A significant administrative change is coming to the NDIS that both providers and participants should have on their radar. From December, the time allowed to make a claim for supports will drop dramatically, from two years down to just 90 days. Here’s what it means and how to prepare.
What’s Changing
From 1 December 2026, the time to make a claim for supports under a participant’s plan will be reduced from two years to 90 days. It’s one of a series of measures aimed at improving visibility over claims and payments across the Scheme.
The shorter window is designed to make claiming more timely and traceable. When claims are submitted close to when supports are actually delivered, it’s far easier to verify they’re genuine, which is central to the government’s broader push on NDIS integrity.
“Failure to retain records will result in a civil penalty,” the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing stated, referring to new record-keeping obligations.
Why It Matters
Long claiming windows have been one of the weaknesses exploited in NDIS fraud, making it harder to match claims to real services. Tightening the timeframe closes that gap and brings the Scheme closer to how other payment systems operate.
The change sits alongside new record-keeping rules. Providers will need to keep records relating to the payment and receipt of NDIS funds for seven years, and where claims exceed a certain threshold, supporting documentation will be required.
What This Means for Providers
For providers, the message is practical: tighten your billing cycles now. A two-year buffer allowed some services to let claiming lag, but from December that approach won’t work. Claims will need to be submitted within 90 days of delivering a support, or risk being unable to claim at all.
This is a good moment to review your invoicing and record-keeping systems. Making sure every support is documented and claimed promptly protects your cash flow and keeps you comfortably on the right side of the new rules. You can follow official updates on the NDIS latest news page.
What This Means for Participants
For participants, the change is largely positive and mostly happens in the background. Prompter claiming means your plan budget reflects real-time spending more accurately, reducing the risk of surprises late in your plan.
It’s worth having a brief conversation with your plan manager or providers to confirm they’re aware of the new timeframe. If you self-manage, keeping your own records organised and claiming promptly becomes even more important. Official information is available on the NDIS legislation changes page.
The Bigger Picture
The 90-day rule is one piece of a much larger integrity agenda that includes a new digital payments system, mandatory provider registration and stronger fraud enforcement. The common goal is a Scheme where every dollar is traceable and protected for the people who rely on it.
For honest providers and participants alike, cleaner and faster claiming ultimately makes the system more reliable. A little preparation before December will make the transition smooth.
Epik Wire covers NDIS reform in plain language for participants and providers. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed.
