The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a crucial pillar of support for Australians with disabilities. It provides funding for essential services, assistive technologies, and personal support, ensuring individuals can live more independent and fulfilling lives. However, how this funding is distributed, which groups receive the most support, and whether some participants are underfunded are critical issues that need attention. 

Our latest analysis of NDIS funding trends for 2025 highlights key insights into how funds are allocated across disability types, age groups, and Australian states. With an estimated $865.09 billion allocated nationwide, understanding who benefits the most and where gaps exist is essential for policymakers, disability advocates, and service providers. 

Why This Analysis Matters 

NDIS funding impacts millions of Australians, but does it effectively meet the needs of all disability groups? While some categories receive substantial funding, others may be underfunded relative to their real-world needs. Additionally, funding appears to be skewed toward younger age groups, raising concerns about long-term support for aging individuals with disabilities. 

This article explores: 

• Which disability groups receive the highest and lowest funding? 

• How age influences funding allocation (Does early intervention really reduce costs later?) 

• State-by-state variations in funding (Are some regions being left behind?) 

• How different categories of NDIS funding (Core, Capacity Building, Capital) compare 

• Whether data gaps exist that could affect fair allocation of resources 

  
  

Key NDIS Funding Statistics for 2025 

• Total NDIS funding: $865.09 billion 

• Autism & Intellectual Disability receive the most funding. 

• Psychosocial Disability, Visual Impairment, and Spinal Cord Injury may be underfunded. 

• Younger participants (7-24 years) receive the highest funding allocations. 

• New South Wales (NSW) gets the highest funding ($261.12B), while the Northern Territory (NT) receives the lowest ($8.79B). 

• Core Support dominates funding at $611.64B, while Capital investment remains low. 

This data-driven analysis will help identify funding disparities, highlight key trends, and guide discussions on improving NDIS resource allocation. 

Funding Distribution by Disability Groups: Who Gets What? 

The allocation of NDIS funding across different disability groups reveals notable disparities. While some groups receive substantial financial support, others may be underfunded relative to the number of participants or their actual support needs. This section takes a deep dive into the distribution of funding across various disagmbility categories, exploring who benefits the most and where funding gaps might exist. 

Top 5 Funded Disability Groups in NDIS (2025) 

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) allocates funding based on the needs of various disability groups. Below are the top five funded disability groups in 2025, highlighting those that receive the most significant share of funding: 

1. Intellectual Disability - $11.99 Billion 

Intellectual Disability ranks second with a substantial allocation of $11.99 billion. This funding addresses the ongoing support needs of individuals with cognitive impairments, providing essential services such as daily living assistance, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and specialized education programs. These services promote independence and inclusion within the community. 

2. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - $11.83 Billion 

Autism receives the highest share of NDIS funding, amounting to $11.83 billion. This funding supports intensive early intervention therapies, behavioral support, and educational assistance aimed at improving long-term independence and enhancing social inclusion for individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. 

3. Psychosocial Disability - $7.01 Billion 

Psychosocial Disability, which involves mental health challenges, receives $7.01 billion in funding. This allocation ensures that individuals with mental health conditions receive comprehensive support, including mental health therapies, community integration programs, and rehabilitation services to enhance well-being and social participation. 

4. Other Neurological Disabilities - $4.35 Billion 

Other Neurological disabilities, such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and other complex conditions, are allocated $4.35 billion in NDIS funding. This funding is critical for addressing the healthcare needs of individuals with neurological disorders, providing for rehabilitation therapies, mobility aids, medical interventions, and long-term care. 

5. Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) - $3.69 Billion 

Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) receives $3.69 billion to support rehabilitation, therapy, and long-term care for individuals affected by traumatic brain injuries, strokes, and other neurological impairments. ABI funding is essential for early recovery and provides ongoing care to individuals to help them regain independence and improve quality of life. 

