Applying for the NDIS for a Child
Making an NDIS application for a child? Learn the two pathways by age, what evidence to gather, and the exact steps to apply in 2026.
Start here: your child's age decides the pathway
If your child is younger than 9: the Early Childhood Approach
If your child is 9 or older: making an Access Request
Does my child need a diagnosis?
What evidence should I gather?
A real-life example
How to apply, step by step (child aged 9+)
How long does it take, and what happens next?
What's changing for children under the 2026 reforms
Thriving Kids and Foundational Supports: help outside the NDIS
Common pitfalls families run into
What to do next, and where to get help
Frequently asked questions
My child doesn't have a formal diagnosis yet. Can I still apply?
Yes. For children under 9, a developmental delay or emerging concern is enough to contact an early childhood partner and start getting help. For older children a diagnosis often helps, but what the NDIA really assesses is how much your child's condition affects everyday activities, so gather evidence about that impact even while any diagnosis is still being worked out.
What's the difference between the Early Childhood Approach and a normal application?
The Early Childhood Approach is for children younger than 9. You start with an early childhood partner who can connect you to services or arrange short early support without a full plan, and only help you request NDIS access if your child needs longer-term support. From age 9, you make a standard Access Request directly with the NDIA, much like an adult application.
Will the 2026 reforms change how I apply for my child?
The government has indicated children under 18 are not part of the new planning framework initially, and the reset to social and community participation budgets is separate from critical daily-living and personal-care supports. However, the dates and details are still settling and have shifted before, so confirm the current position with the NDIA rather than relying on any single date.
What if my child's application is knocked back?
A decision is not necessarily final. You can ask the NDIA to review it, and if needed take it to the Administrative Review Tribunal. Extra appeals advocacy funding is available in 2026-27 through Legal Aid, and a disability advocate can help you understand your options. Our guide on what to do if your Access Request is rejected explains the steps.
What is Thriving Kids, and does my child need it instead of the NDIS?
Thriving Kids is part of a government commitment to Foundational Supports — services for children delivered outside the NDIS, aimed at those who don't qualify or move off the Scheme. It doesn't replace an NDIS application; it's a separate stream still being rolled out. Ask your early childhood partner or the NDIA what is actually available in your area before relying on it.