NDIS Pricing Changes: What Participants Need to Know
NDIS pricing can change over time, affecting how much certain supports cost and how participants use their funding. For participants and families, understanding these changes can make it easier to plan supports, manage a budget and avoid unexpected costs.
The NDIA regularly reviews NDIS pricing, taking into account factors such as the cost of delivering supports and support worker wages. The current NDIS Pricing Schedule 2026–27 applies from 1 July 2026.
This guide explains how NDIS pricing works, what happens when prices change and what participants should check when planning their supports.
What Are NDIS Pricing Arrangements?
The NDIS pricing arrangements provide guidance about appropriate maximum prices for many NDIS supports.
These arrangements help participants understand what providers may charge and help providers determine appropriate prices for the supports they deliver. The applicable prices and rules are set out in the NDIS Pricing Schedule.
Pricing arrangements can cover supports such as:
- Assistance with daily living
- Community participation
- Supported Independent Living (SIL)
- Short Term Accommodation (STA)
- Support coordination
- Plan management
- Therapy and professional supports
- Other disability-related supports
Not every NDIS support operates in exactly the same way, so participants should check the pricing rules that apply to the particular support they use.
Why Does NDIS Pricing Change?
NDIS prices are reviewed to help ensure that pricing remains fair, evidence-based and sustainable.
The NDIA considers factors including the costs involved in delivering disability supports and wages for support workers when reviewing pricing.
Changes may therefore affect different support categories differently.
An NDIS pricing update does not necessarily mean that the price of every support will increase. Participants should look at the current pricing information for the particular supports in their plan rather than assuming the same change applies across the board.
Latest NDIS Pricing Changes for 2026–27
The current NDIS Pricing Schedule 2026–27 took effect on 1 July 2026, following the Annual Pricing Review and the Fair Work Commission’s Annual Wage Review decision.
The schedule contains pricing information across areas including disability support workers, accommodation and capital costs, nursing and other labour supports, therapy, early childhood supports, support coordination and plan management.
For example, the national maximum listed for standard weekday daytime Assistance with Self-Care Activities is $73.58 per hour in the 2026–27 schedule. The schedule also contains separate rates for evenings, weekends, public holidays, remote areas and very remote areas.
Because these figures can change when new pricing schedules are released, participants should always check the latest official NDIS pricing information before making decisions based on a particular rate.
How Do NDIS Pricing Changes Affect Participants?
A pricing change can affect participants differently depending on their plan, supports, service agreements and how frequently they receive support.
For example, if the agreed price of a support increases while the participant’s available funding remains the same, their budget may purchase fewer hours of that support.
This makes it important to understand:
- How much funding remains in your plan
- How frequently you use each support
- What your provider charges
- Whether your service agreement needs updating
- Whether your current support schedule remains sustainable
Keeping track of your spending throughout your plan can help identify potential budget pressure before it becomes a larger problem.
Do NDIS Providers Automatically Charge the Maximum Price?
Not necessarily.
The NDIS pricing arrangements provide guidance on appropriate maximum prices for relevant supports. Participants and providers can negotiate an appropriate and reasonable price for the supports required.
This distinction is important because a maximum price is not automatically the price every provider must charge.
When discussing support with a provider, ask what they charge, what the service includes and whether additional costs may apply.
Can a Provider Change Their Price During My NDIS Plan?
Providers may propose changes to their prices, but changes to existing service agreements must be discussed with participants.
The current NDIS guidance states that participants must agree to proposed pricing changes before they are made.
Your service agreement should make it clear how pricing is handled and what happens when NDIS pricing arrangements change.
Before agreeing to a change, consider asking:
- What is the new price?
- When will it take effect?
- Which supports does it affect?
- How will it affect my remaining NDIS budget?
- Does my service agreement need to be updated?
Understanding the impact beforehand can make it easier to manage your funding for the remainder of your plan.
How NDIS Pricing Changes Can Affect Daily Living Support
Participants who receive regular daily living support may notice pricing changes more than someone who uses a service only occasionally.
Daily living support can include assistance with personal care, household routines, meal preparation and other everyday activities.