Bottom 5 Underfunded Disability Groups in NDIS (2025) 

While some disability groups receive substantial funding under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), others receive comparatively lower allocations. This raises questions about funding priorities, accessibility, and long-term service needs. Here are the bottom five underfunded disability groups based on total allocated funding: 

1. Other Sensory/Speech - $40.18 Million 

Other Sensory and Speech disabilities are severely underfunded within the NDIS, with only $40.18 million allocated to support individuals with speech impairments and sensory disorders. This funding is insufficient to meet the comprehensive needs of those affected, limiting access to therapies and communication aids necessary for their social integration and educational participation. 

2. Global Developmental Delay - $472.15 Million 

Global Developmental Delay receives $472.15 million in funding, which is relatively low given the increasing demand for early intervention services. The funding falls short in providing the necessary therapies, educational support, and interventions for children experiencing developmental delays, which could help improve their long-term outcomes. 

3. Hearing Impairment - $503.71 Million 

Hearing Impairment, despite affecting a significant portion of the population, receives minimal funding at just $503.71 million. This funding is allocated for hearing aids, cochlear implants, and speech therapy but remains inadequate to fully support individuals with hearing loss, especially in terms of ongoing services and accessibility needs. 

4. Visual Impairment - $605.81 Million 

Visual Impairment, which affects a significant number of Australians, receives only $605.81 million in funding. While this covers some mobility aids and rehabilitation programs, the funding is not sufficient to fully address the needs of individuals with severe visual impairments, including ongoing care and accessible technology. 

5. Spinal Cord Injury - $1.29 Billion 

Spinal Cord Injury, with $1.29 billion in funding, is still significantly underfunded in relation to the long-term needs of individuals affected by spinal injuries. The funding primarily supports rehabilitation, adaptive devices, and home modifications, but it is not enough to cover the full spectrum of care and the cost of lifelong support needed to help these individuals maintain independence. 

Disparities in NDIS Funding Allocation for Disability Groups 

The distribution of NDIS funding across different disability groups reveals notable disparities, with some groups receiving significantly higher funding than others. Autism and Intellectual Disability are the largest recipients, with Autism funding totaling $11.83 billion and Intellectual Disability receiving $11.99 billion. This highlights the high prevalence and intensive support needs of individuals with these conditions, necessitating substantial investment in therapies, educational support, and social services. 

Psychosocial Disability also receives considerable funding at $7.01 billion, reflecting the ongoing need for mental health support, rehabilitation, and community integration programs. Similarly, Other Neurological Disabilities, with a funding allocation of $4.35 billion, and Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) at $3.69 billion, indicate the need for specialized care, rehabilitation, and long-term support for individuals with these complex conditions. 

In contrast, some disability groups receive significantly lower funding, raising concerns about whether the current allocation is fully reflective of service needs. For instance, Visual Impairment receives $605.81 million and Hearing Impairment $503.71 million, which might suggest either fewer service requirements or better integration with other healthcare systems outside of NDIS. 

Other lower-funded categories include Spinal Cord Injury ($1.29 billion) and Other Sensory/Speech ($40.18 million), which may be indicative of either reduced perceived need or challenges in funding allocation based on the specific service needs of these groups. 

The funding allocation for Cerebral Palsy ($3.35 billion), Multiple Sclerosis ($1.47 billion), and Developmental Delay ($1.81 billion) fall in the mid-range, suggesting a balance between early intervention and long-term care, with some participants requiring lifelong support and others benefiting from early and targeted therapies. 

These disparities in funding raise important questions about the current policy framework: 

• Are certain disability groups underfunded relative to their actual service needs? 

• Is NDIS funding prioritizing early intervention over long-term care, and how does this affect groups that require ongoing support? 

• How does the unequal distribution of funding impact service accessibility for lower-funded disability groups? 

These questions warrant further examination to ensure that funding is allocated equitably and that the needs of all individuals with disabilities are met effectively. 

2. NDIS Funding by Age Group in 2025: Trends, Gaps & the Impact of Early Intervention 

The NDIS funding distribution by age group reveals a strong focus on younger participants, with the highest funding allocated to individuals aged 7-14 years ($5.36B) and 19-24 years ($5.83B). This reflects the NDIS's emphasis on early intervention, as research suggests that providing support at an early stage can significantly improve long-term outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, children aged 0-6 years receive $2.76B, which, although lower, aligns with the expectation that younger children may require specialized but often lower-cost support services compared to older children. 

