The disability support landscape in Australia is changing. Following the NDIS Review, the Australian Government announced the introduction of “Foundational Supports”—a new tier of disability services designed to sit outside the NDIS.
For many participants, families, and providers, this shift brings up a lot of questions.
What exactly are Foundational Supports? Who are they for? Will people lose their NDIS funding? And when is this all happening?
This guide breaks down what we know so far, what is still being designed, and when we can expect more details.
What Are Foundational Supports?
Right now, disability support in Australia often feels like an “all or nothing” system. You are either eligible for the NDIS and receive comprehensive support, or you rely on mainstream services (like schools and hospitals) which may not be equipped to meet your specific disability needs.
Foundational Supports are designed to bridge this gap. They are specific, government-funded supports that sit outside the NDIS but are in addition to mainstream services.
The goal is to create a “connected ecosystem” of accessible supports for the estimated 1.4 million Australians under 65 with a disability who are not eligible for the NDIS.
The government has split Foundational Supports into two main categories:
1. General Supports
These are available to everyone—both NDIS participants and people not on the Scheme. They focus on capacity building, information, and community connection. Examples include:
- Information, advice, and referral services
- Peer support and parenting groups
- Capacity building to help individuals self-advocate and participate in the community
- Advice to help community organisations become more inclusive
2. Targeted Supports
These are designed specifically for people who need lower-intensity disability supports and are not eligible for the NDIS.
These supports focus on assisting people with specific needs, such as early intervention for children or home and community care.
The First Major Rollout: Thriving Kids
While the full scope of Foundational Supports is vast, the government has made it clear where they are starting: children.
The first phase of Foundational Supports is a $2 billion initiative called Thriving Kids.
Who is it for?
Thriving Kids is designed for children aged 8 and under who have developmental delay and/or autism with low to moderate support needs, along with their families.
Why is this happening?
From 1 January 2028, children in this cohort will no longer automatically access NDIS Early Intervention.
Instead, they will be supported through Thriving Kids. The government’s intention is that children who do not need long-term, intensive NDIS funding can still receive timely, effective early intervention outside the Scheme.
What you need to know:
- If your child is already on the NDIS: Children already in the NDIS before 1 January 2028 will be assessed under the rules that applied at the end of 2027.
- If your child has high support needs: Children with permanent and significant disability or high support needs will continue to access the NDIS.
The Rollout Timeline: When Is This Happening?
The rollout of Foundational Supports is a massive undertaking requiring funding agreements between the Federal Government and the states and territories.
Because of this, it is happening in stages.
IMPORTANT: Be mindful that the Govt may shift these dates (in fact it’s very likely).
| Milestone | Expected Date | What is Happening |
|---|---|---|
| Early 2026 | February 2026 | The National Agreement on Foundational Supports commenced, establishing a 5-year funding framework between the Commonwealth and states. |
| Mid 2026 | 1 July 2026 | The first phase of the Thriving Kids program is expected to begin rolling out. |
| Late 2026 | 1 October 2026 | State and Commonwealth services under Thriving Kids are expected to commence and begin ramping up over 12 months. |
| Early 2028 | 1 January 2028 | Full national rollout of Thriving Kids is expected to be at scale. This aligns with the date that NDIS access changes for children aged 0–8 take effect. |
Note: Timelines for other targeted Foundational Supports (such as adult psychosocial supports or home and community care) have not yet been confirmed.
What This Means for Participants and Families
The biggest concern for current NDIS participants is whether Foundational Supports will be used as a reason to reduce their funding or remove them from the Scheme.
The government has stated that people with permanent and significant disability will continue to access the NDIS.
Foundational Supports are intended to relieve pressure on the NDIS by providing an alternative pathway for those with lower support needs, not to replace the NDIS for those who genuinely need it.
However, as the NDIS moves toward “New Framework Planning” between 2026 and 2030, participants will undergo new “support needs assessments” to determine their budgets.
During this transition, having a reliable Plan Manager to help you manage your funding budget and adhere to new funding periods will be crucial.
What This Means for Providers
For service providers, Foundational Supports represent both a shift in the landscape and a potential opportunity.
Because Foundational Supports are “commissioned services,” providers will likely be contracted by governments to deliver specific programs (such as early intervention therapies or peer support groups).
Providers should pay close attention to:
- Changing referral pathways: As children with low-to-moderate needs are directed to Thriving Kids rather than the NDIS, providers will need to understand how to engage with these new state and federal programs.
- New service models: Delivering block-funded or commissioned community programs requires a different business model than billing the NDIS fee-for-service.
- Consultation opportunities: The government is actively consulting on the design of these programs. Providers of allied health and early childhood intervention should engage with the DSS and Department of Health consultations occurring throughout 2026.
Register on the NDIS website to receive notices of opportunity to be part of their consultations.
What We Are Still Waiting to Find Out
While the Thriving Kids initiative has a clear focus, there is still a lot we do not know about the broader Foundational Supports rollout. We are still waiting for details on:
- Adult Targeted Supports: The NDIS Review recommended targeted supports for adults with psychosocial disabilities, chronic health conditions, and those needing home and community care. It is unclear when these will be funded or rolled out.
- Eligibility Criteria: Exactly how the line will be drawn between who gets Thriving Kids support and who gets NDIS access.
- Provider Contracting: How providers will apply or tender to deliver these commissioned services.
We will continue to monitor these reforms and provide updates as the Federal and State governments release more information.
Navigate the NDIS Changes with Plan Hero
As the NDIS evolves, having a specialist Plan Manager ensures your funding is managed correctly and your invoices are paid on time. Let us handle the financial administration so you can focus on your supports.
