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What Happens to Unused NDIS Funding?
You don't have to spend every dollar in your NDIS plan.
If you have funding left over, what happens next depends on whether you're moving into another funding period or getting a new plan.
Here's how it works.
Does unused NDIS funding roll over?
Yes, if you're moving into another funding period within the same plan.
Think of your NDIS funding like a water tank. If you don't use all the water during one funding period, what's left stays in the tank for the next period of the same plan.
For example:
- You start with $3,000 for a funding period.
- You spend $2,200.
- You have $800 left.
- Another $3,000 becomes available in the next period.
You now have $3,800 available for that part of your plan, assuming there are no other claims or restrictions affecting your balance.
The rollover stays within the same funding component. It doesn't mean you can move money into any support category you choose.
Read the NDIS guide to funding periods.
What happens when my NDIS plan ends?
Unused funding doesn't transfer into a new NDIS plan. Your new plan will have its own funding amounts and rules.
However, if the NDIA continues your existing plan rather than issuing a new one, your remaining funding can stay available under that continued plan.
A plan continuation is different from receiving a new plan.
Will I get less funding next time if I don't spend it all?
Not automatically.
The NDIA looks at your support needs when deciding your next plan. It may also ask why some funding wasn't used.
For example, you might have had trouble finding a provider or booking a service.
If you regularly use much less funding than planned, the NDIA may look more closely at whether you still need those supports.
You don't need to spend funding just to use it up.
Can I spend unused funding on something else?
Sometimes, but only within the rules of your plan.
Some Core Supports funding is flexible. This means you may be able to use it across eligible Core support categories.
Other funding is stated and must be used for the support or purpose listed in your plan. Unused funding doesn't remove these rules.
Read the NDIS guide to support budgets.
How do I check my unused funding?
You can check your NDIS plan, participant portal or my NDIS app. If you're plan-managed, you can also ask your plan manager.
Remember to check for provider invoices that haven't been paid yet and supports you've already booked. Your displayed balance may not reflect all these costs.
This can help you avoid booking more supports than your budget can cover.
Need help keeping track of your NDIS budget?
Kismet Healthcare helps plan-managed participants understand their available funding, track spending and manage eligible provider invoices.
Learn more about Kismet Plan Management.