Funding remains relatively high for individuals aged 25-34 years ($7.47B) and 35-44 years ($6.84B), indicating ongoing support needs as individuals transition into education, employment, and independent living. The funding continues to rise for older age groups, with 45-54 years ($8.05B) and 55-64 years ($10.43B) receiving significant amounts. The lowest funding allocation is observed for participants aged 65+ years ($5.33B), which may be attributed to the availability of alternative support systems such as the aged care sector. 

Funding heavily favors younger participants, with the highest allocation going to: 

• 7-14 years: $5.36B (Early intervention priority) 

• 19-24 years: $5.83B (Support for education & employment transitions) 

• 0-6 years: $2.76B (Lower cost per participant) 

Funding remains significant for older participants: 

• 25-34 years: $7.47B 

• 35-44 years: $6.84B 

• 45-54 years: $8.05B 

• 55-64 years: $10.43B 

• 65+ years: $5.33B (Lowest funding) 

These funding trends raise key questions about long-term disability support: 

• Does the decline in funding for older individuals indicate a gap in services for aging NDIS participants? 

• Is the early intervention strategy effectively reducing long-term dependency on higher-cost support? 

• Are individuals transitioning smoothly from NDIS to aged care services, or do policy gaps exist? 

3. NDIS Funding by State in 2025: Allocation Disparities & Regional Support Gaps Across Australia

NDIS funding is not evenly distributed across Australian states and territories. Certain regions allocate significantly higher amounts per participant, leading to possible disparities in service access. 

As of 2025, the total allocated NDIS funding across Australia stands at $86.51 billion. This includes all states and territories, demonstrating the scale and commitment of the Australian government toward disability support services. 

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding varies significantly across Australian states and territories. These variations stem from demographic factors, regional service availability, and participant distribution. Below is a detailed analysis of the state-wise NDIS funding allocations for 2025. 

New South Wales (NSW) - $16.58 Billion 

New South Wales leads in total NDIS funding, with over $16.58 billion allocated. The high funding level is attributed to NSW’s large population of participants and extensive disability support infrastructure. 

Victoria (VIC) - $13.67 Billion 

Victoria receives $13.67 billion in NDIS funding, making it one of the highest-funded states. This allocation supports its extensive disability services network and a large participant base. 

Queensland (QLD) - $12.15 Billion 

Queensland has been allocated $12.15 billion, emphasizing accessibility in regional and remote areas to ensure equitable disability support. 

Western Australia (WA) - $5.15 Billion 

Western Australia secures $5.15 billion in NDIS funding, focusing on expanding accessibility, particularly for remote and Indigenous communities. 

South Australia (SA) - $4.71 Billion 

South Australia receives $4.71 billion, dedicated to specialized care initiatives and early intervention programs. 

Tasmania (TAS) - $1.36 Billion 

Tasmania has been allocated $1.36 billion, ensuring sustainable and long-term disability support for its growing participant base. 

Australian Capital Territory (ACT) - $824.43 Million 

The ACT receives $824.43 million in funding, reflecting its focus on high-quality disability services tailored to its concentrated population. 

Northern Territory (NT) - $797.35 Million 

Northern Territory’s $797.35 million allocation prioritizes support for Indigenous communities and remote service delivery. 

Other Territories (OT) - $7.87 Million 

The $7.87 million allocated for Other Territories ensures that smaller regions receive adequate support for their NDIS participants. 

NDIS funding is not evenly distributed across Australian states and territories. Certain regions allocate significantly higher amounts per participant, leading to possible disparities in service access. 

As of 2025, the total allocated NDIS funding across Australia stands at $86.51 billion. This includes all states and territories, demonstrating the scale and commitment of the Australian government toward disability support services. 