If you receive several hours of support each week, even a relatively small change in the hourly rate can affect how quickly your budget is used.
This does not necessarily mean reducing essential support. Instead, review your budget and support schedule so you understand how your current funding aligns with the supports you need.
How NDIS Pricing Changes Affect Supported Independent Living (SIL)
Supported Independent Living (SIL) can involve regular assistance with daily activities for participants who need support while living in their home.
The current pricing schedule includes specific Supported Independent Living support items, including weekday, evening and other applicable support arrangements.
Because SIL can involve substantial and ongoing support, participants and families should understand how provider pricing relates to their approved funding and support arrangements.
If you use SIL, review changes with your provider and make sure you understand what is being charged and how the arrangement fits your plan.
What If Pricing Changes Put Pressure on Your NDIS Budget?
If you are concerned that your funding may not cover the supports you need, start by reviewing your spending.
Look at:
- Your remaining NDIS funding
- Your current support schedule
- The amount being charged for each support
- How long remains on your plan
- Whether your circumstances or support needs have changed
Sometimes the issue is primarily budget management. In other cases, your current plan may no longer reflect your support needs.
If your circumstances or support needs have changed significantly, you may need to explore whether changes to your NDIS plan are appropriate. If you believe your current funding no longer reflects the level of support you reasonably need, you can also learn more about how to increase NDIS funding and the evidence that may help support a request.
How to Prepare for Future NDIS Pricing Changes
NDIS pricing is reviewed periodically, so participants should avoid treating today’s rates as permanent.
A few simple habits can make future changes easier to manage:
- Review your NDIS budget regularly
- Keep copies of service agreements
- Ask providers about proposed price changes
- Check invoices and service bookings
- Keep records of the supports you actually use
- Review the latest official NDIS pricing information
- Seek help if your plan is no longer meeting your needs
You do not need to understand every item in the NDIS Pricing Schedule. What matters most is understanding the pricing that applies to the supports you actually receive.
Where Can You Find the Current NDIS Pricing Schedule?
The NDIA publishes its current pricing information online.
At the time of writing, the NDIS Pricing Schedule 2026–27 is effective from 1 July 2026.
View the current NDIS pricing arrangements and updates
Rather than relying on an old price table or article, check the current NDIS information whenever you need an exact support price.
This is particularly important because pricing schedules can be updated.
How STARR Care Can Help
Understanding NDIS pricing is only one part of making your supports work effectively.
STARR Care supports participants in South Hedland and surrounding areas with disability supports designed around individual needs, routines and goals.
Our team can help you understand how your supports are being delivered and work with you to build consistent support arrangements around everyday life.
If you have questions about your current supports or would like to discuss how STARR Care can assist, contact our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the NDIS pricing arrangements?
The NDIS pricing arrangements provide guidance on appropriate maximum prices for NDIS supports. Providers can use this information when determining their prices.
Do all NDIS support prices change every year?
Not necessarily. Pricing reviews can affect different support categories in different ways. Always check the current schedule for the support you use.
Does my provider have to charge the maximum NDIS price?
No. Participants and providers can negotiate an appropriate and reasonable price. The pricing arrangements provide guidance on appropriate maximum prices for relevant supports.
Can my provider increase their price without telling me?
Proposed changes to existing service agreements need to be discussed with participants, and participants must agree before those changes are made.
What should I do if higher support prices affect my NDIS budget?
Review your remaining funding, support schedule and provider charges first. If your circumstances or support needs have changed and your current plan is no longer suitable, you may also need to explore changing your NDIS plan.
Understanding NDIS Pricing With Confidence
NDIS pricing changes can seem complicated, but participants do not need to memorise every rate or pricing rule.
Focus on the supports you actually use, understand what your providers charge, monitor your available funding and check the current NDIS pricing information when changes occur.
By reviewing your support arrangements regularly, you can make more informed decisions about your NDIS funding and reduce the risk of unexpected pressure on your budget.
For support with your day-to-day disability support needs in South Hedland and surrounding areas, contact STARR Care.
Email: info@starrcare.com.au
Unit 3, Brand Street, South Hedland WA 6722
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