Answer
How long must an NDIS provider keep claim records?
An NDIS provider must keep records relating to a claim for an NDIS amount, and to the support the claim relates to, for 7 years from the day the claim is made. A participant must keep them for 3 years and any other claimant for 5 years.
Which records are covered?
The duty applies where the record is of a kind the National Disability Insurance Scheme rules prescribe. The Act does not list the kinds itself, so the first step is to read the rules in force. The period runs from the claim date, not from the date the support was provided.
What happens if the record is missing?
Section 182(4) makes an amount equal to the NDIS amount a debt due to the Agency where the person was required to keep the record, did not comply, and cannot otherwise demonstrate an entitlement to the amount. A record keeping failure is therefore a penalty risk and a recovery risk at the same time.
Does the record have to be in English?
It must be in English, or readily accessible and convertible into English. A record in another language that cannot be converted is not enough. A record in a system that is no longer supported may also fail the readily accessible test, which is a question for the provider's own evidence.
Why does this matter to an insurer?
Seven years is longer than most policy periods and longer than many provider retention schedules. A paid claim can become a debt years later, and an insurer that covers the provider may be asked whether the policy responds. The underwriting question is whether the insured can retrieve a claim file seven years on.
The duties behind this answer
Not legal advice; does not certify. Read the provision at https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2026A00066/latest/text. Last updated .