Understanding changes to support pathways for children

In recent months, many parents have received unexpected letters about reassessments of their child’s NDIS plan. For some, this has come as a shock, especially if they weren’t told how their child had originally entered the scheme.

There are two pathways for children aged under 6 to access the NDIS. Some children with a permanent impairment requiring lifelong support are granted access under the permanent disability criteria. Others whose conditions are not yet clearly diagnosed, or who may only need support for a short time, can be approved for early intervention support. Both options offer valuable support, but they come with different long-term expectations.

“Do we still qualify?” is the question many families are now asking

We’re hearing from parents who’ve been told their child’s eligibility is being reassessed, often with little notice or explanation. It’s stressful and confusing, particularly for families whose children have received support for years and now fear it could be taken away.

These reassessments are part of wider reforms to the disability support system. But not all the pieces are in place yet. A major change, the introduction of new ‘foundational supports’ for children who may not need ongoing and life-long support from the NDIS, is still in development. As a result, some families are being told they may lose access without clear alternatives being available.

Why are eligibility reassessments happening?

The NDIA may check your child’s eligibility for access to the Scheme if they think they may no longer meet the residence, disability or early intervention requirements. If your child met the disability requirements when they originally applied for access, they will likely need support for their lifetime, unless their disability or situation changes.

If your child met the early intervention requirements, the NDIA assumes that their support needs will reduce over time. It’s likely that they will check your child’s eligibility after they have been receiving supports for a period of time.

If your child is accessing the Scheme because they have a developmental delay, they will have an eligibility reassessment when they turn 6. At this time, the NDIA will need evidence that your child has an impairment that is, or likely to be, permanent and meets the early intervention or disability requirements. In general, you need to provide requested information to the NDIA within 90 days. If you do not respond, they will decide about your child’s eligibility based on the information they already have. Your child will continue as an NDIS participant until the assessment process is complete.

We know that many families were never told why their child was originally accepted into the scheme, whether through early intervention or disability requirements. If you are unsure about the access pathway for your child, you can contact the NDIA to request this information.

What now?

While we wait for foundational supports to become available, it is essential that families continue to get the help they need. The government has committed to co-designing these supports with families and community organisations, but that takes time, and families need clarity now.

If you’ve received a reassessment notice or are worried about what the changes might mean, now is the time to ask questions. Contact your Early Childhood Partner, Local Area Coordinator or reach out to a trusted disability organisation for guidance.

This is a complicated time of change, and if you're feeling unsure, anxious, or overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Many families are in the same position, trying to make sense of reassessments while managing daily life with a child who is blind or has low vision.