What happens if my child is no longer eligible for the NDIS?
There are a lot of changes happening across the NDIS and the broader supports available to children and families. We know that changes to funding can bring uncertainty, particularly when your child has established relationships with their therapy team and you’re not sure what happens next.
As Thriving Kids and other Foundational Supports are progressively introduced, some families may also hear more about eligibility reassessments and changes to the way children access developmental supports.
Importantly, a change to NDIS eligibility does not mean that your child no longer needs or deserves support. It means the NDIA has determined that they no longer meet the eligibility requirements for the NDIS.
If your child’s NDIS eligibility is being reassessed, or you’ve been told that their NDIS funding will end, there are some practical steps you can take.
Why might my child’s NDIS eligibility be reassessed?
The NDIS can reassess a participant’s eligibility if it has information suggesting they may no longer meet the NDIS access requirements.
For example, it may need to check whether your child still meets the disability or early intervention requirements. An eligibility reassessment is different from a review of your child’s plan or funding.
The Australian Government is also introducing Thriving Kids, which will provide supports outside the NDIS for children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and/or autism with low to moderate support needs.
These changes are being introduced progressively. Children already accessing the NDIS will continue to be subject to the eligibility and reassessment arrangements that apply to them.
What happens during an eligibility reassessment?
If the NDIS reassesses your child’s eligibility, you should receive information explaining:
why your child’s eligibility is being reassessed and which eligibility requirements it is checking
what information or evidence is needed
when you need to provide that information
your rights during the process
how to ask for more time if you need it
Under current NDIA guidance, you have 90 days from when the reassessment letter is sent to provide the requested information and evidence. You can ask for more time.
Your child can continue using the supports in their current NDIS plan while the eligibility reassessment is underway.
What if the NDIS decides my child is no longer eligible?
If the NDIA determines that your child no longer meets the eligibility requirements, they will tell you when your child’s NDIS plan will end.
Your NDIS contact may be able to suggest community and mainstream services that could support your family.
If you disagree with the NDIA’s decision, you can ask for an internal review within three months of receiving the decision in writing. The decision letter should explain how to request a review. You can also ask your NDIS contact to explain the decision and what you can do next.
What should I do if my child’s funding is changing?
Please let Flying Start know as soon as possible if you receive a letter, email or phone call about a change to your child’s NDIS eligibility, plan or funding. This is especially important if the change could affect funding for upcoming appointments.
Letting us know early gives us the best opportunity to work alongside you and understand what the change means for your child’s therapy.
We also recommend that you:
Confirm what is changing. Ask the NDIA whether your child is having an eligibility reassessment, has been found no longer eligible, or has had a change to their plan or funding.
Check the dates. Confirm when any changes take effect and what this means for your child’s available funding.
Let your support team know. This may include Flying Start, your plan manager, support coordinator and any other providers supporting your child.
Ask about any evidence needed. If your child is having an eligibility reassessment, ask the NDIS what information or evidence is required and when it needs to be provided.
Talk with us about your options. Your Flying Start therapist can discuss documentation relating to your child’s therapy, progress, participation and support needs.
Can my child continue with Flying Start without NDIS funding?
Of course! Your child can continue with Flying Start without NDIS funding.
Families can pay privately for therapy, and other funding options may be available depending on your child’s circumstances and the services they receive. Our team can discuss the costs and options with you so you can decide what works for your family.
We want families to feel informed and supported through periods of change, and wherever possible, we will work collaboratively with you to plan your child’s next steps.
We’re here to help
If you receive communication about your child’s eligibility or funding, contact the Flying Start team as soon as you can. We can help you understand what it means for your child’s current services and work with you to plan what comes next.
For example, it may need to check whether your child still meets the disability or early intervention requirements. An eligibility reassessment is different from a review of your child’s plan or funding.
Changes to funding systems can feel complicated. You don’t need to understand every part of the NDIS before speaking with us.
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