So now that we’ve had some time to digest the funding periods that the NDIA introduced on 19 May, how has this impacted your participants and your business?
What Are NDIS Funding Periods?
For those not in the know, the NDIA have created a new variation of NDIS plans where a participant’s funds can be allocated to “periods” that can range from one month to 12 months within the overall plan timeframe.
The NDIA have stated that once funds have been exhausted for a funding period, no further funds can be claimed for services provided during that same period. Their stated intention is to prevent providers from exhausting participant’s plan funds early and requesting a new plan, which can artificially inflate the overall value of the participant’s plan.
What We’ve Seen in Practice
While not all new plans have Support Coordination funds spread evenly across quarterly periods, the majority of new plans do include this feature. In many cases, this does not allow Support Coordinators to fulfil their regulatory obligations.
In some situations, we have applied for a change of situation due to a crisis or a sudden deterioration in the participant’s needs. The outcome has sometimes been a reduced Support Coordination budget that has also been allocated into funding periods of one to three months. This has a significant impact on our ability to:
- Generate an action plan
- Conduct appropriate risk assessments
- Ensure all existing services update their service agreements
- Respond effectively to changes in the participant’s plan or support needs
Even when a participant has a plan extension, it is best practice to conduct a stakeholder meeting to formally review the previous 12 months and plan for the year ahead.
In addition, most participants require an implementation report to be submitted to the NDIA within 8 weeks of a new plan commencing. As most Support Coordinators are aware, the first 8–12 weeks is always the most intensive period of interaction with participants — with the exception of crisis situations or sudden changes.
Responding to Funding Period Allocations
Whilst we cannot change this policy directly, we can and must respond immediately to any participant whose allocation of Support Coordination budget into funding periods may place them, or your financial viability, at risk.
The best approach is to submit an urgent request for a plan variation by completing the “Change of details or change of situation” form.
- On page 4, Part E: My plan has an error, write something like:
“The Support Coordination funding has been allocated into periods which will not allow my Support Coordinator to complete all of the tasks mandated by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission at the commencement of my new plan, whilst implementing all of the other tasks required at the commencement of my new plan.” - On page 5, Part H: My situation has changed, tick the boxes for:
“I need more or different supports urgently”
“Plan Variation”
We also recommend calling the NDIS Provider Support team (1300 311 675) as soon as your allocated budget for that period is close to exhaustion. Request that a delegate approve the continuation of your support after the funds for that period have been exhausted.
- If possible, obtain written approval (via email).
- If verbal approval is all you can get, ensure you record the receipt number.
- If your participant’s SC budget has already been exhausted, continue following up until approval has been received.
Tips & Tricks for Support Coordinators
- Be proactive: monitor participant budgets closely and act early if exhaustion is likely.
- Always document your communications and approvals (written or verbal).
- Use the Change of Situation form correctly to highlight compliance obligations.
- Ensure implementation reports and risk assessments are prioritised in the first 8–12 weeks of a new plan.
How Support Coordination Software Can Help
Whilst we cannot change NDIA policy, Sonic Software’s Support Coordination Software can help you keep track of budgets across funding periods. A new feature allows you to input funding periods directly into the system, giving you real-time oversight and alerts when the next funding period is due.
This helps you manage your budget and your time more effectively — so you can focus on what matters most: maintaining your participant’s safety and wellbeing while supporting them to pursue their NDIS plan goals.
👉 Want to find out more about how Support Coordination Software helps you track budgets, stay compliant, and manage your workload in real time?
Click here to book a demo or sign up for a no obligation 14-day free trial.