Funding Streams for Speech Pathology

Parent Resources

26 Mar

Supporting your child’s communication journey

Accessing speech pathology services in Australia can sometimes feel overwhelming—especially when you’re trying to navigate the different funding options available. The good news is there are a number of pathways that can help make speech therapy more affordable for your family.

At Eat Speak Play, we support families across Sydney to access the right funding and services for their child. Below is a simple, parent-friendly guide to speech pathology funding options, so you can feel confident taking the next step in your child’s communication journey.

Medicare Rebates for Speech Therapy

There are several Medicare-funded options for speech pathology that may help reduce the cost of therapy:

Chronic Condition Management (CCM) Plan

A CCM plan can be arranged through your GP and provides access to up to 5 rebated allied health sessions per calendar year, including speech pathology.

Current rebate: $61.80 per session (2026)
Sessions may be shared across multiple allied health providers (e.g., OT, physio, speech)

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) Health Assessment & Follow-Up

If your child identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, they may be eligible for additional support through Medicare.

Accessed via a GP health assessment (Item 715)
Provides up to 5 additional speech therapy sessions per calendar year
These sessions are in addition to CCM sessions, offering greater access to support

This pathway supports access to culturally appropriate and holistic care for children and families.

Medicare M10 (Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders & Speech Conditions)

This program supports children and young people under 25 with eligible diagnoses.

Up to 8 assessment sessions
Up to 20 therapy sessions (lifetime cap)
Can be used alongside a CCM plan

Eligible diagnoses include:

Autism, ADHD, intellectual disability (with functional impact across multiple areas) and others
Speech-specific conditions (from March 2026), including:
- Speech sound disorders (articulation/phonological disorders, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, dysarthria)
- Stuttering
- Cleft lip and/or palate
Current rebate: $87.25 per session

A referral from a GP or paediatrician is required.

Private Health Insurance

If you’re not eligible for funding, private payment is always an option.

No referral required
Greater flexibility with appointments and frequency
Immediate access to support when you need it

This is often the fastest way to begin speech therapy support in Sydney.

NDIS Speech Therapy Funding

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding for children with permanent and significant disabilities to support their development, independence, and participation.

Early Childhood (Under 7 years)

Children under 7 with developmental delays in two or more areas in their receptive and expressive communication, cognitive development, self-care, or motor development may be eligible for Early Intervention supports. A formal diagnosis is not always required for these early intervention supports.

To access this, families can connect with an NDIS Early Childhood Partner, who will guide you through the process and help identify appropriate supports.

Children Aged 7+

Children aged 7 and above may be eligible with a formal diagnosis that is considered lifelong and permanent.

Speech pathology is typically funded under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living (Therapeutic Supports).

Depending on your child’s plan, NDIS funding may cover part or all of the cost of therapy sessions.

Private Speech Therapy