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding varies significantly across Australian states and territories. These variations stem from demographic factors, regional service availability, and participant distribution. Below is a detailed analysis of the state-wise NDIS funding allocations for 2025. 

• Best-funded state: New South Wales, with a total funding of AUD 16.58 billion. 

• Best-utilized state: New South Wales, with an average utilization rate of 0.71. 

• Lowest-funded state: Northern Territory, with a total funding of AUD 797.35 Million. 

• Lowest-utilized state: Other Territories, with an average utilization rate of 0.60. 

Utilization Rate in NDIS refers to the percentage of allocated funding that is actually spent by participants on approved disability-related services and supports. 

• A high utilization rate suggests that participants are using most of their allocated funds, indicating effective service access. 

• A low utilization rate may indicate barriers such as lack of service providers, administrative complexities, or unawareness of available supports. 

Key Observations from the Data 

1. New South Wales (NSW) receives the highest funding allocation, indicating a strong service infrastructure and a large participant base. 

2. The lowest-funded state, Northern Territory (NT), may struggle with accessibility, particularly in regional and remote areas where service providers are limited. 

3. High utilization rates suggest efficient use of allocated funds, whereas low utilization rates may indicate service gaps or funding constraints. 

4. The Other Territories (OT) report the lowest utilization rate (0.60), suggesting possible funding underutilization due to service delivery limitations. 

Implications for NDIS Policy and Resource Allocation 

• Equity in Funding: While larger states receive higher allocations, remote and smaller territories may require additional per-capita funding adjustments to account for service limitations. 

• Improving Utilization Rates: Lower-utilized states may need targeted intervention strategies to ensure NDIS participants can access and benefit from allocated resources. 

• Addressing Service Gaps in Remote Areas: Funding alone may not be sufficient—improvements in service infrastructure, provider availability, and participant outreach are crucial for better utilization. 

Historical Funding Trends 

• 2010: The Productivity Commission estimated the annual cost of the NDIS at AUD 15 billion. 

• 2012: A government report revised this estimate to AUD 22 billion by 2018.  

• 2022–23: Total expenditure from the Commonwealth and the states and territories on the NDIS was AUD 36.7 billion. 

• 2023–24: Projected expenditure increased to AUD 41.9 billion, marking a growth rate of 14.4%. [1] 

• 2024–25: The NDIS is forecasted to cost AUD 41.4 billion. 

• 2025–26: Projected expenditure rises to AUD 44.6 billion. [2] 

  
  

These figures indicate a consistent upward trajectory in NDIS funding, reflecting the scheme's expansion and the increasing number of participants. 

4. Core vs. Capital vs. Capacity Building: Which Receives More Funding? 

One of the key aspects of NDIS funding allocation is how resources are distributed across different types of support. The three primary funding categories—Core Support, Capital Support, and Capacity Building Support—each serve distinct purposes in improving the lives of NDIS participants. However, the way funding is allocated among these categories can significantly impact participants' immediate needs, long-term independence, and access to essential resources. 

This segment explores the differences between these funding types and analyzes which category receives the most funding. By understanding how these allocations shape participant experiences, we can assess whether NDIS funding is structured effectively to meet the short-term and long-term needs of people with disabilities. 

What is Core Support? 

Core support funding covers daily living needs and essential services that help NDIS participants maintain their quality of life. This category includes personal care, transport, social participation, and consumables like assistive products. Core funding is designed to provide immediate and ongoing support, ensuring that participants can access essential services that help them manage their disability in day-to-day life. Since these supports are fundamental to independent living, core funding often represents the largest share of total NDIS funding. 

What is Capital Support? 

Capital support funding is allocated for investments in assistive technology, equipment, and home or vehicle modifications that improve accessibility and mobility. This includes funding for wheelchairs, prosthetics, hearing aids, home automation systems, and specialized housing solutions. Unlike core funding, capital funding is focused on long-term improvements rather than ongoing expenses. While it typically constitutes a smaller portion of overall funding, it plays a crucial role in enhancing independence and reducing reliance on support services over time. 

What is Capacity Building Support? 

