Accessing speech therapy is essential for many children, yet navigating the available funding pathways can feel overwhelming. With NDIS changes on the horizon through the Thriving Kids reforms, eligibility, access, and the level of support available to children, particularly those under 9 years of age, may change over time.
As the Thriving Kids program is progressively implemented between October 2026 and January 2028, government funding will place a greater emphasis on parent capacity building, centre- and school-based supports, and block-funded services delivered by commissioned providers. As a result, access to ongoing one-to-one private therapy with a clinician of your choice through NDIS or Thriving Kids, may become more limited from January 2028.
Families who wish to choose their own therapy provider continue to have a growing range of funding options to support their choice for independent, private services. These may include Medicare initiatives, private health insurance, community-based low-cost or free services, grant programs and charitable supports, all of which can help families access services that best meet their child’s needs and family budget.
With both new challenges and emerging service opportunities ahead, this guide outlines the major funding and support options available in 2026, helping families make informed decisions and confidently plan their child’s communication journey.
Medicare rebate to reduce private session costs
New in 2026: Medicare M10 Expansion for Speech Sound Disorders
From 1 March 2026, Medicare’s MBS M10 allied health items expanded to include children and young people (under 25) with:
• Speech Sound Disorders (SSDs) — articulation disorder, phonological disorder, childhood apraxia of speech and dysarthria
• Stuttering
• Cleft lip and/or palate
This expansion enables Medicare rebated assessments and therapy when referred by a GP, consultant physician, or specialist.
• This provides access to up to 8 assessment sessions and up to 20 therapy sessions in a lifetime up to 25 years.
M10 Medicare for complex neurodevelopmental conditions and eligible disabilities
On referral from a GP, Paediatrician or Psychiatrist, Medicare M10 items are available for children under 25 with eligible disabilities.
• Provides access to up to 8 assessment sessions and up to 20 therapy sessions in a lifetime up to 25 years.
Additionally, children with diagnosed or suspected autism can also access these Medicare items on referral from a paediatrician or psychiatrist.
• Provides access to up to 8 assessment sessions and up to 20 therapy sessions in a lifetime up to 25 years
Chronic Conditions Management Plan (GP CCMP was CDM or EPC)
Children with chronic conditions lasting 6+ months may qualify for a CCMP Plan.
• 5 Medicare rebated allied health sessions per year
ATSI Medicare Initiative – Extra 5 Allied Health Sessions
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families may receive an additional 5 allied health sessions per year following an eligible health assessment.
• 5 Medicare rebated allied health sessions per year
Private Health Fund Rebates
Extras cover through private health insurance may offer additional speech therapy rebates.
Charities and Community Grants
Kids in Need Association (Gold Coast & Northern NSW)
- Provides support such as specialised equipment, therapy related services, and assistance for children with disabilities or serious illness on the Gold Coast and Northern NSW. https://kidsinneedassociation.com.au/
Variety – The Children’s Charity NSW/ACT (Therapy Grants)
- Provides up to $2,000 for therapy to children aged 0–18 in NSW who do not have NDIS funding and meet financial criteria. https://nsw.variety.org.au/how-we-help/
Dreamspire Foundation (Australia-wide)
- Funds therapy, social inclusion, and advocacy initiatives for families experiencing financial barriers. Provides up to $20,000 for individuals, families, schools, or community groups. https://www.dreamspirefoundation.org.au/
The Frankie Foundation (Australia-wide)
- Designed specifically for children whose NDIS budget is depleted or insufficient. Provides Up to $1,000 toward therapy for children aged 2–12. https://thefrankiefoundation.org/
Aussie Kidz Charity (Australia-wide, based in Queensland)
- A volunteer run charity providing 100% of funds raised directly to children with disabilities or disadvantage. They fund: therapy and medical equipment, wheelchairs, specialised seating, bed rails, car seats, transport to therapy as well as counselling and therapy services. https://aussiekidzcharity.org.au/
Steve Waugh Foundation (Australia-wide)
- A foundation designed to support children and young adults aged 0-25 years of age with the rarest diseases in Australia, especially those ineligible for support from other organisations. The foundation will consider funding: equipment, mobility aides, communication devices, therapy and minor home modifications. https://www.stevewaughfoundation.com.au/grants/grant-guidelines/
Therapy Matters Charity Matters (current clients)
- Therapy Matters is proud to dedicate our own philanthropic funds to our own Charity Matters fund which provides support for our current clients who may be experiencing significant personal or financial hardship (on application to the Director). https://therapymatters.com.au/about-us/impact/
Free or Low Cost Community Services
Therapy Connect Alliance (Murwillumbah)
Therapy Connect Alliance is a free multidisciplinary team service for disadvantaged and vulnerable children who live in the 2484 Murwillumbah postcode or who attend an early childhood centre in the 2484 postcode. The service is provided to children in their early childhood years before they transition to school. Therapy Matters provides the speech pathology and child & family keyworker services together with K+C Village for OT services and Dr Karen Plant for Psychology services. https://therapymatters.com.au/services/therapy-connect-in-2484/
Student clinics at Griffith University and Southern Cross University
Griffith University provides a supervised student clinic at reduced rates to support children and adolescents with a wide range of communication, speech and language difficulties https://www.griffith.edu.au/griffith-health/clinics/speech-pathology
Southern Cross University provides a supervised student clinic that is free or low cost depending upon your family circumstance. https://www.scu.edu.au/health-clinic/annot make themselves understood to those around them.
Community Health
Queensland Community Child Health offers a range of public or free speech pathology in their Child Development Service. Waits may apply for service and/or limitations on the number of sessions available.
NSW Community Health offers a range of public or free speech pathology at their centres in Tweed, Murwillumbah and Kingscliff. Waits may apply for service and/or limitations on the number of sessions available. Service only available for children before school aged. There is no public speech pathology service funded in NSW State Schools.
Public and Catholic Schools
Department of Education (QLD) employs speech pathologists in all of the state schools.
Catholic Schools (QLD) employs speech pathologists to assess and support referred children in local Catholic schools.
