Thriving Kids to Replace Some NDIS Funding for Children: What Melbourne Families Need to Know

Over 151,000 Australian children and young people with developmental delay or autism could lose their individual funding from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The new Thriving Kids program, launching in October, is behind this change. Health department documents, seen by The Guardian in July 2026, detail this potential impact. This change matters for NDIS participants and their families in Melbourne and across Victoria. It could affect eligibility. It also changes how disability supports are delivered in schools and communities.

Key takeaways

• Thriving Kids launches in October, shifting some children from individual NDIS funding to foundational supports.
• Only children aged 0–8 with low-to-moderate support needs are eligible for Thriving Kids; those with higher needs remain eligible for NDIS funding.
• Over 151,000 children and young people may fall outside both programs, with no announced alternative supports for those aged nine and over.
• Families in Melbourne should review their child’s eligibility and prepare for changes to how disability supports are accessed, especially in school and community settings.

What Changes Are Coming?

The federal government, with state and territory governments, announced the Thriving Kids program. It launches in October 2026, according to The Guardian. This program will replace some individual National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding for children. The NDIS provides individual funding for disability support. It introduces a new model of 'foundational supports.' Foundational supports are disability services. These include physiotherapy, speech pathology, occupational therapy, and psychology. They will be delivered in everyday settings like schools and community activities. This differs from private NDIS-funded appointments.

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and the Department of Health have not released exact figures. They have not said how many children will be affected. However, Health department documents show 151,240 children and young people are aged 18 or younger. These children have developmental delay or autism. They will no longer be eligible for NDIS funding.

Thriving Kids is only for children aged 0–8. They must have developmental delay or autism and low-to-moderate support needs. Children with higher needs will still get individual NDIS funding. No support pathway is announced for children aged nine and over. These children may lose NDIS eligibility. They are also too old for Thriving Kids.

The 2023 NDIS review and 2025 Thriving Kids advisory group made recommendations. Their goal is to better integrate disability supports into education and community systems. This aims to reduce the burden on families to coordinate care. The Guardian reports concerns from families and experts. They question if the new system will meet demand. This is especially true for children who do not fit either program.

What Do the Numbers Show?

What Does This Mean for Melbourne Families?

For families in Melbourne, these changes mean a big shift. This includes areas like the City of Moreland and Melbourne CBD. It affects how children with developmental delay and autism get support. If your child is aged 0–8 with low-to-moderate support needs, they may transition. They could move from individual NDIS funding to foundational supports. These supports will be in local schools or community programs. This could mean fewer private therapy appointments. It also means more integrated support in everyday places. Examples include classrooms or community centres.

If your child is aged nine or older and loses NDIS eligibility, there is no announced alternative. No program will fill the gap left by Thriving Kids. Families may need to work with local schools, allied health professionals, and community groups. This will ensure ongoing support. As an NDIS provider in Victoria, we see a common challenge. Families struggle with fragmented systems. They also face unclear eligibility during transitions. We recommend:

1. Review your child’s current NDIS plan and eligibility status. Do this before the October rollout.
2. Meet with your school’s wellbeing or inclusion coordinator. Discuss how foundational supports will be integrated. Ask what resources are available on-site.
3. Connect with local allied health professionals. These include occupational therapists or speech pathologists. Understand how their services will be delivered under the new model.
4. Stay informed through official NDIS news Melbourne updates. Look for government announcements about new supports for children aged nine and over.

Foundational supports aim to give practical help. This is where children live, learn, and play. They do not require a formal diagnosis or specialist referral. For example, a child struggling in class may benefit. A coordinated support plan can help. Teachers, families, and allied health professionals work together. They identify barriers and set goals. Group sessions may also become more common. Social workers in community centres could lead them. They will focus on building everyday skills. Examples include using public transport or socialising.

How Will Foundational Supports Work?

The aim is for children to get help where they already are. This reduces reliance on formal diagnoses and specialist referrals. Professionals from different fields will work together. They will collaborate with families and children. They will share information and agree on support priorities. Older children should be more involved. They should help set their own goals. They should also participate in decisions about their support. This collaborative approach builds skills and knowledge. It helps educators, community workers, and families. It aims to ease the burden on parents. Parents often coordinate care themselves.

What Should Melbourne Families Do Now?

The October launch is approaching. Families should take proactive steps:

1. Check your child's eligibility. If they are aged 0–8 with developmental delay or autism, will they qualify for Thriving Kids? Or will they remain on the NDIS due to higher support needs?
2. If your child is aged nine or older and may lose NDIS eligibility, start discussions. Talk to your school and local community services about available supports.
3. Stay updated with NDIS provider Melbourne communications. Look for government updates. Learn about new programs or funding for older children.
4. Document your child’s current needs. Note any supports they receive. This will help with future planning and advocacy.

Will the New Support System Be Ready for Melbourne Families?

Experts and families are concerned, The Guardian reports. They worry the Thriving Kids program may struggle to meet demand for children aged 0–8. They also fear supports may be less individualised than under the NDIS. The federal government has not clarified support for children aged nine and over. These young people may lose NDIS eligibility. What, if any, support will they get? Families should prepare for adjustment. Expect potential service gaps. This is especially true for those not fitting new eligibility rules.

The NDIS review and advisory group called for better integration. They want disability services in education. However, the practical rollout remains uncertain. Clear communication will be crucial. Talk with schools, allied health professionals, and community organisations. This will help families navigate these changes in Victoria.

The shift to foundational supports is a major change. It affects how disability services are delivered. Families in Melbourne must stay informed and proactive. This will ensure their children get needed support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Thriving Kids program?

According to The Guardian, Thriving Kids will be available to children aged 0–8 with developmental delay or autism who have low-to-moderate support needs. Children with higher support needs will remain eligible for individual NDIS funding.

What are foundational supports under the new system?

Foundational supports are disability services such as physiotherapy, speech pathology, occupational therapy, and psychology delivered in everyday settings like schools and community activities, rather than through private NDIS-funded appointments.

What happens to children aged nine and over who lose NDIS eligibility?

As of September 2026, the federal government has not announced any alternative supports for children aged nine and over who are no longer eligible for NDIS or Thriving Kids, leaving a significant gap for this group according to Health department documents cited by The Guardian.

How will the changes affect families in Melbourne?

Families in Melbourne may see a shift from private therapy sessions to support delivered in schools or community programs. Those with children aged nine or older who lose NDIS eligibility should proactively engage with schools and local services to seek available supports.

What should families do to prepare for the October rollout?

Families should review their child's current NDIS plan and eligibility, consult with school wellbeing coordinators, connect with allied health professionals, and stay informed through official NDIS news Melbourne updates and government announcements.

Written and reviewed by the LuminCare team — a registered NDIS provider supporting participants across Australia. Last updated 15 September 2026. This article is general information, not personal advice; for decisions about your plan, speak with your support coordinator or the NDIA.