If you are an NDIS participant, family member or carer, two admin changes are worth knowing about. From 27 August 2026 there are clearer rules about keeping your claim records, and from 1 December 2026 there is a shorter window for claims to be submitted. This plain-language guide explains both, and simple steps to stay prepared.
Please read the note at the end: this is general information only, and the best guidance for your situation comes from your support coordinator, plan manager or the NDIS directly.
The two changes at a glance
- From 27 August 2026: clearer record-keeping rules for NDIS support payments.
- From 1 December 2026: claims must be submitted within 90 days of the support being delivered.
Both come from the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Act 2026, which passed Parliament on 19 August 2026 and received Royal Assent on 20 August 2026.
Keeping claim records (from 27 August 2026)
Since 27 August 2026, there are clearer rules about keeping records of NDIS support payments. How long records need to be kept depends on your role:
- Participants: keep records for 3 years.
- Nominees: keep records for 5 years.
- Providers: keep records for 7 years.
If you are plan-managed, your plan manager keeps records for the claims they submit on your behalf. If you self-manage, keeping your own records is your responsibility.
The records need to be good enough to show that a claim was correct and that the support was actually provided. In practice, that means keeping invoices, service agreements and proof that the support happened, stored safely for the full period. If records cannot be produced, the NDIA may ask for funding to be repaid.
The 90-day claim window (from 1 December 2026)
From 1 December 2026, claims for supports must be submitted within 90 days of the support being delivered. This is a shorter window than the previous timeframe of two years.
For most participants, the practical takeaway is simple: make sure your providers or plan manager claim promptly, so nothing is missed. Supports delivered from that date and not claimed within 90 days may not be able to be claimed later.
What this means for you
The steps depend on how your plan is managed:
- If you are plan-managed: this is a good moment to check the process with your plan manager, so invoices are sent and claimed inside the 90-day window.
- If you self-manage: a simple, regular rhythm helps. Set aside a little time each fortnight to file invoices and submit claims, so nothing slips past the window.
- If you are agency-managed: your providers claim directly, so keeping your own copies of invoices and agreements is still a good habit.
A simple record-keeping habit
You do not need a complicated system. A few small habits keep you covered:
- Keep every invoice and service agreement in one place, digital or paper.
- Note the date each support was delivered.
- Keep simple proof the support happened, such as a signed note or receipt.
- Check claims are submitted within 90 days.
- Hold on to your records for the full period that applies to you.
How Astute Living Care can help
At Astute Living Care, we work with participants and families to make the administrative side easier at every step, alongside the support itself. If you would like to talk through what to keep or how these changes affect your plan, our team is always happy to have a no-pressure conversation. Contact Astute Living Care or make a referral.
For the full picture of everything changing across the Scheme, see our guide to the NDIS changes in 2026.
Important note
This article is general information only and is current as of its publish date. NDIS changes are being introduced in stages and details may be updated over time. It is not advice about your individual plan. For guidance specific to your situation, please speak with your support coordinator, plan manager, or the NDIS, or visit the official links below.
References and further reading
- NDIS, Securing the NDIS for future generations: ndis.gov.au
- NDIS, What are the record keeping requirements: ndis.gov.au
- Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, About the changes to the NDIS: health.gov.au
