Navigating NDIS Changes: Eligibility for Children with Disability

TL;DR: Yes, children with a disability remain eligible for the NDIS. However, significant changes are being implemented from 1 January 2028, where children under eight with low-to-moderate support needs will transition to a new program called 'Thriving Kids,' while those with high support needs will continue to access the NDIS. Children already on the NDIS before this date will generally retain their eligibility under previous criteria.

Are Children Under Eight with a Disability Still Eligible for the NDIS?

Yes, children with a disability are still eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), but significant changes are on the horizon for those under eight, specifically impacting how they access support from 1 January 2028. Currently, children under eight, especially those with autism or developmental delay, can access the NDIS through the Early Childhood Approach, which provides individualised funding for essential therapies like speech pathology, occupational therapy, and psychology. Under the new reforms, the pathway for these young children will split: those identified with high support needs, including permanent and significant disabilities, will continue to access the NDIS as usual. In contrast, children aged eight and under with low-to-moderate support needs will no longer enter the NDIS directly. Instead, they will be supported through a new, federally and state/territory-funded program known as 'Thriving Kids,' which forms the first phase of broader Foundational Supports. This distinction hinges on the critical phrase "substantially reduced functional capacity," which will differentiate NDIS participants from those directed to Thriving Kids.

How Will We Determine if a Child Has High or Low-to-Moderate Support Needs?

The determination of whether a child has high or low-to-moderate support needs, and thus their pathway to NDIS or Thriving Kids, largely depends on an assessment of their "substantially reduced functional capacity." Your child is likely to remain NDIS-eligible if they have a permanent and significant disability or a developmental delay that results in a severe and ongoing impact on their functional capacity across multiple life areas. This typically involves complex support needs that require highly individualised and sustained interventions. Conversely, your child may be redirected to the Thriving Kids program if they have a developmental delay or an autism diagnosis with support needs deemed low-to-moderate, where their functional capacity is affected but perhaps not to the same severe or pervasive extent. A key concern for families, highlighted by advocacy organisations, is that terms like "mild" and "moderate" are policy constructs rather than precise clinical diagnostic categories. This can create a significant grey area, as a child with a "mild" diagnosis may still experience substantial daily challenges and require significant support that may not be fully captured by brief assessments, potentially leading to an underestimation of their true needs.

What is the New 'Thriving Kids' Program, and How Will it Work?

The new 'Thriving Kids' program is a significant national initiative, jointly funded by the Commonwealth and state/territory governments with a commitment of $4 billion over five years. Positioned as the first phase of "Foundational Supports," its primary aim is to provide early intervention and support for children aged eight and under with low-to-moderate support needs who will no longer enter the NDIS from January 1, 2028. The program is slated to launch in October 2026. However, its operational model and specific service delivery details are a source of considerable anxiety for families. A major concern is the shift from individualised funding for therapies delivered by chosen providers to community-based support through 'community hubs.' This raises fears about children losing vital, established relationships with therapists they have built trust with over time. Families also worry that the program may underestimate the profound daily impact of disabilities often labelled as "mild," such as Level 1 autism, which can still involve significant meltdowns, sensory overwhelm, and social difficulties. Furthermore, there are significant practical concerns about the readiness of these community services, particularly in regional and remote areas where essential therapists and infrastructure may not yet exist. Advocacy groups have also raised alarms about the program's perceived lack of neuro-affirming design and insufficient input from autistic individuals and families, calling for genuine co-design and a written guarantee that no child will receive less support than they currently do under the NDIS.

What Should Parents Do Right Now to Protect Their Child's Supports?

Parents of children with a disability should take proactive steps now to navigate the upcoming NDIS changes, particularly for children under eight. The most crucial piece of information is that children already enrolled in the NDIS before 1 January 2028 with developmental delay and/or autism (regardless of their assessed support needs) will continue to be assessed under the eligibility criteria that were in place before the changes. This means their NDIS plan will generally not automatically be lost. For parents whose child meets the current NDIS eligibility criteria and is under eight, applying for NDIS access as soon as possible is highly advisable. This involves gathering comprehensive medical reports, specialist assessments, and allied health worker reports that clearly document your child's disability or developmental delay and its impact on their functional capacity. Engaging with a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or a disability advocate can also provide invaluable guidance through the application process. Parents should also closely follow updates regarding the implementation of the Thriving Kids program and advocate for the "No Child Left Behind" parliamentary report recommendations, which call for critical safeguards such as guaranteed support levels, comprehensive workforce planning, and genuine co-design with neuro-affirming principles. Understanding these timelines and acting promptly can help ensure your child receives the appropriate supports.

Key Takeaways

• From 1 January 2028, children under eight with low-to-moderate support needs will transition to the new 'Thriving Kids' program, while those with high support needs will remain NDIS-eligible.
• If your child is currently under eight and meets NDIS eligibility criteria, consider applying for NDIS access before January 1, 2028, as existing participants will generally retain eligibility under older rules.
• Gather comprehensive evidence from doctors, specialists, and allied health professionals detailing your child's diagnosis and its functional impact to support any NDIS application or review process.