Since 27 August 2026, there's a new rule about how long participants and nominees need to keep records of their supports and payments. It doesn't need to be hard. A few simple habits can make it easy.
We've put everything you need to know in one place.
The rule
NDIS law now sets out how long you need to keep records of your NDIS supports and payments.
The NDIA says this helps it check that claims and payments are correct. Having your records ready also means you can respond quickly if the NDIA ever asks.
How long to keep records
How long depends on your role:
- Participants: 3 years
- Nominees: 5 years
- Providers: 7 years from the day the claim is made
If you're plan managed, your plan manager also needs to keep records of support payments for 3 years.
Parents and guardians
If you look after your child's NDIS plan, check with the NDIA which period applies to you. That way you can feel sure you're covered.
What to keep
The NDIA says it will share more information about which records you need to keep.
Until then, hold on to anything that shows the support you received and what you paid. This includes:
- invoices and receipts
- service agreements and any changes to them
- proof of payment
- anything that shows the support happened, like a support log or a note from your provider
If you can't show records
The NDIA says you may need to pay back funding if you can't show it was used correctly.
Keeping your paperwork together now can save you a lot of worry later.
How to keep your records
You don't need anything fancy. These small steps can help:
- Use one place. Keep everything together in one folder, on your computer, in the cloud or on paper. Let your family know where it is too.
- Save as you go. File each invoice or receipt as soon as you get it.
- Check your invoices. Each invoice should show the provider's business name and ABN, your name and NDIS number, the support date, the support item, the quantity and the total.
- Keep a backup. Save a second copy somewhere safe.
- Sort by year. One folder for each year makes things easy to find.
- Plan managed? Ask your plan manager how you can get copies of your records.
- Self-managed? From 1 December 2026, you'll need to claim within 90 days of the support. Saving records as you go makes this easier.
Common questions
How long do nominees keep records?
Nominees need to keep records for 5 years.
I'm plan managed. Who keeps the records?
Your plan manager needs to keep records of support payments for 3 years. The rule also applies to you as a participant, so it's worth knowing how to get copies when you need them.
Will the NDIA say exactly what to keep?
Yes. The NDIA says it will share more information about what records you need to keep and how to meet the requirements.
What if I can't find a receipt?
The NDIA says you may need to pay back funding if you can't show it was used correctly. That's why it helps to save things as you go.
Need a provider?
Finding the right support shouldn't add to your workload. MyCareSpace can connect you with NDIS providers who suit you and your family.
