Australia’s disability support system is changing, and for many people, those changes will open new doors.
Over the next few years, a new layer of support called Foundational Supports will be introduced. These are community-based programs designed to make sure people living with a disability can access help, connection, and inclusion, whether or not they qualify for the NDIS.
At the same time, the Australian Government is reshaping how NDIS plans are created and reviewed, aiming for a simpler and fairer system by 2026. Together, these reforms mark an important shift toward a more inclusive, community-driven approach to disability support.
Why This Matters to You
If you or someone you care for has a disability, these reforms are designed to make support more accessible and better connected to everyday life.
The goal is to ensure that help is available before people reach crisis point and that no one misses out on support simply because they do not meet strict NDIS eligibility criteria.
For families, this means clearer access to community programs, better communication between services, and a system that focuses on wellbeing and independence at every stage of life.
What Are Foundational Supports?
Foundational Supports are community-based programs being designed to fill the gap for people who are not eligible for the NDIS but still need some help. These supports focus on inclusion, connection, and early intervention.
According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, Foundational Supports will include two main categories:
- General supports: information, peer groups, community inclusion programs, and activities that promote participation, confidence and connection.
- Targeted supports: lower-intensity, practical supports for people who need a little help with daily life or personal development. This might include short-term therapy, skill-building activities, or assistance for children with developmental delay.
While the rollout was originally planned for mid-2025, it has been delayed until mid-2026 while federal and state governments finalise how funding and service delivery will work.
How Foundational Supports Fit Into the Bigger Picture
The Getting the NDIS Back on Track (No. 1) Act 2024 set the foundation for these reforms. It aims to make the system simpler, more consistent, and more focused on outcomes for participants and their families.
The Act will:
- Define which services belong under the NDIS and which will sit within the new Foundational Supports system.
- Introduce a simpler NDIS planning framework that makes plans easier to understand and review.
- Strengthen quality standards and oversight for all disability supports.
- Improve coordination between the NDIS, health, education and community programs.
By mid-2026, this new approach will connect people with a wider range of supports, both within and outside the NDIS, creating a more flexible and inclusive system.
What This Means for NDIS Participants and Families
If you are already an NDIS participant, your existing supports will continue. The upcoming changes are designed to make your plan easier to manage and more closely aligned with your goals.
If you are not eligible for the NDIS, Foundational Supports will give you access to practical, community-based help that was not always available before.
Here is what families can expect as the changes roll out:
- More options for support: Local programs and early intervention services will be available to a wider group of people.
- Simpler planning for NDIS participants: Plans will focus on outcomes and be easier to review and adjust.
- Clearer information: You will have better access to resources that explain what supports are available in your area.
- Stronger community connections: Local councils, health services, and disability organisations will work together to provide coordinated support.
When Are These Changes Happening?
- October 2024: The Getting the NDIS Back on Track Act became law, setting the stage for reform.
- Mid-2026: Foundational Supports are expected to begin rolling out once agreements between governments are finalised.
- Mid-late 2026: A new NDIS planning framework will launch, focusing on fairness, simplicity, and better outcomes for participants.
Until then, governments and disability groups are continuing to design and test how these systems will work on the ground.
How These Changes Could Benefit You
These reforms are designed to make support more consistent, more available, and easier to navigate. Families can expect:
- Broader access to help
People who do not meet the NDIS threshold will still have access to meaningful support that helps them stay connected and independent. - Better coordination
The new model will connect NDIS participants, community programs and mainstream services, so there are fewer gaps and less confusion. - A focus on prevention
Early support and inclusion programs will help people build skills and confidence before higher levels of care are needed. - Simpler planning
NDIS participants will benefit from clearer, goal-focused plans that are easier to update and review.
What You Can Do to Prepare
Even though the rollout is still some time away, there are steps you can take now:
- Stay informed
Follow updates from the NDIS and the Department of Health and Aged Care to learn how changes may affect you. - Explore local supports
Start connecting with community centres, councils, or disability organisations in your area that may be part of the Foundational Supports network. - Review your goals
If you are an NDIS participant, think about what is working well in your plan and where you might want more flexibility. - Speak up
You can take part in consultations and feedback opportunities that help shape how Foundational Supports are delivered.
Challenges Still Being Worked Through
The details of the Foundational Supports rollout are still being finalised. Some of the key areas under discussion include:
- Who will be eligible and how people will access these supports.
- How funding will be shared between federal and state governments.
- How to ensure quality and consistency across different regions and providers.
- How the workforce will adapt, particularly for community-based roles and early intervention services.
Governments are continuing to consult with disability organisations, families and carers, to ensure the final design is practical, fair and inclusive.
Looking Ahead: A Stronger, More Inclusive System
By mid-2026, Australia’s disability support system will operate as two connected tiers. The NDIS will continue to serve people with significant and ongoing needs, while Foundational Supports will provide help for those who need lower-level or short-term assistance.
This change means more people will have access to help, families will find it easier to navigate supports, and communities will play a greater role in inclusion and wellbeing.
It is a move toward a future where disability support is not just a safety net, but part of a stronger, more connected community.
HealSoul’s Commitment
HealSoul supports the goal of creating a more inclusive and accessible disability support system. As the reforms progress, HealSoul will continue to:
- Keep families informed about new Foundational Supports as they become available.
- Work with participants to explore local options for connection and inclusion.
- Provide clear, respectful communication about how the changes may affect services.
- Advocate for person-centred care that values choice, dignity, and independence.
HealSoul’s priority is to ensure that every person and family feels informed, supported, and confident through this period of change.
References
- Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care — Foundational supports for people with disability
- ABC News — Foundational supports delay explained (July 2025)
- National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Act 2024
- Department of Health and Aged Care — Changes to the NDIS Act
- Team DSC — What’s happening with foundational supports?
- Health Services Daily — Foundational supports held hostage by health funding negotiations (2025)
- Public Interest Advocacy Centre — Explainer: NDIS Bill (April 2024)
- NDIS — Disability Representative and Carers Organisation Forum Summary (May 2025)
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