The NDIS Price Guide 2026 is a set of rules for how much providers can charge. It is officially called the Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. These rules help make sure that every participant gets a fair deal. We use these rates to help you plan your budget in Western Sydney and Canberra.
TL;DR: The Quick Guide
The NDIS update for 2026 includes several price changes for therapy and support work. Most support worker rates rose by about 4% to cover higher wages. Some therapy rates changed too. For example, art and music therapy rates dropped to $156.16 per hour in late 2025. These rules protect your plan from being overcharged.
You should always check your service agreements against the latest NDIS support catalogue. This helps you see how many hours of help you can afford each month. Our team at Universal Ability tracks these changes every day. We help you use your Capacity Building and Core budgets without running out of funds. We focus on being clear about every dollar spent.
What is the NDIS Price Guide 2026?
It is the official list of the most money a provider can charge for NDIS help. This guide keeps prices the same for everyone across Australia.
The NDIS reviews these prices every year. They look at things like the cost of living and worker wages. We found that knowing these limits helps you negotiate with your providers. If you are plan-managed or agency-managed, your providers must follow these price caps. You can always pay less than the cap, but you can never pay more.
What are the 2026 hourly rates for supports?
The hourly rates for 2026 depend on the type of task and when it happens. Support on weekends or holidays costs more than on a weekday.
We have listed the most common 2026 rates for standard areas below. These apply to most of Western Sydney and Canberra.
- Standard Support Worker: $70.23 per hour (Item Code: 01_011_0107_1_1)
- Psychology: $232.99 per hour (Item Code: 15_054_0128_1_3)
- Occupational Therapy: $193.99 per hour (Item Code: 15_056_0128_1_3)
- Physiotherapy: $183.99 per hour (Item Code: 15_055_0128_1_3)
- Art or Music Therapy: $156.16 per hour (Item Code: 15_615_0128_1_3)
These rates can be higher in remote areas. For example, remote areas get a 40% loading. This helps providers cover the extra cost of travel. You can find the full list in the NDIS Support Catalogue.
How do the 2026 travel rules work?
Providers can charge for travel time if you agree to it in your service agreement. There are strict limits on how much they can bill.
For therapy like OT or Speech, providers can only bill for 50% of their hourly rate for travel time. They can bill up to 30 minutes each way in cities like Parramatta. Support workers can still bill their full hourly rate for travel time. We found that pooling your sessions can help save on these costs. You should also check for "non-labour" costs like tolls and parking fees.
Why is the cancellation policy important?
The cancellation policy helps providers manage their staff when a session is missed. You must give enough notice to avoid being charged.
The NDIS says you must give 7 days' notice for support workers. For therapy sessions, you usually need to give 2 clear business days' notice. If you cancel too late, the provider can charge 100% of the fee. This money comes out of your NDIS plan. We suggest you keep a calendar to track your appointments and avoid these fees.
What is the new 3-month funding period?
Many plans now have 3-month funding periods to help with budget pacing. This means you get your money in four chunks each year.
The NDIS started this to stop people from spending all their money in the first few months. You must make your money last for the full 90 days. If you spend it too fast, you might have to wait for the next period to start. Our Plan Management team helps you see how much you have left each week. This keeps your support steady all year.
How do you read an NDIS invoice?
Every invoice should show the date of service and the correct NDIS code. It should also show the hourly rate and any travel costs.
You should always check that the rate on the bill matches the NDIS Price Guide. We found that billing errors are common. Look for codes like 15_056_0128_1_3 for Occupational Therapy. If you see a code you do not know, ask your provider to explain it. You can use the Fair Work Commission website to learn about worker pay rules.
What supports are not funded in 2026?
The NDIS has a clear list of things they will not pay for. These are called "Supports that are not NDIS supports."
Some examples of things the NDIS will not fund include:
- Daily groceries or rent.
- Tickets to the movies or concerts.
- Standard gym memberships.
- Toys or standard sports gear.
You can find the full "No List" on the NDIS Supports List page. If you buy something on the "No List," you might have to pay the money back. Our Support Coordination team helps you find the "Yes" items that fit your goals.
How can you maximise your 2026 budget?
The best way to save money is to use your budget for "flexible" supports. This gives you more choice over who helps you and when.
We suggest looking for providers who do not charge the full price cap. Some smaller providers might charge $60 per hour instead of $70.23. This saves you $10 every hour. Over a year, this adds up to a lot of extra help. You should also look at Therapy Assistance. These are trained workers who help you do your therapy exercises at a lower cost.
What is the I-CAN v6 assessment?
The I-CAN v6 is the new tool used to set your budget. It focuses on your support needs and how much help you need to be safe.
Instead of just looking at a doctor's letter, an assessor talks to you about your life. They ask about your mobility and social skills. This talk helps the NDIS decide your "Total Funding Amount." We help our clients prepare for these talks. We make sure you can explain what is hard for you every day.
FAQ
Can my provider change their prices mid-year?
Providers usually update their prices on July 1st each year. They must tell you before they change their rates. Check your service agreement to see how much notice they must give you.
What if I live in a remote area?
If you live in a remote area, your price limits are 40% higher. Very remote areas are 50% higher. This covers the higher cost of getting services to you.
Does the NDIS pay for report writing?
Yes, the NDIS pays for therapists to write reports for your plan review. This is called "Non-Face-to-Face" support. They must agree on this cost with you before they start.
Where can I get help with my budget?
You can speak to a Plan Manager or a Support Coordinator. They are experts in the NDIS Price Guide. Our team at Universal Ability is here to help you in Western Sydney and Canberra.
How we can help
Universal Ability provides expert support for NDIS participants. We offer Speech Therapy, Psychology, and Health and Wellbeing services. We make sure your plan is followed correctly and safely.
Would you like a free check of your service agreements to see if they follow the 2026 rules? Contact us today to book a chat with our team.
