From 1 December 2026, the usual deadline for submitting an NDIS claim will reduce from two years to 90 days after the support is delivered.
The deadline is about submitting the claim to the NDIA, not simply sending an invoice to a participant or plan manager. Providers should invoice early so there is time to check details and lodge the claim.
Last updated: . The new deadline has not yet started.
When does the NDIS 90-day claiming rule start?
The Government's NDIS reform guidance confirms the change starts on 1 December 2026.
Until then, the usual claiming limit remains two years after a support is delivered. However, extra checks already apply to claims submitted more than 90 days after delivery.
Does the 90-day deadline start from the invoice date?
No. The time runs from when the support was delivered. Creating or sending an invoice later does not restart the clock.
If an invoice includes several sessions, each session has its own service date and claiming deadline. Do not assume the latest session date gives you more time to claim earlier sessions.
For example, a provider delivers support on 10 December 2026 but sends the invoice on 20 February 2027. By then, 72 days have passed, leaving only 18 days within the 90-day window to resolve any issues and submit the claim.
The rule sets a deadline for claim submission. It does not require the NDIA to finish processing and paying a correctly lodged claim within those same 90 days.
Who submits NDIS claims?
The person responsible depends on how that part of your NDIS funding is managed.
If your NDIS funding is plan managed
Your provider sends the invoice to your plan manager, who submits the claim to the NDIA. The plan manager needs time to check the invoice, confirm funding and resolve any errors.
Sending an invoice to your plan manager on day 90 does not mean the NDIA claim has been submitted on time.
If your NDIS funding is self managed
You or the person authorised to manage your funding submits the claim. Keep your invoices and receipts organised and claim promptly after receiving supports.
The NDIA's self-management guide explains that you can claim funding and then pay the provider, or pay first and claim reimbursement. You do not always need to pay out of pocket before claiming.
If your NDIS funding is NDIA managed
Your registered provider submits the payment request to the NDIA. Ask providers to claim promptly and check the claims shown in your participant portal or app.
If your plan uses a mix of management types, check who is responsible for each support.
What happens if an NDIS claim is submitted late?
Once the new limit applies, claims outside the usual 90-day window may not be paid unless the NDIA accepts a late claim under the exception rules.
Under section 45A of the NDIS Act, exceptional circumstances must justify the delay, and the claim must be made within a reasonable period in those circumstances.
Acceptance is not automatic. A provider or plan manager cannot approve an exception on the NDIA's behalf. If something prevents timely claiming, keep evidence of the problem and contact the NDIA promptly to ask what is needed.
What about supports delivered before 1 December 2026?
As at 12 November 2026, the published official guidance checked for this resource does not explain how the new deadline will apply to supports delivered before 1 December.
Do not assume older supports will automatically keep the two-year claiming window after the change. Equally, do not assume everyone receives a fresh 90 days from December.
Check for outstanding invoices now. Submit eligible claims promptly and ask the NDIA about any older claim you are unsure how to lodge.
Why are some older NDIS claims already taking longer?
From 15 October 2026, the NDIA introduced extra checks on claims submitted more than 90 days after support delivery.
These claims may be held for up to 28 days while checks are completed. The NDIA may request more information or evidence before paying.
This is separate from the December deadline. Extra checks do not mean every claim older than 90 days is currently rejected.
How can NDIS providers avoid late claims and unpaid invoices?
Invoice regularly rather than waiting until a large number of sessions has built up. Weekly or fortnightly invoicing can help leave time to fix problems.
- Confirm whether invoices go to the participant, their plan manager or directly through the NDIA claiming system.
- Check participant details, NDIS numbers, service dates and support item numbers.
- Include clear quantities, rates, totals and your ABN or the required exemption information.
- List service dates clearly when billing multiple sessions.
- Follow up outstanding invoices and claim errors early.
- Keep records showing what support was delivered.
Use the NDIA's guide to getting paid to check the requirements for your claiming route. An invoice sent on time is not proof that an NDIA claim has been lodged.
How can support coordinators help with the claiming deadline?
Support coordinators can help participants understand who submits each claim, confirm providers have the correct billing details and follow up missing invoices.
For self-managed participants, a regular time to check invoices and submit claims may help prevent a backlog. This support does not replace the responsibilities of the person lodging the claim.
What should NDIS participants do now?
Check for unclaimed invoices or receipts, confirm where providers should send their bills and follow up any unresolved errors. Respond promptly if your plan manager or the NDIA asks for information.
Keep invoices, receipts and support records for the period required for your role. You may need them if a claim is checked before or after payment.
Need help finding NDIS support providers?
MyCareSpace's free matching service can connect you with verified support and therapy providers and check their availability. When choosing a provider, ask how often they invoice and where they will send your bills.
Find an NDIS support or therapy provider with MyCareSpace.
This resource provides general information. The NDIA decides whether a claim can be paid or accepted late. Check current official guidance, especially for supports delivered before the new deadline starts.
