Funding Options
Paying for therapy is one of the first questions most families ask, and the funding landscape in Australia is changing significantly over the next eighteen months. This page explains each option in plain language and points you to the right place to start.
If you are not sure which applies to you, call us on (03) 9807 1114. We will not charge you for a conversation about funding.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
For children with permanent and significant disability, or under-6s with developmental delay. Kids Connect Therapy is a registered NDIS provider.
NDIS information →
Thriving Kids — new from October 2026
A new national program for children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and/or autism and low-to-moderate support needs. It begins rolling out in Victoria from 1 October 2026 and will change NDIS eligibility for this group from 1 January 2028.
What Thriving Kids means for your family →
Medicare
Two pathways: the GP Chronic Condition Management Plan(up to 5 allied health services per calendar year) and Medicare M10
for complex neurodevelopmental conditions and eligible disabilities (up to 8 assessment and 20 treatment services in a lifetime). As of March 2026, M10 also covers stuttering, speech sound disorders and cleft lip and/or palate.
How Medicare rebates work →
Carer Allowance
A fortnightly Centrelink payment for parents and carers providing daily care to a child under 16 with a disability or medical condition.
About Carer Allowance →
Private health insurance
Many extras policies cover speech pathology and occupational therapy. Check your policy for annual limits and per-session rebates, and ask your fund whether they require a referral.
Self-funded
You do not need any funding scheme to see us. Contact us for our current fee schedule →
Funding rules change. This page was last reviewed in August 2026. For the most current information, check Services Australia, the NDIS and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
