NDIS & Foundational Supports - easy read

What is the NDIS?

The NDIS started in 2013. It helps people with a disability get support to live better and more independent lives.

Why Foundational Supports?

When the NDIS started, State and Territory programs were reduced. This meant the NDIS became the main option for support. In 2024, the government decided to bring in a new system called Foundational Supports to work with the NDIS, not replace it.

What are Foundational Supports?

Foundational Supports are extra supports outside of the NDIS. They are for people with a disability, their families, and carers. They are funded by both the Federal and State governments. There are two main types:

1) General Supports

• Information and advice

• Help for people and carers to build skills, confidence, and independence

• Connecting with peers and the community

• Finding other community services and supports

• Disability employment help

• Guidance for organisations to be more inclusive

  
  

2) Targeted Supports

• For people under 65 who are not eligible for the NDIS but still need help

• Examples include:

  • Shopping and cleaning help

  • Aids and equipment (assistive technology) outside of NDIS

  • Support for adults with psychosocial disability (around 154,000 people)

  • Early help for children with developmental concerns who don’t meet NDIS requirements

  • Support for teenagers and young adults moving into study, work, or independent living

    
    

What are Navigators?

Navigators will help people find the right supports. They will connect people to the NDIS, health and education services, disability groups, or local community supports. They are like Support Coordinators but with a broader focus.

What is Thriving Kids?

On 20 August 2025, the government announced Thriving Kids with $2 billion in funding. This program will focus on early help for children with mild to moderate developmental delay or autism (ASD) who don’t qualify for the NDIS. It will provide therapies and support for life transitions like starting school.

When will this happen?

Work on Foundational Supports has started, but nothing is final yet. The government is still planning with States, Territories, unions, and disability groups. More details will come over time.

Why does this matter?

Foundational Supports will help people who can’t get the NDIS but still need support. It will also take pressure off the NDIS by making more services available through State governments and communities.

We hope these new supports make life easier for people with disability, their families, and carers.