Foundational supports are a new tier of disability services set to launch in July 2025, aiming to help the 1.4 million Australians with disabilities who aren’t eligible for the NDIS. These supports will fill the gap between mainstream services and the specialised care provided by the NDIS. However, delays and funding disputes between federal and state governments mean the rollout is far from certain.
What Are Foundational Supports?
There are two types of foundational supports:
- General Supports: Available to everyone, including NDIS participants and those not on the scheme. These include information, peer support, and capacity-building programs to help people participate in their communities.
- Targeted Supports: For people who need lower-level disability support but aren’t eligible for the NDIS. These may include home care, early intervention for kids, aids and equipment, and psychosocial disability support.
For children with disabilities or developmental delays, foundational supports could provide parenting groups, workshops, and low-intensity allied health services. Kids who need more intensive help can still apply for the NDIS.
Many NDIS participants worry that foundational supports could lead to eligibility reassessments or being removed from the NDIS. The NDIA has already increased reassessments, conducting around 1,200 per week, mostly for children. While the government says these aren’t related to foundational supports, the lack of clear details has left people uneasy.
Additionally, some recommended supports—like home care, employment services, and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ people with disabilities—are still missing from current plans. This has raised concerns that underserved groups might be overlooked.
The rollout depends on resolving funding disputes between federal and state governments. With an election approaching, delays seem likely. While foundational supports hold great potential, many questions remain about what they’ll include and who they’ll help. Stay tuned for updates as this important reform develops.
For further readings about this topic, please visit https://teamdsc.com.au/resources/whats-happening-with-foundational-supports?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&_kx=yIs2Rld6W8dhA-Q5lp51c-XtQwZq3ec30fKHcFUUAStTmshuJU0kjRhV0MPstvx7.X8eRsJ