Will My Child Lose NDIS Funding? What Parents Need to Know About the 2026 Reforms

A plain-English guide to understanding the latest NDIS changes for children, what they could mean for your family and how to prepare with confidence.

If you have been hearing about changes to the NDIS, you may be wondering what they could mean for your child and your family.

Perhaps you have seen news about changes to children's supports, heard people talking about future reforms, or come across information about the Australian Government's proposed Thriving Kids program.

With so much information available, it can be difficult to know what has already changed, what is still being developed and what may affect your own family.

It is understandable if this feels uncertain.

One of the most important things to remember is that every child is different.

Some changes have already been introduced, while others are still being considered or will be introduced over time.

Funding decisions continue to be based on each child's individual support needs, goals and circumstances.

Understanding how decisions are made, and knowing what practical steps you can take now, can help you feel more prepared for future planning conversations.

This guide reflects the information available at the time of publication and will be updated as further changes are confirmed.

What You Will Learn

After reading this guide you will understand:

• why many parents are feeling uncertain
• how decisions about children's NDIS funding are made
• why every child's plan is different
• practical ways to prepare for future planning conversations
• where to find trusted information and support.

Why Does it Feel So Uncertain?

Many families are trying to understand what recent NDIS changes could mean for their child.

As the NDIS continues to evolve, it can sometimes be difficult to know what has already changed, what may change in the future and what those changes could mean for your own child.

That is why many families are looking for clear, practical information they can trust.

In Plain Terms

Every child's situation is different.

Changes to the NDIS will not affect every child in the same way.

Understanding how funding decisions are made, and knowing what practical steps you can take, can help you feel more prepared for future planning conversations.

Will Every Child Lose NDIS Funding?

This is one of the most common questions parents are asking.

There is no simple yes or no answer.

Every child's NDIS plan is developed around their individual disability-related support needs, goals, functional capacity and the evidence available during the planning process.

Some children may experience changes to their plan over time, while others may experience very little change.

Every child has their own goals, strengths and support needs.

Focusing on what matters most to your child can help you feel more confident during planning conversations and when discussing future funding decisions.

These factors play an important role in planning conversations and future funding decisions.

What is Thriving Kids and Could it Affect My Child?

One confirmed change is worth explaining clearly because it relates to a specific group of children and families.

From 1 October 2026, the Australian Government will begin rolling out Thriving Kids.

The program is designed to support children aged eight and under with developmental delay and/or autism who have low to moderate support needs.

If your child is already in the NDIS and fits this group, they will be assessed before 1 January 2028.

If Thriving Kids is considered appropriate for your child, they may then move to the new program.

The Australian Government is still working out how children will be assessed and how the transition to Thriving Kids will happen.

Children with permanent and significant disability, including children with developmental delay and/or autism who have high support needs, will continue to be eligible for the NDIS under the usual arrangements.

If you think Thriving Kids may apply to your child, it may be worth discussing this with your Local Area Coordinator (LAC), Support Coordinator or another trusted professional as more information becomes available.

Preparing For Your Next Planning Conversation

You do not need to wait until your child's next plan review to start preparing.

Taking small steps now can help you feel more prepared for future planning conversations.

For example, you might keep reports and assessments up to date, think about your child's future goals and make a note of any changes in their support needs.

How Are Decisions Made About My Child's NDIS Plan?

Every child's NDIS plan is designed around their individual circumstances.

When funding decisions are made, the NDIS considers information such as:

• your child's disability-related support needs
• reports and assessments from health professionals
• their goals and aspirations
• how their disability affects everyday life
• evidence showing the supports they need.

This is why two children with the same diagnosis may receive different supports.

The NDIS looks at each child's individual needs, rather than using the same approach for every child.

A Parent Asked

"When should we start planning for life after school?"

This is one of the questions we were asked during a recent parent webinar.

Planning early gives families more time to explore their options, gather evidence and think about future goals.

A major life transition, such as finishing school, may also change a young person's support needs, routines or future aspirations.

If your child's support needs or future goals are changing, it is worth speaking with your Local Area Coordinator (LAC), Support Coordinator or another trusted professional early.

Starting the conversation early gives you more time to understand your options and gather the information you may need.

What Can Parents Do Now?

Although there may still be changes ahead, there are practical steps you can take now to feel more prepared for future planning conversations.

You might choose to:

• think about your child's goals, interests and strengths
• keep reports and assessments up to date
• talk with therapists about any changes in support needs
• keep a record of any significant changes in your child's circumstances
• start planning early for important life transitions
• write down questions you would like to ask at your next planning meeting.

Your Next Step

Preparing for the future does not happen all at once.

Taking one small step today can make future planning conversations feel much more manageable.

That first step might be booking an appointment with your child's therapist, reviewing your current plan or writing down questions for your next planning meeting.

You do not need to have all the answers today.

What matters is feeling informed, prepared and confident to take the next step when the time is right.

How Endeavour Foundation Can Support You

Whether your child is preparing for a plan review, transitioning from school or new opportunities, you do not have to navigate these changes on your own.

At Endeavour Foundation, we work alongside children, families and carers to understand their goals, explore support options and build confidence for the future.

Every family's journey is different. Depending on your goals and support needs, we may be able to help with:

• Social and Community Participation
• Home and Living, including  Supported Independent Living (SIL)
• Disability Employment
• Learning and Lifestyle
• School Leaver Supports

If you are unsure where to start, we are here to help you understand your options and answer your questions.

Whether you are ready to explore supports now or simply want to learn more, our friendly team is here to have a conversation.

Common Questions About Children's NDIS Funding

Will my child automatically lose NDIS funding?

No single answer applies to every family.

Every child's NDIS plan is based on their individual support needs, goals and supporting evidence.

This means changes may affect children differently depending on their circumstances.

For some younger children, the introduction of Thriving Kids may also affect how they access support in the future.

You can read more in the Thriving Kids section above.

How are funding decisions made?

The NDIS considers your child's disability-related support needs, goals, functional capacity and the supporting evidence provided during the planning process.

Every child's circumstances are considered individually.

Future changes, including the introduction of Thriving Kids, may also affect how some children access support.

See the Thriving Kids section above for more information.

Should I ask for a Change of Circumstances?

If your child's support needs, goals or daily life have changed significantly, it may be worth discussing your options with your Local Area Coordinator (LAC), Support Coordinator or another trusted professional.

What if my child is not ready for work after school?

There is no single "right" pathway.

Many young people spend time building confidence, developing life skills, participating in their community and exploring their interests before moving into employment or further study.

Every young person’s journey is different and goals can change over time.

What should I do while waiting for a NDIS decision?

While you are waiting, you might continue gathering reports, keep records of any changes, stay in touch with your providers and seek advice if your circumstances change significantly.

Where can I find trusted information?

Trusted information is available from the NDIA, the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and experienced disability organisations.

If you have questions about your own situation, it can also help to speak with your Local Area Coordinator, Support Coordinator or another trusted professional.

Will this guide be updated as the NDIS changes?

Yes. The NDIS continues to evolve, and this guide reflects the information available at the time it was published.

We will update this guide as significant changes are confirmed, so families can continue to access current, practical information.