Self-Managed NDIS: The New Record Keeping and 90-Day Claim Rules
Updated: Sep 28
If you're a self-managed NDIS participant, two changes in the new NDIS law land directly on you: how long you keep records, and how quickly you make claims. A lot of the summaries online get the detail wrong. This post sticks to what the Act actually says, with section numbers so you can check it yourself, and is clear about what it doesn't say.
The short version
Since 27 August 2026: if you make a claim, you must keep records relating to it for 3 years from the day you claim. This covers the kinds of records the NDIS rules prescribe (section 45B(5) and (6)).
From 1 December 2026: the time to make a claim drops from 2 years to 90 days, counted from the day the support is provided (section 45A(5)).
There's no fine for participants who don't keep records. But if you also can't show you were entitled to a payment, the amount can become a debt you owe the NDIA (section 182(4)).
Record keeping: what the Act actually says
Who it applies to. The obligation is on a participant who makes a claim (section 45B(5)). Claims are made by whoever manages the funding (section 45A(2)), so if you self-manage, that's you. If a claim is made by someone who isn't the participant or a provider, the Act sets a 5-year period instead (section 45B(7) and (8)).
What records. Records relating to the claim, or to the support the claim is for, of a kind prescribed by the NDIS rules. The Act leaves the exact list to the rules, so check the NDIS website for what's been prescribed.
How long. 3 years from the day you make the claim, unless the rules set a shorter period (section 45B(6)).
Language. Records must be in English, or be readily accessible and convertible into English (section 45B(9)).
From when. It applies to claims made on or after 27 August 2026.
What happens if you don't. The civil penalty in the Act (120 penalty units) applies to providers, who must keep their records for 7 years (section 45B(1) to (3)). It doesn't apply to participants. For participants, the consequence is in section 182(4): an amount can become a debt to the NDIA if you made the claim, received the payment, were required to keep a record, didn't keep it, and can't otherwise show you were entitled to the payment. All five have to apply.
What records to keep
This part is our suggestion, not the law. Until you've checked exactly which records the rules prescribe, the safe approach is to keep everything behind each claim:
invoices and receipts
proof you paid, such as bank statements
your service agreements
evidence the support was delivered, such as dates, times and service records from your provider
quotes and approvals for things like assistive technology
copies of the claims you submit and the NDIA's responses
Keep them in one place, ideally digital, with files named by date and provider, and backed up. If we support you, you can ask us for the service records behind any of our invoices.
The 90-day claim rule
Right now, the Act says a claim must be made within 2 years, starting on the day the support is provided (section 45A(5)). From 1 December 2026, that becomes 90 days.
Sector guides say the 90-day limit will apply to supports delivered from 1 December. The Act itself doesn't include transition wording for this change, and the Minister can make transitional rules (Schedule 5 of the amending Act). Until that detail is confirmed, the safe approach is simple: claim anything older before 1 December, then claim each support within 90 days of it being provided.
The NDIA can accept a late claim if there are exceptional circumstances that justify it and the claim was made within a reasonable time given those circumstances (section 45A(6)). That's a safety net, not a plan. A weekly or fortnightly claiming routine means you'll never need it.
Two more things self-managers should know
Price limits. The Minister's maximum prices only apply where funding is managed by the NDIA or a registered plan manager (section 45C(2)). Self-managed plans aren't bound by them, though your budget still only stretches so far.
Automated processing. Decisions about claims and payments can now be made by computer programs (section 59C(1)). If an automated program takes an action you're given notice of, the notice must say so (section 59E(4)), and your review rights still apply.
What self-managed NDIS participants need to do now
Set up one folder for each plan year, and save everything behind each claim into it.
Keep those records for at least 3 years from the date you claim.
Check the NDIS website for which records the rules prescribe.
Before 1 December, claim anything you haven't claimed yet.
From 1 December, claim within 90 days of each support. A weekly or fortnightly routine makes this easy.
New to self-management? Start with our practical guide to self-managing your NDIS funding. For everything else in the new law, see The NDIS Act 2026 Has Passed. Here's What Changed From the Bill, and What Didn't.
Talk to us
If you self-manage and we support you on the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast, we're happy to help you set up a system that works, or send you the records behind any invoice. Get in touch.
📍 Based on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast
Sources
National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013, Federal Register of Legislation (sections 45A, 45B, 45C and 182)
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Act 2026, Federal Register of Legislation (Schedule 2, Parts 4 and 5, and Schedule 5)
This is general information, current as at 21 September 2026. It isn't legal, financial or tax advice. If you're unsure what applies to you, check with the NDIS on 1800 800 110 or your support coordinator.
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