New “funding periods” in NDIS plans
As part of the ongoing implementation of the “Getting the NDIS Back on Track” amendments to the NDIS Act (see my article published on the commencement date, 3 October 2024), the NDIA started the roll out “funding periods” in plans on 19 May 2025.
What does this mean? Whereas previously, the NDIA released the entire plan funding at the start of the plan period, it will now do so incrementally at the start of each “funding period” set in the plan, and for each budget category.
Funding periods may be between 1 and 12 months but the default is 3 months. Funding not used in one funding period will automatically rollover into the next.
What to do if you agree with the total funding in the plan, but want the funding periods changed (eg, from 1 to 3 months)? You can request a plan variation (s47A, NDIS Act).
What to do if disagree with the funding amounts and the funding periods in the plan? You can request a plan reassessment (s48, NDIS Act) if your circumstances are changed, or alternatively an internal review of the plan decision (s100, NDIS Act).
For more information on funding periods, go to the NDIS website page entitled How do we include the NDIS funding in your plan?.
NDIS Price Guide Changes from 1 July 2025
On 16 June 2025, the NDIA released its NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2025-26 (aka the “price guide”) effective from 1 July 2025.
Below are the key changes:
- The age limit for supports under the early childhood approach will increase from 7 to 9 years old.
- The maximum price for physiotherapy will reduce to $183.99 per hour (a $10 decrease).
- The maximum price for dietetics and podiatry will reduce to $188.99 per hour ($5 decrease).
- The maximum price for psychology will increase to $232.99 per hour ($10 increase) and this will be apply in all states and territories.
- Therapy support providers must only charge 50% of their applicable maximum hourly rate for their travel time. This time is capped at 30 minutes (per return trip) for travel in metropolitan areas and regional centres and 60 minutes (per return trip) in regional areas.
- The hourly rate for Disability Support Worker services will increase by 3.95% to reflect the changes to the national minimum wage and Superannuation Guarantee.
- There is a new explanation of provider responsibilities and a provider’s duty to declare and manage any conflict of interest.
The new price guide can be found at https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/pricing-arrangements.
Need help to work out what the changes mean for you?
The NDIS is constantly changing in this time of “Getting the NDIS back on track” reform. Please contact us to enquire about our personalised legal advice and support services.
