NDIS Updates Every Parent Needs to Know (in 2025)
If you’ve felt like NDIS changes are coming left, right, and centre this year… you’re not imagining it. For parents already juggling therapy sessions, school, work, and family life, it can feel impossible to keep track of what’s actually important.
That’s why we’ve pulled together a clear, parent-friendly breakdown of the three changes you really need to know about:
The Thriving Kids Program
Section 33 Changes (Funding Periods)
Eligibility reassessments (Proof of Disability)
Let’s keep it simple and focus on what this actually means for you and your child.
The Thriving Kids Program:
What is it?
The government is introducing a new Thriving Kids Program by 2027. The aim is to make developmental supports available outside of the NDIS, so children with developmental delays or “milder” needs can still access help without going through the full NDIS process.
What does this mean for families now?
If your child already has an NDIS plan → nothing changes right now.
If your child doesn’t qualify for NDIS in the future, they may be directed to Thriving Kids instead.
Exactly what supports will be included (and how much funding) hasn’t been confirmed yet.
And yes… don’t get us started on the principles behind placing children with Level 2 and 3 autism on this scheme. We won’t go into it here, but please know we stand in solidarity with parents who are worried about what that could mean.
Takeaway:
Stay aware, but don’t stress. The details are still being worked out, and current NDIS plans continue as usual.
Section 33 Changes (Funding Periods):
What is changing?
From 19 May 2025, the NDIS will introduce funding periods.
The important bit: Your child’s total plan funding stays the same. What changes is when the funds are released.
Most funding release periods will be set at 3 months
Some may be set at 1, 6, or 12 months
Funding periods can apply to the whole plan or just specific support categories
This means instead of getting the entire year’s funding upfront, families will receive it in smaller chunks, released at regular intervals for more consistent use.
Who is affected?
New participants from May 19, 2025
Anyone having a plan reassessment after that date
Who is not affected yet?
Families with current plans until their next reassessment
Plans that are simply extended (rolled over)
What this means for you:
You’ll need to plan therapy more carefully within each funding period.
Running out of funds early in a period may mean a gap in supports, even if overall plan funding remains.
Think ahead about extras (like holiday intensives or group programs) to ensure they can be scheduled within the right period.
Takeaway:
Funding hasn’t been cut, but planning gets trickier. Work with your provider to map therapy across shorter cycles.
At Babble Bees, we help families map therapy across funding periods so there are no unexpected gaps. Insert Internal Link here to see how we can support you.
Eligibility Reassessments (Proof of Disability):
What is changing?
The NDIS is tightening evidence requirements. Families are now more likely to be asked for up-to-date proof of disability at reassessment—even if their child has had a plan for years.
Who is affected?
Children moving from early childhood supports (under 7) into school-aged plans
Anyone going through a plan reassessment (not a simple rollover)
What does this mean for you?
Old reports may no longer be enough
You’ll need recent therapy or medical reports showing:
Your child’s diagnosis
The impact on their daily life
Why ongoing therapy is recommended
Practical steps you can take:
Keep reports up to date
At least once a year is recommended by the NDIS
Be proactive
Don’t wait for a reassessment letter to organise a report
If asked for more evidence, act quickly
Deadlines can be short notice
Ask your therapy team for help shaping reports so they meet NDIS requirements
Sometimes it can feel like “just another report,” but these updates are what keep your child eligible. When we recommend a review report, it’s because we want to protect your child’s access to supports - not add unnecessary admin.
Takeaway:
Even if parents feel “another report isn’t needed,” regular reports protect your child’s eligibility and reduce the risk of losing supports at reassessment.
At-a-Glance: NDIS Changes Every Parent Should Know
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick snapshot of the three key changes and what they mean for families.
The table below provides a concise summary of the upcoming NDIS changes, outlining who will be affected and the recommended actions for parents.