What happens if you don’t use all of your NDIS funding?

I Have Some of my Allocated NDIS Funding Leftover: What Happens Now?

Once your NDIS plan ends, your funds halt and any unspent funding will NOT roll over into the new plan. The phrase “use it or lose it” is applicable here as unspent funds are not lost or deducted from your next plan, nor do they roll over.

After each plan review, you’ll receive a new plan outlining your supports and funds for the next period of time. While you have choice and control to strategically spend your funds throughout the year, unspent money will not be rolled over. The funding you have been provided is allocated for that period and is deemed the ‘reasonable and necessary’ amount that you would require to make it through that allocated time frame.

Reasons for Unspent NDIS Funding

There are several reasons why parts of your funding may go unused, including a significant or urgent change in circumstances, lack of local support or difficulties choosing adequate providers for your needs.
The good news is that having leftover NDIS funding doesn’t mean your future funding will be reduced. The NDIA determines your next plan based on your current disability-related support needs, not by looking at the funds you didn’t spend in your previous plan.

How to Maximise Your Plan

Here are some quick tips to ensure you are making the most of your plan to prevent unused spending that is allocated to you!

1. Know Your Plan: Understanding where your funding is allocated is crucial. This knowledge helps you ensure that none of your funds go to waste. To make budget tracking easier, consider using YCPM’s free budget tracking app. Contact us to download yours today.
2. Seek Guidance: If you find it challenging to understand your plan or allocate supports, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. If you are self-managed, you can contact the NDIS directly. If you are Plan Managed, Help at Hand is just a call away and can guide you step by step in finding the best course of action for your needs.
3. Explore Alternatives: If you can’t find local providers, consider looking into alternative providers or telehealth options. Sometimes, the right provider may not be just around the corner.
4. Make the Most of Your Core Supports’ Flexibility: Your Core supports budget is quite flexible. It means you can shift money from one category to another. Depending on what your goals are, you may choose to use this funding to support volunteering, work experience or learning a new skill.

It’s important to communicate any changes that you have had in your circumstances to your NDIS Planner or Support Coordinator during the review to ensure that your NDIS Plan accurately reflects your current situation and needs.