The first months of 2026 have seen important announcements affecting the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Alongside proposed changes to how plans will work under the New Framework Plans, the Federal Government and state and territory governments have also provided some information about Thriving Kids.
Understanding the Draft Framework Plan rules
Flexible and stated supports
It has been proposed that NDIS New Framework Plans will make it easier to understand how funding works by separating it into flexible and stated supports.
- Flexible supports let participants choose how to use their money across a range of approved services to meet their goals.
- Stated supports are for specific purposes and must be used exactly as outlined in the plan.
So, in the future, plans will look different. Plans will still be grouped into funding categories like core or capacity-building, but within these categories, funds will either be with flexible or stated.
Funding periods
Funding periods are the set timeframes over which a participant’s budget is released and must be managed, with funds available in instalments, typically quarterly, so people can plan support use over the life of their plan, with the aim of avoiding spending funding too early.
Impairment notices
The draft rules specify that the NDIA must provide a notice of impairments to participants when they transition to a new framework plan, and outline when and howsuch noticescan be varied. This is intended to help participants understand which impairments the NDIA considers relevant to funding decisions under the new model. You can find more information about impairment notices on the NDIS FAQ page.
If you are unhappy with your NDIS plan under the New Framework Plans, you still have the right to request a review. You can first ask for an internal review by the NDIA, this hasn’t changed. If you are still not satisfied, you can also still request an external review through the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). However, what has changed is that the ART can check the decisions made, but they cannot change the money in your plan. They can only tell the NDIA to reconsider it, and the NDIA decides any changes to your funding.
Public consultation on New Framework Plans
In late January, the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing opened public consultation on these four draft legislative rules. These rules are critical because they will determine how plans are structured, how funding is allocated, and how participants transition from current plans to the new framework plans. Consultation is open until early March. There is information on how you can participate in the public consultation about the NDIS rules: New Framework Planning on the NDIS website. NDIS rules: Public consultation on new framework planning
Participants will start moving to New Framework Plans gradually from mid-2026.
Thriving Kids
In February 2026, the government confirmed the rollout of Thriving Kids, a new program for children aged 0 to 8 with low to moderate support needs.
Starting from 1 October 2026, children in this group will begin accessing early intervention and developmental supports outside the NDIS, with full national coverage by 1 January 2028.
Children with permanent and significant disabilities will remain eligible for the NDIS. Families will receive guidance during the staged rollout to ensure a smooth transition and that no child loses access to essential supports.
Detailed plans for how Thriving Kids will operate in Victoria are still being finalised and haven’t been publicly released. The Australian Government and all state and territory governments are continuing to work together with community, families and sector stakeholders on the design and implementation of the Thriving Kids system ahead of its rollout. You can read more in the Thriving Kids Fact Sheet.
Need a little support?
If you are finding the changes and news challenging to get your head around, you are welcome to contact our Family Support team with any NDIS-related questions at familysupport@dsav.asn.au (up to 18 years old) or debbyf@dsav.asn.au (for 18 years and over), or you can phone 9486 9600.