If you’re planning a move — or you’ve just arrived somewhere new — and you’re wondering what happens to your NDIS funding, here’s the short answer: your plan moves with you.
Your NDIS funding isn’t tied to your address, your state, or your current provider. It belongs to you. But there are a few practical steps you need to take to make sure the transition is smooth and your support doesn’t lapse in the gap. This guide walks you through exactly what to do, in plain terms. You may also find our article about supporting NDIS participants moving to Hervey Bay a useful resource to help you understand the support available in our region.
Your Plan Is Portable
The NDIS is a national scheme managed centrally by the NDIA. When you move — whether it’s across town, to a different city, or from another state entirely — your plan stays active. What changes is who delivers your supports. You’ll need to find new providers in your new area, end your current service agreements, and set up new ones. That’s the practical work of a provider transition, and it takes time — which is why starting early matters.
Moving interstate? Same rules apply. Your NDIS plan is national — there’s no Queensland-specific version and no reapplication needed when you cross a state border. Just notify the NDIA of your new address and begin the provider transition process.
What to Do When You Move — Step by Step
Step 1: Notify the NDIA of your new address
Do this as soon as you know your new address — before or immediately after the move. You can update your details through the myNDIS portal at my.ndis.gov.au, by calling 1800 800 110, or through your plan manager or Support Coordinator if you have one.
Step 2: Review your current service agreements
Check your existing service agreements to understand your notice period. Most providers require two to four weeks’ notice to end a service agreement. Give notice as soon as you know you’re moving — this frees up your funding so it’s available for your new providers.
Step 3: Research new providers before you arrive
Don’t leave this until moving day. Use the NDIS Provider Finder at ndis.gov.au to search for registered providers in your new area by service type. Make a shortlist and reach out early — good providers book up, and a conversation before you move is much better than a scramble after.
Step 4: Start the intake process
Once you’ve identified providers you’re interested in, start the intake process. This usually involves a conversation about your plan, your goals, and your support needs. Most providers can do this remotely before you arrive. At FCDS, we’re happy to have this conversation months before your move date.
Step 5: Set up new service bookings
Once you’ve agreed to work with a new provider, they’ll set up a service booking in the NDIS portal against your plan. This reserves the funding and confirms the arrangement. You cannot have two providers holding a service booking for the same support category at the same time — so make sure existing bookings are ended before new ones are created.
Step 6: Check your plan review date
Your plan review date doesn’t change because you’ve moved. But if your support needs have significantly changed as a result of the relocation — new environment, different access requirements, loss of informal support from family — you can request an unscheduled review. Talk to your LAC or Support Coordinator about this.
How Long Does a Provider Transition Take?
Realistically, allow six to eight weeks to have everything properly in place. Notice periods with existing providers can be two to four weeks. Provider intake processes involve conversations, paperwork, and sometimes assessments. Worker matching — finding the right support worker for your participant, not just the first available — takes time if it’s done properly. And service bookings need to be set up in the NDIS portal, which has its own processing time.
If you’re moving in four weeks and haven’t started yet, don’t panic — but do start today. A temporary arrangement with a new provider while you find the right long-term fit is completely normal and better than having no support in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my current Support Coordinator after I move?
Yes, if they’re willing to continue working with you remotely. Some Support Coordinators are comfortable managing participants across regions; others prefer to hand over to a local SC who knows the area. It’s worth having an honest conversation with your current SC early — they may have contacts or referrals in your new area that make the transition easier.
What if my new area doesn’t have the services I need?
This is a real concern for some participants moving to regional areas. The honest answer is that it depends on the service. Most core supports — personal care, community access, domestic assistance — are available in Hervey Bay. Specialist services may have longer wait times or require telehealth. If you’re unsure, call us before you commit to the move and we’ll give you an honest picture of what’s available locally.
Do I need to change my plan manager when I move?
Not necessarily. Plan managers work remotely and can usually continue managing your plan regardless of where you live. Check with your current plan manager — most are happy to continue the relationship. If you want to switch to a local plan manager who knows your new area, that’s also straightforward to arrange.
What happens if there’s a gap in my support while I’m transitioning?
A support gap is the thing most families worry about most, and it’s the main reason we encourage people to start the transition process early. If a gap does happen, your plan manager or Support Coordinator can help bridge this, sometimes by setting up emergency or short-term arrangements. Respite or Short Term Accommodation can also be a practical solution in the short term.
Can I switch providers if I’m not happy with the new one?
Yes. You’re never locked in. If a provider isn’t the right fit, you can give notice and move on. The NDIS is built around participant choice and control, which means you always have the right to change.
Moving to Hervey Bay? We Can Help
Fraser Coast Disability Services supports NDIS participants who are new to the Fraser Coast — whether you’re arriving from Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, interstate, or anywhere in between. We know the transition process inside and out, and we’re used to having early conversations with families who are still months away from their move date.
Give us a call on 0418 22 84 52 or visit frasercoastdisabilityservices.com.au/moving-to-hervey-bay-ndis/ — we’ll be honest about what we can offer, what your plan covers, and whether we’re the right fit.