- Thriving Kids starts 1 October 2026 for children 8 and under with low to moderate needs.
- New framework planning starts with a small group from mid-2026; children aren't in the first stage.
- NDIS funding follows official lists of what is and isn't an NDIS support.
- Current plans stay in place until you're told otherwise.
What is Thriving Kids?
A new system of supports outside the NDIS for children 8 and under with developmental delay or autism and low to moderate support needs. State services start from 1 October 2026, with full rollout by 1 January 2028. Children with high support needs stay eligible for the NDIS.1 Read more in What is Thriving Kids?
What is new framework planning?
The NDIS is introducing a new way of planning that includes a support needs assessment: a guided conversation with a trained NDIS assessor. From mid-2026 it starts with a small number of participants and will roll out over several years. Children under 18 won't be part of the initial changes. Plans will still be approved by trained NDIS staff.2
What can NDIS funding pay for?
NDIS laws set out two lists: supports that are NDIS supports (37 categories) and supports that aren't (15 categories). Funding must be used for NDIS supports that relate to your child's disability and fit their plan. In some cases the NDIS approves "replacement supports" on application.3
| Change | When | Affects children? |
|---|---|---|
| Thriving Kids | From 1 October 2026 | Yes: 8 and under, low to moderate needs |
| NDIS access changes for children | From 1 January 2028 (agreed in principle) | Yes |
| New framework planning | Small start from mid-2026 | Not in the first stage |
| NDIS supports lists | In place | Yes: guides what funding can buy |
What can I do now?
0 of 4 done