Capacity building support is designed to develop skills and long-term independence for NDIS participants. This category includes training, education, employment support, therapy, and social skill development aimed at increasing a participant’s ability to manage their own care and engage with the community. The goal of capacity building funding is to empower participants to become less dependent on daily support services by investing in their personal growth, skills, and future opportunities.

While it may receive less funding than core support, its long-term impact on a participant’s quality of life is significant. 

By analyzing the distribution of funding across these three categories, this study highlights where the majority of NDIS resources are allocated and whether the funding model aligns with participant needs and long-term disability support strategies. 

Core Support - $39.78 Billion 

Core support receives the largest share of NDIS funding, totaling $39.78 billion. This funding primarily covers essential and ongoing disability-related support, ensuring participants can maintain their daily activities and independence. 

Capacity Building Support - $13.48 Billion 

Capacity Building support follows as the second-largest category, with $13.48 billion in funding. This budget is allocated to programs that help participants develop skills, access employment opportunities, and improve their long-term independence. 

Capital Support - $2.16 Billion 

Capital support receives the smallest share, $2.16 billion, reflecting its focus on funding assistive technologies, home modifications, and other infrastructure essential for participants’ mobility and accessibility needs. 

5. The Missing Data Problem: Are Some Participants Left Out? 

Our analysis uncovered a large volume of missing budget data in the dataset, which raises concerns about transparency and accuracy in NDIS funding reports. 

Could some participants be missing out on proper budget allocations? Addressing this data gap is critical for ensuring equitable support across the program. 

Final Thoughts: Why This Study Matters 

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plays a critical role in supporting Australians with disabilities, but funding disparities across disability groups, age demographics, and regions reveal key challenges that must be addressed. Our analysis of the 2025 NDIS funding distribution highlights major gaps in allocation, raising important questions about fairness, efficiency, and long-term sustainability. 

One key takeaway from this study is: 

"NDIS funding allocation needs to be more equitable and needs-based to ensure that all participants, regardless of disability type, age, or location, receive the right level of support for their actual needs." 

While Autism and Intellectual Disability receive substantial funding, other groups—such as Psychosocial Disability, Visual Impairment, and Spinal Cord Injury—may be underfunded despite significant service demands. Similarly, the sharp decline in funding for older participants raises concerns about long-term disability support as individuals transition into later life. State-by-state variations also highlight service accessibility issues in smaller and remote regions. 

This analysis prompts important policy discussions: 

• Should NDIS shift to a more needs-based allocation model, ensuring that every participant receives fair support? 

• How can service accessibility be improved in lower-funded regions? 

• Does the current early intervention strategy effectively reduce long-term costs, or does it leave older participants vulnerable? 

  
  

By addressing these questions and advocating for data-driven funding reforms, policymakers, industry experts, and disability advocates can work toward a more inclusive and sustainable NDIS. 

What’s Next? 

• More transparency in NDIS data reporting to close gaps in funding allocation. 

• Better alignment between funding and real-world service needs, particularly for underfunded disability groups. 

• Targeted policy adjustments to ensure that NDIS remains fair and effective for all participants. 

  
  

This study is just the beginning of an ongoing conversation. Ensuring equitable and sustainable NDIS funding is essential for creating a system that truly supports all Australians with disabilities, both now and in the future. 

Methodology of the NDIS Funding Analysis Study 

To ensure accuracy and reliability, this NDIS funding study follows a data-driven approach, examining funding distribution across states, age groups, and disability types. Using official NDIS datasets, rigorous data cleaning, statistical analysis, and visualization techniques were applied to extract meaningful insights. 

The analysis began with data collection, sourcing participant and funding data from official NDIS reports. Once gathered, the data underwent a preprocessing phase, where aggregated entries were removed, missing values were handled, and numerical data was formatted for accurate calculations. This ensured consistency across all variables. 

To identify funding disparities, a comparative analysis was conducted, focusing on funding variations across different states, age groups, and disability categories. A key metric in this research was funding per participant, which provided insights into whether specific groups were receiving disproportionately high or low funding compared to others. 

