5 Invoice Mistakes That Delay NDIS Payments

Most invoice delays come from a few avoidable errors. Here are 5 common ones, and how to fix each one. If you're new to how invoices move through plan management, start with what NDIS plan management is or the NDIS invoice requirements checklist.

1. Missing or incorrect ABN

The problem: The provider's ABN is missing or wrong on the invoice.

The fix: Check the ABN on every invoice matches the provider's details. If it's wrong, ask the provider for a corrected invoice.

2. Vague service descriptions

The problem: The invoice says 'therapy session' or 'support' with no detail about what was provided.

The fix: Ask your provider to describe the support, for example 'Occupational therapy – fine motor skills session', and include the NDIS support item number.

3. Charging above the NDIS price limit

The problem: The invoice charges more than the maximum price in the NDIS Pricing Schedule for that support.

The fix: For plan-managed and NDIA-managed supports, the price limits apply whether the provider is registered or not. Providers can't charge more, and an amount above the limit can't be claimed. Ask the provider to reissue the invoice at or below the limit.

4. The wrong support item or category

The problem: The invoice uses a support item that doesn't match the support delivered or the funding in your plan.

The fix: Make sure your provider knows which supports your plan funds. A claim against the wrong item may be rejected or need correcting, which costs time.

5. No date of support or participant details

The problem: The invoice is missing the date the support was delivered, your NDIS number or your name.

The fix: Every invoice needs the provider's name and ABN, your name and NDIS number, the date(s) of support, the support item, quantity, price and total.

Why timing matters more now

Since 15 October 2026, the NDIA does extra checks on claims made more than 90 days after a support is delivered, and may hold them for up to 28 days. From 1 December 2026, claims must be made within 90 days of the support. An invoice sent back for a fix uses up part of that time. Read more in the NDIS 90-day claiming rule.

How plan management helps

A plan manager checks each invoice against your plan and the NDIS price limits before claiming, and goes back to the provider when something needs fixing. At Forward Planning Plus, valid, correctly submitted invoices are processed within 1–2 business days. Final payment timing can also depend on NDIA processing.

Provider invoices for Forward Planning Plus participants go to invoices@forwardplanningplus.com.au.

If you're self-managed

Use the same checklist for every invoice before you pay and claim.
Price limits don't apply to self-managed funding, but the current NDIS Pricing Schedule (effective 24 September 2026) is a useful guide when you check prices.
Send back invoices that are incomplete or wrong.
Claim within 90 days of the support.
Keep records of claims you make for 3 years (claims made on or after 27 August 2026).

Frequently asked questions

How long does a provider have to invoice?

From 1 December 2026, claims must be made within 90 days of the day the support is delivered. Since 15 October 2026, the NDIA may hold claims made more than 90 days after a support for up to 28 days for extra checks. Ask providers to invoice promptly.

Can an unregistered provider charge more than the NDIS price limit?

Not for plan-managed or NDIA-managed supports. The maximum prices in the NDIS pricing schedules apply to NDIA-managed and plan-managed participants, and the NDIA can't pay a claim above the limit.

How long do I need to keep invoices if I'm self-managed?

For claims you make on or after 27 August 2026, the NDIS Act says participants who make claims keep the records for 3 years from the day of the claim. If you're plan-managed, your plan manager keeps records for the claims it makes for 7 years.

General information only, not financial or legal advice. Always check the latest information on the NDIS website.