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Already on the NDIS? What the transition means

If your child already has an NDIS plan, this change can feel especially worrying. Here's what the Government has said about how transitions will work.

Aaisha Deo · Lead Speech Pathologist 10 Aug 2026 6 min read Last updated August 2026

For families already navigating the NDIS, the idea of another change can be stressful. Here's a calm summary of what's been announced about moving from the NDIS to Thriving Kids.

Who might transition?

The Government has said that children aged 8 and under who are already on the NDIS, and who have developmental delay and/or autism with low-to-moderate support needs, will be reassessed before 1 January 2028 and moved to Thriving Kids if appropriate. Children with high or significant support needs are expected to stay on the NDIS.

When would this happen?

Changes to NDIS access arrangements for children are expected to commence from 1 January 2028. Importantly, the Government has said these changes are still being worked through, and have been agreed “in principle” — legislation and detail are still to come. In other words: nothing changes for your child's plan overnight, and there's time.

What we don't know yet

Exactly how reassessment and transition will happen is still being designed. We'd caution against reading too much into speculation — the most reliable information will come from official sources as the detail is confirmed.

Try not to let uncertainty stop good support now. Whatever system your child is funded through, the therapy itself — building communication, supporting your family — doesn't change in nature. Keep your child's supports going, keep records of their progress, and lean on your providers to help you navigate the transition when the time comes.

Common questions

Will my child be kicked off the NDIS?

The Government has said children with high or significant support needs will remain eligible for the NDIS. Children aged 8 and under with low-to-moderate needs will be reassessed before 1 January 2028 and moved to Thriving Kids if appropriate. The detail is still being finalised.

When do NDIS changes for children start?

Changes to NDIS access arrangements for children are expected to commence from 1 January 2028, and have so far been agreed in principle, with legislation and detail still to come.

Our sources. This guide draws on official Australian Government information and is updated as details are released. For the latest, see the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing — Thriving Kids, the NDIS, and Raising Children Network. Because much of the program is still being finalised, please treat specifics as a guide and confirm your family's situation with official sources.
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