NDIS Pricing Changes 2026–27: What Providers Need to Know

The NDIA has released the Annual Pricing Review outcomes and the 2026–27 pricing schedule, effective from 1 July. This annual update provides guidance on what the NDIA considers appropriate pricing for supports across the Scheme.

While pricing is updated each year, the broader context remains important. Providers continue to operate in an environment shaped by rising costs, workforce pressures and increasing expectations around compliance and transparency.

What has changed

The 2026–27 pricing update includes adjustments across several areas. Support worker-related pricing has increased in line with wage growth, while therapy pricing has seen a mix of increases, reductions and unchanged rates depending on the discipline. Pricing for Plan Management and Support Coordination remains unchanged.

These changes are informed by a wider evidence base than previous years, with the NDIA drawing on a larger data set across the health and disability sectors.  This reflects an ongoing focus on aligning NDIS pricing with broader market conditions.

What this means for providers

Although pricing has been updated, the operating environment remains complex. Many providers will continue to manage ongoing cost pressures alongside increasing administrative and compliance requirements.

The pricing schedule should be understood as guidance rather than an automatic change. It sets the maximum rates that can be charged, but it does not replace existing service agreements or remove the need for clear communication with participants.

The most important changes are:

• An increase in the maximum rate for support work

• Increase to psychology and specialist behaviour support maximum rates

• Significant reduction in the “Other professional Therapies” maximum rate

• Separation of short-term respite (STR) funded supports

  
  

Short-Term Respite

These changes will have a major impact on how respite can be claimed. Previously, it was claimed an all-in-one support including support work, accommodation and other NDIS Supports in a single claim. This made it difficult to identify that things that are not NDIS Supports such as food were not purchased, as the daily flat fee concealed how the total cost was calculated.

Instead, new claim codes for support work inside an STA, and for participant and support worker accommodation have been introduced. At this stage, this would exclude auxiliary costs such as meals (in a centre or group residence).

Service agreements and communication

Any changes to pricing must be discussed with participants before they are applied. Service agreements should be reviewed and updated as needed, ensuring that participants understand and agree to any changes before they take effect.

Clear and consistent communication remains essential. Participants rely on providers to explain changes in a way that is simple and transparent, particularly during periods of pricing updates.

Ongoing focus on compliance

The NDIS continues to move toward greater oversight of pricing and claims. This includes more structured pricing arrangements, clearer line items and increased visibility across billing practices.

For providers, this reinforces the importance of maintaining accurate systems, consistent documentation and clear justification of services delivered.

Looking ahead

There are also broader structural changes on the horizon. Proposed reforms may give the NDIS Minister greater authority in pricing decisions, with the Annual Pricing Review continuing to play a role in informing those outcomes.

This indicates a continued shift toward more centralised pricing oversight and a stronger focus on long-term scheme sustainability.

How First2Care supports providers

At First2Care, we work alongside providers to ensure pricing is applied correctly and remains aligned with NDIS requirements.

We support accurate and compliant claiming, help identify potential issues early, and assist in maintaining clear communication with participants. Our aim is to reduce complexity and support providers in navigating pricing updates with confidence.