DOCUMENT 4
Outlook
For Information and Cascade: Introduction to Funding Periods [SEC=OFFICIAL]
From: Rianna <redacted: s22(1)(a)(ii) - irrelevant material>
Date: Wed 30/04/2025 3:47 PM
To: Rachael <redacted: s22(1)(a)(ii) - irrelevant material>
Hi Partner Change leads,
From 19 May 2025 (planned date for this change), all new and reassessed plans will include different length funding periods. This change will focus on the delivery of Funding Periods to apply on Funding Component Amount, to align with Section 33 legislative amendments.
This is considered a high impact change for Partners to enable them to support participants and their nominees understand these changes and spend in accordance with their plan.
What is the change:
Since 9 October 2024, all new and reassessed plans have included funding periods. Up until 18 May 2025, those funding periods have been 12-months long. For most participants, funding periods will be 3-months. This means participants get regular, manageable amounts across the duration of their plan. Funding periods don’t change the total amount of funding in a participant’s plan. What’s changing is when that funding becomes available.
The key change for partners, is how they support participants to understand their plan and manage their funding.
The introduction of 3-month funding periods for most participants means that partners will need to assist participants in adjusting to more frequent budget releases, ensuring they understand how to manage their funds over shorter intervals. This change aims to prevent overspending and running out of funds too early, but it also requires agency and partner staff to provide clear guidance and support. Additionally, staff will need to be well-versed in the new system to help participants navigate the participant portal and my NDIS app, where they can track their funding periods and usage.
What next:
Partners will need to become familiar with understanding Funding Components and Funding Periods which may apply to individual supports, budget categories or the total plan funding. To assist learning more about Funding Components, and Funding Periods there has been a voluntary LEAP module called: Section 33 (s33) Funding Periods in PACE- Applying s33 Provisions. This training will support the understanding of changes to PACE and how to implement funding periods. Whilst this training has been developed specifically for Frontline staff, Partner Change leads are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the training and cascade the LEAP module to all Frontline staff.
You can find more information here:
The Agency is continuing to facilitate regular change meetings on Funding Component and Funding Periods and anticipate further information will be shared over the coming weeks, with updated information on next steps.
[Partner Change Leads SCB update 20250417.pptx](Partner Change Leads SCB update 20250417.pptx)
Rianna Assistant Director Partners Branch National Operations