Understanding the NDIS · Funding and prices
The NDIS pricing schedule for 2026–27 is now in effect. Whether a rate has changed depends on the support item and location, so check the current schedule rather than relying on an old quote or last year’s price list.
Quick answer
The NDIA has published a pricing determination and 2026–27 schedule effective 24 September 2026. It sets maximum prices for many NDIS supports for NDIA-managed and plan-managed participants. The update does not mean every support rate increased by the same amount. Check the exact support item, unit, time of day and location in the current schedule, then compare the quote with the price and claiming rules that apply to the participant’s plan.
Have NDIS rates increased for 2026–27?
The NDIA published updated pricing schedules after the Minister’s pricing determination for 2026–27. The schedule effective from 24 September 2026 is the current reference for applicable maximum prices. Some support item prices may have changed from earlier schedules, but the amount and effect vary by item and location. Check the item you actually use before drawing a conclusion about a particular service.
The schedule is a ceiling for price-controlled supports, not a standard amount every provider must charge. Participants and providers can agree on an appropriate price up to the relevant maximum. A quote may be lower than the cap, and an actual claim should reflect the support delivered and the applicable rules.
What is an NDIS price limit?
A price limit is the maximum price that can be claimed for a support item when the price-control rules apply. The pricing schedule lists support item numbers and names, units and maximum prices. Some items have different amounts for national, remote or very remote locations, and some supports have different rates depending on when or how they are delivered.
The maximum price is not automatically the price a participant should be charged. You can discuss the service, frequency, travel, cancellation terms and appropriate price with the provider. A provider should explain what is included and how the quote relates to your plan and the support item. Do not assume a whole plan budget can be spent at the maximum rate.
How do I check the right NDIS price for a support?
- Find the support item that matches the service actually delivered. If you are unsure, ask the provider or plan manager to explain the code and description.
- Check the unit, such as an hour, each, day or other unit shown in the schedule.
- Check the delivery details that affect the price, such as weekday, evening, weekend, public holiday or intensity, when relevant to that item.
- Check whether the participant’s location is classified as national, remote or very remote for that item.
- Read the pricing arrangements for rules about travel, non-face-to-face work, cancellations, group supports and other claim components.
- Compare the quote with the plan’s available funding and any funding period limits before booking.
For an item-specific example, see our guide to checking 2026–27 NDIS provider rates. The official schedule remains the authority for the current maximum price and claim rules.
Do NDIS price limits apply to all plan management types?
The NDIA’s participant and provider pricing pages state that the maximum prices in the pricing schedules apply to NDIA-managed and plan-managed participants. Participants who self-manage have different pricing flexibility, but must still use funding in line with their plan and the NDIS support rules. If you are self-managed and unsure whether a planned expense is an NDIS support, check your plan and current NDIA guidance before spending.
When funding is NDIA-managed, the NDIA processes claims under its rules. With plan-managed funding, the plan manager processes invoices and claims. The management type affects payment processes and provider choice; it does not change what the participant’s plan funds. If you use more than one management type, check which component applies to the support before accepting a quote.
How should I plan for NDIS support costs?
Build your budget around the actual support schedule, not the maximum annual amount alone. List the supports you expect to use, how often they are booked, the agreed price and any applicable travel or other charges. Allow for changes in routine, funding periods and invoices that are pending or not yet processed.
| Budget check | What to write down |
|---|---|
| Support | Service name, support item and what the worker or clinician will do. |
| Frequency | Hours or units per visit and how many visits are planned each week or month. |
| Price | Agreed rate, relevant time band and any agreed travel or non-face-to-face charges. |
| Funding availability | Budget category, funding period and current available balance. |
| Changes | How you will review the service if your needs, schedule or available funding changes. |
If the total is higher than expected, ask the provider to explain each component and whether a different schedule or frequency could meet your needs. A lower price may preserve funding for other supports. Keep your plan manager or support coordinator involved where they can help explain the budget, but make sure you understand and agree to the service arrangement yourself.
What should I check on an NDIS quote or invoice?
- Does the support description match the service that was actually delivered?
- Is the support item, date, quantity and price clear?
- Does the rate fit the current schedule and the participant’s management type?
- Are travel, cancellation or other charges explained and allowed under the applicable rules and agreement?
- Does the participant have enough funding available in the correct category and period?
- Do the service agreement and invoice describe the same agreed arrangement?
If something does not look right, ask the provider for an explanation before approving or paying the invoice. Keep copies of quotes, service agreements, invoices and responses so you can resolve differences later.
Common questions about NDIS pricing
Does the price schedule set what every provider must charge?
No. Where a price limit applies, it is a maximum. Participants and providers can agree to a lower appropriate price, and the participant should understand what the quote includes before agreeing.
Are all NDIS services charged at an hourly rate?
No. The schedule lists the unit that applies to each support item. Depending on the support, the unit may be an hour, day, item or another measure. Check the specific item description.
Can my provider increase the rate in an existing service agreement?
Ask the provider to explain the proposed change and how it affects your agreement. The NDIA’s current guidance and your service agreement should be checked before a new price is used. Do not assume a published maximum automatically changes the price you agreed to pay.
Where can I find exact 2026–27 prices?
Use the latest NDIS pricing schedule linked from the official NDIA pricing page. Confirm that the schedule is the one effective 24 September 2026 and that you have selected the correct support item and location.
Will prices change again in 2027–28?
The NDIA runs an annual pricing review. As at 15 October 2026, consultation for 2027–28 pricing is open, with the NDIA’s current update stating that consultation closes on 1 November 2026. Future prices are not confirmed until the relevant determination and schedule are published.
Official sources and further reading
- NDIA: What are the NDIS pricing arrangements? (participant explanation, maximum price rules and current schedule date).
- NDIA: Pricing arrangements for providers (2026–27 schedules and support item information).
- NDIA: Annual pricing review (review process and 2027–28 consultation).
Beyond Health Services
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Our team can discuss available services, the support being proposed and the questions to ask before booking. Your plan, applicable price limits and available funding need to be checked for your individual situation.
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