When an NDIS participant dies, families need to notify NDIS, end services, and handle final invoicing. This sensitive guide explains the practical steps during bereavement, with compassion for your grief.

Immediate steps after a participant’s death

Within 24-48 hours:

  1. Notify NDIS (1800 800 110)

    • Provide participant name and NDIS number
    • Confirm date of death
    • Request plan closure

  2. Contact current providers

    • Support workers
    • Allied health professionals
    • Plan manager
    • Support coordinator

  3. Cancel scheduled services

    • End all future appointments
    • Request final invoices

NDIS plan closure process

NDIS will:

  • Close plan effective date of death
  • Stop all future funding
  • Process final provider claims (up to 90 days after death)
  • Close myGov account access

You may need to:

  • Return unused equipment (if rental or trial)
  • Pay any outstanding provider invoices
  • Provide death certificate (if requested)

Unused funding:

  • Does NOT transfer to family/estate
  • Returns to NDIS
  • Cannot be used after date of death

Final invoicing and payments

Providers can claim:

  • Services delivered before death (up to 90 days to submit claims)
  • Cancellation fees if services scheduled same day
  • Outstanding invoices for past services

Providers CANNOT claim:

  • Services after date of death
  • Scheduled appointments never delivered
  • Equipment participant never received

If you receive incorrect invoices:

  • Contact provider immediately
  • Request itemized statement
  • Report to NDIS Commission if provider refuses correction

Grief support and counseling

Free counseling services:

  • Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
  • GriefLine: 1300 845 745
  • Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

Bereavement support groups:

  • Your local palliative care service
  • Carers Australia bereavement programs
  • Condition-specific organizations (many offer grief groups)

Financial counseling:

  • If participant’s death creates financial hardship
  • National Debt Helpline: 1800 007 007
  • Financial Counselling Australia

Frequently asked questions

Can family use remaining NDIS funds after participant dies?

No. NDIS funding ends date of death. Unused funds return to NDIS and cannot be transferred to family, estate, or other participants. Only services delivered BEFORE death can be claimed (providers have 90 days to submit final invoices).

What happens to NDIS equipment after participant dies?

Rental equipment must be returned to provider. Purchased equipment belongs to estate (family decides what to do with it). Assistive technology can be donated to disability organizations, sold, or kept. Providers may request return of trial equipment.

Do I need to notify every NDIS provider individually?

Yes. NDIS doesn’t automatically notify providers - you must contact each one (support workers, therapists, plan manager). This prevents scheduled services continuing and incorrect invoicing. Email is acceptable - no need for phone calls if too difficult during grief.

We’re deeply sorry for your loss. Take time to grieve - NDIS admin can wait a few days.