What Happens If I Don't Use All My NDIS Funding?

You spend months planning how to use your NDIS funds, but life happens. Maybe you couldn't find the right support worker. Perhaps health issues prevented you from attending therapy sessions. Or you simply weren't sure what services you could purchase.

Now you're staring at unused funding and wondering what happens next.

The reality is straightforward but important to understand. Unused NDIS funding does not roll over to your next plan.

During the NDIS Plan Period

Under the new funding periods system introduced in May 2025, your NDIS budget gets divided into smaller instalments released throughout your plan period. Most support categories receive funds quarterly, while Home and Living supports like Supported Independent Living are released monthly.

Any funds you don't spend during a funding period automatically roll over to the next period within the same plan. This gives you flexibility to build up funds for larger purchases or adjust your support needs across different periods.

Your unused funds keep accumulating throughout your plan period. If you spend less in the first quarter, those remaining funds add to your second quarter allocation.

You cannot access future funding periods early unless the NDIA approves a plan variation. Each funding period has specific start and end dates linked to your plan commencement date, not calendar months.

At the End of the NDIS Plan

When your plan reaches its end date, any unspent funding returns to the NDIA. This applies whether you're self-managed, plan-managed, or NDIA-managed.

The distinction between plan rollovers and plan renewals becomes critical here. A plan rollover extends your existing plan for typically 12 months, and unspent funds remain available. A plan renewal creates a completely new plan with fresh dates, and unused funds from the previous plan do not carry over.

Your next plan's funding allocation depends on your reassessment, not your previous spending patterns. The NDIA evaluates your current needs, goals, and circumstances during the planning review process.

What to Do If You Have Unspent Funds

Track your spending regularly using the myplace portal through MyGov. This shows your current budget balance and helps you identify available funds before your plan expires.

Consider these options for utilising remaining funds:

Book additional therapy sessions if you have Capacity Building funds available. Many allied health professionals can provide intensive blocks of service near your plan end date.

Purchase approved assistive technology or equipment that supports your goals. Research and obtain quotes early, as approval processes can take time.

Increase support worker hours for personal care or community participation activities. Extra support can help you achieve goals faster.

Access transport assistance to attend medical appointments, social activities, or community programs you've been postponing.

Engage a Support Coordinator if you haven't already. They can help identify services and connect you with providers quickly.

Document legitimate reasons for underutilisation. Valid reasons include illness preventing service access, natural disasters, provider waitlists, or difficulty finding suitable services in your area. Keep records of your attempts to spend funds and any barriers encountered.

Bringing It All Together (NDIS Funding)

The "use it or lose it" principle applies to NDIS funding, but smart planning can help you avoid waste. Start tracking your spending early in your plan period using simple tools like spreadsheets or the myplace portal.

Set up regular check-ins every few months to review your budget utilisation. This prevents last-minute scrambles and ensures you can access needed supports consistently.

Build relationships with multiple service providers early in your plan. Having options available makes it easier to book services when you need to spend remaining funds.

Prepare thoroughly for your plan review by documenting what worked, what didn't, and why funds went unused. This evidence helps your planner understand your circumstances and maintain appropriate funding levels in future plans.

Remember that unused funding doesn't automatically reduce your next plan's allocation. The NDIA reassesses your needs during each planning review, considering your current goals and circumstances rather than simply looking at previous spending patterns.

Your NDIS plan exists to support your goals and independence. While you should avoid wasteful spending, don't let fear of losing funds prevent you from accessing the supports you need. Focus on using your funding purposefully throughout the plan period, and maintain clear documentation for your planning reviews.