What Is the NDIS Price Guide?
The NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (commonly called the Price Guide) is published annually by the NDIA. It sets the maximum hourly rates that registered NDIS providers can charge for services. It protects participants from being overcharged and creates consistency and transparency in NDIS pricing.
Key Changes in the 2025-26 Price Guide
Support Worker Rate Increases: Following indexation tied to the SCHADS Award, most direct support worker rates have increased approximately 3.5 to 4 percent. This reflects wage growth in the sector. If your plan was not updated to reflect new rates, your budget may not stretch as far as last year.
Temporary Transformation Payment Removal: The NDIA removed Temporary Transformation Payments, a loading that allowed providers to charge above standard rates during the COVID transition period. This has been fully unwound in 2025-26.
New Support Items: The 2025-26 guide introduced new line items including enhanced funding for home automation technology, digital literacy support, and updated codes for telehealth allied health services.
Cancellation Clarity: The guide clarifies when providers can charge for short notice cancellations (generally within 7 days for most supports). This must be clearly stated in service agreements.
Key Rate Benchmarks for 2025-26
Core Supports - Daily Activities:
| Time | Rate (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Weekday daytime | $67.56/hr |
| Weekday evening | $74.32/hr |
| Saturday | $94.58/hr |
| Sunday | $121.60/hr |
| Public Holiday | $148.64/hr |
Allied Health (Capacity Building):
| Profession | Rate (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy | $214.41/hr |
| Physiotherapy | $214.41/hr |
| Speech Pathology | $214.41/hr |
| Psychology | $214.41/hr |
Support Coordination:
| Level | Rate (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Support Coordination | $100.14/hr |
| Specialist Support Coordination | $190.54/hr |
Plan Management:
| Item | Rate |
|---|---|
| Monthly management fee | $104.45/month |
| Statement of supports setup | $232.43 once |
How to Use the Price Guide
Verify Provider Invoices: Cross-check that what your provider charges matches or is below the Price Guide rate for the support item and time of delivery. If a rate seems too high, query it.
Understand Your Budget: With rate increases, your existing plan may provide fewer hours than last year. If your budget is insufficient, document this and raise it at your next plan review with evidence of the shortfall.
Negotiate With Unregistered Providers: Unregistered providers are not bound by the Price Guide, but it is a useful benchmark. Always agree on rates in writing before services begin.
Plan for Higher-Cost Periods: Weekend and public holiday rates are significantly higher than weekday daytime. Factor this into your annual budget planning.
What If Your Plan Does Not Reflect the New Rates?
If your plan was approved before the 2025-26 Price Guide and your budget is now insufficient:
- Raise it at your scheduled plan review with evidence of rate changes and the budget gap
- Request an unscheduled plan review if the shortfall significantly affects daily supports
- Talk to your LAC or support coordinator who can help document the impact
Where to Access the Full Price Guide
The full document is available at ndis.gov.au/providers/pricing-arrangements. It includes every support item code, rate, and conditions.
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