Funding Options Guide.
We understand that navigating funding options for your child’s therapy can sometimes feel overwhelming. There are a number of funding pathways and support programs available to help families access the services and equipment their children need.
Please note: Eligibility criteria, rebate amounts and available funding can change. We recommend checking the relevant program's current requirements and speaking with your GP, healthcare professional or funding provider to determine which options may be suitable for your child.
Medicare Rebates:
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Who may be eligible?
Children with a chronic condition lasting longer than six months who require ongoing therapy. Examples listed in the guide include autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, speech disorders and physical disabilities.
How does it work?
Your GP can assess your child's needs and, if appropriate, prepare a Chronic Condition Management Plan and refer your child to an allied health professional.
What funding is available?
The guide lists up to five partially subsidised therapy sessions per year, with a Medicare rebate of $61.80 per session (as at July 2025).
Important: EveryKid does not bulk bill, so an out-of-pocket fee may apply.
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Who may be eligible?
Children experiencing anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions. The guide also identifies children with autism, ADHD or behavioural difficulties who need mental health support.
How does it work?
A GP, paediatrician or psychiatrist may prepare a Mental Health Care Plan and refer your child to an eligible provider, such as a psychologist, social worker or appropriately qualified mental health occupational therapist.
What funding is available?
The guide lists up to 10 partially subsidised therapy sessions per year, with rebates ranging from $96 to $137 per session (as at July 2025).
Eligibility and rebates depend on the relevant Medicare requirements and provider.
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Who may be eligible?
Children under 13 who have been diagnosed with a complex neurodevelopmental disorder.
How does it work?
A paediatrician or psychiatrist must provide a referral for eligible services.
What funding is available?
The guide lists up to 20 therapy sessions and eight assessment sessions in total, with a Medicare rebate of $87 per session. A new referral is required after 10 sessions.
EveryKid does not bulk bill. Confirm the applicable rebate and eligibility requirements before commencing therapy.
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Who may be eligible?
Young people under 25 with specific eligible speech conditions, such as stuttering, speech sound disorders or cleft lip and palate. Not all speech or developmental delays qualify.
How does it work?
A GP, paediatrician or specialist must provide a referral for eligible speech pathology services. The guide notes that a Chronic Condition Management Plan is not required for this pathway.
What funding is available?
The guide lists up to 20 therapy sessions and eight assessment sessions in total, with a rebate of $87 per session. A new referral is required after 10 sessions.
Eligibility and applicable Medicare items should be confirmed with your referring practitioner.
NDIS Funding:
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The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) may help eligible children access ongoing therapy and disability-related supports.
Who may be eligible?
Children under seven with developmental delays who may be supported through the early childhood approach.
Children under 18 with a disability that affects their daily life, subject to NDIS eligibility requirements.
What can it cover?
Depending on your child's plan and individual needs, supports may include:
Speech pathology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and psychology.
Assistive technology, such as communication devices and wheelchairs.
Therapy-related supports at home, school and in the community.
How can you access it?
Families can contact an NDIS early childhood partner or apply directly to the NDIS. Supporting reports from a doctor or therapist may be needed.
NDIS eligibility and funding depend on individual circumstances and the supports included in an approved plan.
Other Funding / Support:
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If your family has private health insurance with Extras Cover, you may be able to claim rebates towards eligible therapy services.
What may be covered?
Depending on your policy, cover may include speech pathology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and psychology.
How do you claim?
Contact your health fund to check your level of cover, annual limits, waiting periods and eligible providers before booking.
The guide indicates that rebates may typically range from $30–$80 per session, with annual limits of approximately $400–$1,000. Actual benefits vary between policies.
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Who may be eligible?
Children attending NSW public schools who require additional learning or therapy support.
What may be available?
Depending on the support available, this may include in-school therapy, specialist teacher support, adjusted learning strategies and assistive technology.
How to access it:
Speak with your child's school principal, teacher or learning support team. A therapist assessment may be required.
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Who may be eligible?
Parents or guardians who provide care for a child under 16 with a disability, chronic illness or additional support needs.
What does it provide?
The guide lists a tax-free payment of $144.80 per fortnight and notes that eligible families may also receive a Health Care Card.
How to apply:
Contact Centrelink through Services Australia. A medical report may be required.
Payment rates and eligibility requirements should be checked with Services Australia.
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Who may be eligible?
Families experiencing financial hardship or challenging circumstances who need additional support.
What may be available?
The guide identifies possible financial assistance for occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech pathology, as well as therapy support for children in out-of-home care.
How to access it:
Contact DCJ through its website or local office. A referral from a social worker or healthcare provider may be required.
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Who may be eligible?
Children with a disability or medical condition that affects their ability to stand, move or walk independently.
What may be available?
Funding towards specialised mobility equipment, such as walkers and gait trainers.
How to apply:
Contact a local Lions Club or seek assistance from your child's physiotherapist or another healthcare professional. A therapist assessment and equipment recommendation are required.
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Who may be eligible?
Community members, including children and families with disability or ongoing health needs, who meet the relevant service requirements.
What may be available?
Low-cost or free physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech pathology.
How to access it:
Contact your nearest community health centre to ask about eligibility, fees, Medicare requirements and whether a GP referral is needed.
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Who may be eligible?
Children and families experiencing disability, developmental concerns or ongoing health needs.
What may be available?
Depending on the program, support may include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, assistive technology or therapy-related equipment.
How to apply:
Families can apply directly to Variety – the Children's Charity. Supporting documentation or a referral from a GP, paediatrician or allied health professional may be required.
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Who may be eligible?
Refugee and asylum seeker families who need help accessing therapy services.
What may be available?
Free or subsidised psychological and allied health support, depending on the program.
How to access it:
Contact relevant refugee health programs or community organisations to ask about available services and eligibility.
Not sure which
funding option is
right for your family?
Understanding eligibility and navigating different funding pathways can be complicated, but you don't have to work it all out alone.
If you're unsure where to start, speak with your GP or relevant healthcare professional about the options available to your child. You can also contact our team to discuss accessing services at EveryKid and what you may need to prepare before your first appointment.
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