About Foundational Supports
Foundational Supports are specific supports outside the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). They are in addition to services offered by mainstream systems, like education and health.
Foundational Supports will help people with disability, their families, carers and kin. They will include general and targeted supports.
General supports
These will help people with disability to live a better life. They will improve access to:
- evidence-based information
- supports that help build skills, improve confidence and independence
- supports that will develop connections between peers and within the community
- supports to find other services and resources
- advice that helps community organisations to be more inclusive and accessible.
Targeted supports
These will help those who may have extra support needs but do not need these met through the NDIS. The Independent Review into the NDIS recommended more of these supports outside the NDIS.
Thriving Kids
We have announced our commitment to contribute $2 billion over 5 years towards Thriving Kids, commencing from 1 July 2026.
Thriving Kids will focus on identifying developmental concerns earlier and establishing a national system of supports for children aged 8 and under with mild to moderate developmental delay and autism – and their families. Children with permanent and significant disability will continue to be supported through the NDIS.
The final program design will be settled between the Australian Government and state and territory governments. It will be informed by experts and the significant community input received through the Independent Review of the NDIS, and the Thriving Kids Advisory Group co-chaired by Professor Frank Oberklaid.
Read more about Thriving Kids.
Delivering Foundational Supports
Foundational Supports will likely be delivered through a mix of new and reformed programs and services. They will reflect the evidence of what works.
Supports will be phased in over time. The initial rollout will focus on delivering Thriving Kids from 1 July 2026.
Governments will continue to place the needs of people with disability and their families, carers and kin at the centre of this work.
Consultation
Governments recently had first consultations on the design and implementation of Foundational Supports.
Visit DSS Engage to learn more about Foundational Supports consultation.
To learn more about our work to design and deliver Foundational Supports subscribe for updates.