NDIS Price Guide Explained: Understanding Support Costs

The NDIS Price Guide sets maximum prices that registered NDIS providers can charge for supports. Understanding how pricing works helps you know if you're being charged fairly and how to make your funding go further.

Important: Price limits apply to NDIA-managed participants. If you're plan-managed or self-managed, you can negotiate prices outside the price guide.

What is the NDIS Price Guide?

The NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (commonly called the "Price Guide") is published by the NDIA and updated regularly. It outlines maximum hourly or unit rates for different support types, when loadings apply, and rules around cancellations.

Support Categories in the Price Guide

1. Assistance with Daily Life

Typical Rates (as of Jan 2026 - check current guide):

• Weekday daytime (Mon-Fri, 6am-8pm): ~$68-$75/hour
• Weekday evening (Mon-Fri, 8pm-midnight): ~$85-$95/hour
• Saturday: ~$92-$105/hour
• Sunday: ~$115-$130/hour
• Public holidays: ~$145-$160/hour

2. Community Nursing

Typical Rates (as of Jan 2026):

• Registered Nurse (RN) - Weekday: ~$89-$98/hour
• Enrolled Nurse (EN) - Weekday: ~$68-$75/hour
• After-hours and weekend: Higher rates with loadings

3. Therapeutic Supports

Typical Rates:

• Standard therapy appointment: ~$193-$214/hour
• Early intervention (children 0-6): Higher rates (~$226/hour)
• Report writing: Separate rate (~$193-$214/hour)

4. Plan Management

Typical Rate: ~$182-$198/month (flat fee)

5. Support Coordination

Typical Rates:

• Standard support coordination: ~$103-$113/hour
• Specialist support coordination: ~$165-$180/hour

Understanding Loadings

Loadings are price increases applied in certain circumstances:

Common Loadings:

• Time-of-Day Loadings - Evenings, weekends, and public holidays
• Travel Loading - For providers who come to your home
• Irregular or Sporadic Support - Less than once per month or less than 2 hours per week
• High-Intensity Support - For participants with very high or complex support needs (requires approval)

Cancellation Fees

Providers can charge cancellation fees under strict rules:

Short Notice Cancellations:

• Less than 30 days notice: Provider can charge cancellation fees as per the service agreement

No Cancellation Fee If:

• Emergency situations (medical emergency, family crisis, etc.)
• You gave more than 7 days' notice
• Provider's cancellation policy wasn't clearly explained upfront

How to Check If You're Being Charged Fairly

Steps:

1. Ask for an Invoice Breakdown - Every invoice should show date, type of service, hours, hourly rate, loadings, and total
2. Compare to the Price Guide - Download the current NDIS Price Guide from ndis.gov.au
3. Check Your Service Agreement - It should specify hourly rates and when loadings apply
4. Ask Questions - If something doesn't add up, ask your provider or contact the NDIS Commission

Tips to Make Your Funding Go Further

1. Shop Around - Get quotes from multiple providers
2. Negotiate (If Plan-Managed or Self-Managed) - You can negotiate rates outside the price guide
3. Minimize Cancellations - Give as much notice as possible
4. Choose Off-Peak Times - Weekday daytime rates are lower
5. Review Your Plan Regularly - Are you using services efficiently?

What If You're Being Overcharged?

Signs of Overcharging: Rates higher than price guide (and you didn't agree in writing), charges for services not delivered, unexpected fees, invoices don't match your service agreement.

What to Do:

1. Contact the provider first - it may be an error
2. Keep records - save all invoices, agreements, and communications
3. Contact your plan manager (if applicable)
4. Lodge a complaint with the NDIS Commission if unresolved

References & Further Reading

• Current NDIS Price Guide
• NDIS Commission - Overcharging Complaints