The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has introduced the 2026–27 NDIS Pricing Schedule, effective from 1 July 2026. While pricing updates are released each year, this year's changes also introduce a new way of presenting pricing information and include structural changes that may affect how some supports are delivered and claimed.
For many participants and families, these updates can seem overwhelming. The good news is that your approved NDIS funding doesn't automatically change because of a pricing update. Instead, the new Pricing Schedule helps guide how providers price and claim for supports within the NDIS.
Here's what you need to know.
A New Pricing Schedule Replaces the Familiar Price Guide
If you've previously heard people refer to the "NDIS Price Guide" or "Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (PAPL)," you'll notice a change this year. The NDIA has introduced a new Pricing Schedule, which sets out the current support item prices from 1 July 2026.
While the purpose remains similar: to guide pricing for NDIS-funded supports, the document has been simplified and restructured. Providers will use it to determine applicable price limits, while participants can use it as a reference to better understand how their funded supports are priced.
What Do These Changes Mean for Participants?
For most participants, day-to-day support should continue without disruption.
Your approved NDIS budget does not automatically increase or decrease because the Pricing Schedule has changed. However, if a provider's pricing changes within the new limits, it may influence how far your funding stretches across the life of your plan.
This is why it's important to:
- Review any proposed updates to your service agreements.
- Ask your providers to explain any pricing changes.
- Understand how changes may affect the delivery of your funded supports.
- Speak with your Support Coordinator or Plan Manager if you're unsure.
Providers cannot simply apply new prices to an existing agreement without discussing the changes with you first. Participants must agree before any updated pricing takes effect.
Some Supports Have New Pricing and Claiming Arrangements
While many supports continue much as before, some categories have received updated pricing, new support items, or revised claiming processes.
Examples include changes to certain therapy supports, disability support worker items, short term accommodation supports, and some administrative claiming arrangements. The NDIA has also introduced new support item structures in specific areas to better reflect how services are delivered.
These updates are primarily administrative for providers, but participants may notice new support item descriptions on service agreements, invoices, or plan management statements.
The important thing to remember is that these changes are intended to improve consistency and transparency rather than change the supports you are entitled to receive.
Communication Between Participants and Providers Is More Important Than Ever
Whenever pricing changes occur, open and often communication becomes essential.
If your provider plans to update their pricing, they should explain what has changed, why the changes are being made, and how they may affect your services. This provides an opportunity to ask questions, review your agreement, and ensure you remain comfortable with the supports being delivered.
If you work with a Support Coordinator, they can also help you:
- Understand provider pricing.
- Compare service options.
- Review service agreements.
- Consider alternatives if needed.
- Ensure supports continue to meet your goals and budget.
Good communication helps participants make informed decisions while maintaining choice and control, one of the core principles of the NDIS.
Staying Informed Helps You Make Confident Decisions
NDIS pricing updates happen regularly as part of the Annual Pricing Review, helping ensure the Scheme remains sustainable while supporting participants to access quality services.
Although pricing documents can appear technical, participants don't need to navigate them alone. Whether you're reviewing a service agreement, wondering how pricing changes affect your plan, or simply looking for clarity, taking the time to ask questions and understand your options can make a real difference.
The most important takeaway is this: pricing updates shouldn't come as a surprise. By staying informed and working collaboratively with your providers and support network, you can continue making decisions that align with your goals and get the most from your NDIS plan.
