Foundational Supports and Thriving Kids Explained
Foundational supports NDIS: what this new tier of support outside the Scheme is, who it's for, when it arrives and what to do now.
What are foundational supports in plain English?
Why are foundational supports being created now?
How are foundational supports different from NDIS supports?
What is Thriving Kids?
Who are foundational supports meant to help?
What kinds of support might foundational supports include?
When will foundational supports be available?
What if I might lose NDIS access under the changes?
The Inclusive Communities Fund
What you can do now
Where to get help
Frequently asked questions
Will foundational supports replace my NDIS plan?
No. Foundational supports are a separate tier of help designed to sit outside the NDIS, mainly for people who do not have an individual plan or who lose access. If you have significant, ongoing functional impairment, the intention is that you keep your NDIS plan. They are meant to work alongside the Scheme, not swap in for it. Confirm your own situation with the NDIA.
Is my child better off with Thriving Kids or the NDIS?
That depends entirely on your child's needs, and no one can decide it for you in a general article. Thriving Kids is being built so families can get early and developmental support without needing a full NDIS plan, but it is still rolling out. If your child already has a plan, they are not automatically moved off it. Talk to the NDIA, your child's health team and an early childhood provider about what is available now.
When can I actually access foundational supports?
There is no single national start date. The funding is committed and design is underway, but services are being built progressively and depend on agreements between the Commonwealth and each state or territory. It is reasonable to ask the NDIA and your state government what exists in your area today, rather than assuming a service will be ready. Dates have already shifted once, so confirm the current position.
What happens if I lose NDIS access and foundational supports aren't ready?
This is a valid concern. Foundational supports are the intended safety net for people who lose access from 2028, but that net is still being built. If an NDIA decision affects your access, you can seek a review and ultimately go to the Administrative Review Tribunal, and extra appeals-advocacy funding is available to help. An advocate or support coordinator can support you through it.
Where can I get independent help to understand my options?
An independent advocate is free and works for you, not the NDIA — the national Disability Advocacy Finder can connect you with one locally. A support coordinator can also help you navigate reassessments and find services. For general plan questions, call the NDIA on 1800 800 110. You can compare verified coordinators and advocC-adjacent providers on Novida when you are ready.