How long do you need to keep your NDIS records?

Who this is for: NDIS participants, families and nominees, whether your plan is self-managed, plan-managed or NDIA-managed, and support coordinators.

General information only. This isn't legal, financial or clinical advice.

How long do you need to keep NDIS records?

It depends on who makes the claim. The periods come from section 45B of the NDIS Act, added by the Securing the NDIS for Future Generations Act 2026:

• A participant (for example, if you self-manage and claim yourself)

  How long to keep the records: 3 years from the day the claim is made

• Someone else who isn't a participant or a provider, such as a nominee or someone responsible for a child participant

  How long to keep the records: 5 years from the day the claim is made

• An NDIS provider, including a registered plan manager

  How long to keep the records: 7 years from the day the claim is made

These are the longest periods in the Act. The NDIS rules can set a shorter period. Records must be in English, or easy to access and convert into English.

When do the new record-keeping periods start?

The record-keeping part of the amending Act (Schedule 2, Part 4) started on 27 August 2026, seven days after Royal Assent. It applies to claims made on or after that day.

But the law only covers records "of a kind prescribed by the National Disability Insurance Scheme rules". The government's explanatory memorandum says those rules "will need to be in place" to put the change into practice.

The NDIS website still lists record keeping under "Changes coming soon", and says: "More information will be provided to explain what records you need to keep and how to meet the requirements." So watch for that detail before you change anything big.

Why does keeping records matter?

The NDIS says records help "make sure claims and payments can be checked and made correctly". It also says: "It's important to keep records as you may need to repay funding if you can't show the NDIS funding was used correctly."

Under the Act, an amount can become a debt to the NDIA if someone who had to keep a record didn't, and can't otherwise show they were entitled to the payment. A simple filing habit now makes it easier to answer any questions later.

Does my plan manager keep records for me?

For plan-managed supports, your plan manager makes the claims, so it keeps the records for those claims. The NDIS Act defines a registered plan management provider as "an NDIS provider who is registered to manage the funding for supports under plans". That puts plan managers in the NDIS provider group, with the 7-year period.

You may see summaries that group plan managers with participants at 3 years. The Act itself sets 3 years for a participant who makes the claim, not for a plan manager.

It's still worth keeping your own copies. The NDIS says it's your responsibility to keep good records, like proof of purchase, and a copy of anything you sign.

Who keeps what, by how your plan is managed?

• Self-managed

  Who makes the claim: You (3 years), or your nominee (5 years)

  Good habit for you: Keep invoices, receipts and proof of payment for every claim

• Plan-managed

  Who makes the claim: Your plan manager (7 years, as an NDIS provider)

  Good habit for you: Keep copies of service agreements, invoices and statements

• NDIA-managed

  Who makes the claim: Your registered provider (7 years)

  Good habit for you: Keep copies of service agreements and anything you sign

What should I keep right now?

The NDIS hasn't yet said exactly which records the new law covers. Its current advice to participants is a good starting point:

• ☐ Proof of purchase for supports, such as a receipt, bank statement or credit card statement.
• ☐ Copies of receipts, warranties and anything you sign, including service agreements.
• ☐ Invoices from your providers.
• ☐ One place for everything. The NDIS says a hard copy or digital version is fine.

Quick invoice check. The NDIS asks providers to show at least your name, your NDIS number, the date(s) the support was delivered, the amount and quantity or hours, and the support type. If something's missing, ask your provider to fix it. Our guide to checking NDIS invoices has more.

Want claims and records for your plan-managed supports handled for you?

How Forward Planning Plus can help

Forward Planning Plus is a registered NDIS plan manager (NDIA registration 4050161030) with a Queensland-based team. Plan management is at no cost to you. As a registered plan manager, we keep records for the claims we make.

Register here.

• Valid, correctly submitted invoices processed within 1–2 business days.
• We call back within 24 hours on business days.
• Call 0405 589 006, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm AEST.
• Participants can change plan managers during their plan, and we help with a smooth handover. See how switching works. Our service agreement asks for 14 days' notice if you leave.

Related reading:

• The NDIS 90-day claiming rule from 1 December 2026
• How to check NDIS invoices for fraud
• NDIS glossary · All NDIS changes and dates