NDIS vs Thriving Kids: What You Need to Know

The Australian Government has announced major NDIS reforms, one of which is the Thriving Kids program. These changes are designed to make sure the NDIS stays strong for those who need it most, while creating new ways for families to access early supports in the community.

The stated purpose of these changes is to:

• Help return the NDIS to its original mandate – providing reasonable and necessary support for Australians living with permanent and significant disability.
• Make more disability support available outside of the NDIS (i.e. through Medicare, community programs, schools).

For Australians living with disabilities, who require lower levels of support or less complex care – this may be delivered through mainstream services in future rather than through the NDIS. Here’s what we know so far:

What is the Thriving Kids program?

Many children with what the Government has described as “mild to moderate” needs are currently coming on to the NDIS system, which stretches the scheme past what it was designed for originally.

Under Thriving Kids, children aged 0-8 with low to moderate support needs will be supported through a $2bn investment into the community services you already know and use:

• GPs and child health services
• Early learning
• Schools and playgroups
• Digital or phone services

From July 1, 2026, the Thriving Kids program will be rolled out across states and territories with changes fully phased in by mid-2027. The Government has indicated this will be the first in a series of changes, though further programs or details have yet to be announced.

Will Thriving Kids impact your child’s care?

The focus for Thriving Kids is on early checks and interventions, providing practical advice for parents, and creating better access to everyday support in natural environments. If your child is aged 0-8 and experiencing developmental delay, or is on the autism spectrum with low to moderate disability-related needs, they may be moved from NDIS to the new program as part of the rollout from July 2026.

No one will be removed from the NDIS before new supports are in place to help them. Much like the PACE rollout, eligible children will be transitioned from NDIS to Thriving Kids as their plan is reassessed – and this transition will be carefully planned to make sure no one loses the support they need.

Related: Global Developmental Delay and the NDIS Explained

What’s the difference between NDIS and Thriving Kids?

Here are the key differences at a glance:

	NDIS	Thriving Kids
Who it’s for	People (children & adults) living with permanent and significant disability	Children aged 0–8 with low to moderate support needs
Type of support	Individualised NDIS plans; families choose providers	Support through GPs, child health services, early learning, schools, playgroups, and phone/digital options
Funding	Entitlement scheme – if eligible, you get supports	Program funding ($2bn federal + state contributions)
Access	Based on meeting disability criteria (impairment notice system coming)	Available through mainstream/community services
Impact on current participants	If you’re already in the NDIS, you’ll stay supported – no one will be removed before alternatives are ready	Children may move into Thriving Kids in future, but only once services are available
Key dates	Access rules change from mid-2027	Rollout begins 1 July 2026, to be phased in over 12 months

What this means for you and your family

There won’t be any immediate changes if you’re on the NDIS currently – you’ll keep your supports for now. If changes happen, they’ll occur once Thriving Kids is fully up and running (see key dates above).

If your child is living with permanent and significant disability, there’s no change – you’ll be able to access NDIS supports as usual.

Other NDIS changes you should know about

In addition to Thriving Kids, recent NDIS reforms include:

• A new impairment notice system – all participants will now receive an impairment notice from the NDIA, determining their primary impairment rather than their disability diagnosis (e.g. intellectual, cognitive, neurological, physical, psychosocial)
• Funding periods instead of up-front lump sums – for more detail on this, please see our article explaining New Changes to Funding Periods

With more changes indicated by the government, it’s important to stay up to date with the latest NDIS reforms and how they might impact you or your loved ones. You can find the latest NDIS news on our blog, along with other helpful articles.

Why are these changes being made?

The Government has indicated that this NDIS reform, including the introduction of Thriving Kids, is part of a wider effort to return the NDIS to its original purpose: Supporting Australians living with permanent and significant disability. This will make the scheme more sustainable long-term.

Related: What the new NDIS Needs Assessment Model means for Participants in 2026

Not sure what is covered by your NDIS plan? We’re here to help

At NDSP Plan Managers, we stay across NDIS updates so you don’t have to worry. Our role is to help you feel confident managing your plan and budget – even as the system changes.

Keep an eye out for regular updates as changes develop – or if you have questions about NDIS plan management, why not get in touch with our team?