To make the findings more accessible, data visualization techniques were employed, creating detailed charts and graphs to illustrate funding gaps, distribution trends, and equity issues. These visual insights provide a clear and engaging way to understand the complexities of NDIS funding allocations. 

This methodology-driven approach ensures that the study is transparent, accurate, and actionable, offering valuable insights for policymakers, industry experts, and disability advocates. 

Data Collection 

The study is based on the analysis of NDIS participant datasets, which include details on funding allocations, participant demographics, disability types, and regional distribution. The dataset was sourced from publicly available NDIS reports and administrative records, ensuring a broad and representative sample. 

Data Cleaning and Preprocessing 

To ensure the accuracy and reliability of the study, the following preprocessing steps were undertaken: 

• Removal of 'ALL' Aggregates: Data rows containing "ALL" in categorical fields such as State, Age Group, or Disability Type were removed to avoid misleading aggregated statistics. 

• Handling Missing Values: Missing values in funding and participant count fields were either imputed using appropriate statistical methods or excluded where necessary. 

• Data Type Conversion: Numerical values, particularly funding and participant counts, were converted from string formats to numeric formats for accurate calculations. 

Data Categorization 

The study analyzed funding allocation across three primary dimensions: 

• State-wise analysis: Identifying variations in funding distribution among Australian states and territories. 

• Age-based distribution: Examining funding allocation across different age groups to highlight potential disparities. 

• Disability type analysis: Assessing whether specific disabilities receive disproportionately higher or lower funding compared to participant representation. 

Statistical Analysis 

The following statistical techniques were applied: 

• Descriptive statistics to summarize the key metrics such as total funding, funding per participant, and participant distribution. 

• Comparative analysis to identify funding variations between different states, age groups, and disability types. 

• Funding per participant ratio calculation to highlight efficiency and equity in funding allocation. 

Visualization and Interpretation 

To effectively communicate findings, the data was visualized using: 

• Bar charts for funding distribution by state, disability type, and age group. 

• Comparative plots to show funding disparities per participant. 

• Sorted rankings to display the highest and lowest-funded categories. 

Key Research Questions Addressed 

This study aimed to answer critical policy and funding-related questions, including: 

• Are certain states receiving disproportionately high or low funding per participant? 

• Does NDIS funding align with the needs of different disability groups? 

• Is early intervention (younger age groups) receiving adequate financial support? 

• Are there major gaps in funding distribution that require policy adjustments? 

Limitations and Considerations 

While this study provides valuable insights, it is subject to the following limitations: 

• Data Availability: The analysis depends on the completeness and accuracy of publicly available NDIS datasets. 

• Policy and Administrative Differences: Variations in state policies and service delivery models may impact funding levels. 

• Uncaptured Variables: The dataset does not include qualitative factors such as service effectiveness or participant satisfaction. 

  
  

Conclusion: What This Study Reveals About NDIS Funding 

This analysis sheds light on critical disparities in NDIS funding distribution, revealing variations by state, age group, and disability type. Some states provide significantly higher funding per participant, while others lag behind, raising questions about regional equity. Similarly, differences in funding allocations across disability groups highlight the need for a more balanced and needs-based approach. 

The findings emphasize the importance of policy interventions to address funding gaps and improve resource allocation across the NDIS framework. Ensuring equitable support for all participants—regardless of location, age, or disability type—should remain a top priority for policymakers and stakeholders. 

As discussions around NDIS funding continue to evolve, data-driven insights like these can help shape more effective policies that meet the diverse needs of the disability community. If you’re a researcher, journalist, or industry expert, feel free to reference this study and contribute to the ongoing conversation about improving NDIS funding. 

For a detailed breakdown of the findings and state-wise funding data, explore our full report and stay updated with the latest insights on NDIS funding trends. 

Dataset 

Participants Datasets _ NDIS.xlsx 

Sources

1. https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_departments/Parliamentary_Library/Budget/reviews/2023-24/NDIS 

2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Disability_Insurance_Scheme