled over or renewed, it is essential to confirm with your Plan Manager or Support Coordinator.

Why This Matters

Understanding the difference between funding periods and the type of plan transition you’ve received ensures:

• Funding is used effectively throughout the year
• Providers are billing in alignment with the correct funding period
• Participants are not left without access to necessary supports or at risk of unpaid invoices

These changes also require clear communication between participants, providers, and Plan Managers. For providers, it’s important to deliver services within the agreed-upon budget period, and for participants, to plan supports in a way that aligns with available funding in each stage of the plan.

Key Takeaways

• Funding periods divide your NDIS budget into quarterly or monthly time blocks.
  
• You can use current period funds and any unspent funds from earlier periods within the same plan.
  
• You cannot access future period funds unless approved by NDIA.
  
• A plan rollover continues your existing plan and includes unspent funds.
  
• A plan renewal starts a new plan and does not carry over any remaining funds.

Need Support Navigating Your Plan?

If you’re unsure how your NDIS funding is structured or whether you’ve received a plan rollover or a plan renewal, Empowrd is here to help.

We support NDIS participants and families across Australia with one-on-one guidance through our NDIS consulting services, providing clarity around your plan, funding periods, and how to get the most out of your supports.

We also offer:

• Support coordination, based locally in Port Lincoln, Eyre Peninsula
• Plan management, available Australia-wide

Our goal is simple: to help you feel confident and in control of your NDIS journey.

Get in touch with our team today — and take the guesswork out of your plan.