NDIS Service Agreements: What to Check Before You Sign
Updated: 4 days ago
A service agreement is a written agreement between you and your NDIS provider. It sets out what supports you will receive, how they will be delivered, what they cost and what happens if something changes.
In October 2026, the NDIA released new service agreement resources, developed with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, to help participants and providers get agreements right. This guide explains what a good service agreement includes and what to check before you sign one.
Do You Have to Have an NDIS Service Agreement?
For most NDIS supports, a written service agreement is not compulsory, but it is strongly encouraged. It is required for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), and the NDIA strongly encourages one for Supported Independent Living (SIL).
Even when it is not required, a written agreement protects both you and your provider. Everyone is clear on what has been agreed, and you have something to refer back to if questions come up later.
What the NDIA's New Resources Include
The new resources are available on the NDIS website and include:
A service agreement template, which is optional and should be tailored to your situation
A checklist to help you review an agreement
Guidance for participants and providers
Easy Read versions
You do not have to use the NDIA template. Many providers use their own agreements, and that is fine as long as the agreement covers the right information.
What a Good Service Agreement Should Include
Who the agreement is between, including any nominee or representative
Your goals and how the supports link to your NDIS plan
The supports you will receive, including the support category, item, quantity, unit price and total cost
How, where and how often supports will be delivered
Any extra charges, such as provider travel
Start, end and review dates
What you and your provider are each responsible for
Cancellation rules, including notice periods and any fees
How to change or end the agreement
Contact details and how to make a complaint
What to Check Before You Sign
Before you sign, take your time and check these points.
Cancellations
Check how much notice you need to give if you cancel a support, whether a fee applies, and what happens if the provider cancels on you.
The End Date
The agreement should not run past your plan reassessment date. If your plan changes, your agreement may need to change too.
Prices and Extra Costs
Make sure the prices are clear and that any extra costs, such as travel, are listed. You should not be surprised by a charge that was not in the agreement.
Whether You Understand It
You should be given time to read the agreement, get help from someone you trust if you need it, and have it in a format you understand, such as Easy Read or another language.
Whether You Can Ask for Changes
A service agreement is not take it or leave it. You can ask questions and request changes before you sign, and you should keep a copy once it is signed.
When a Service Agreement Needs to Change
Small changes, such as adjusting your hours, can usually be made with a variation to your existing agreement. Bigger changes usually need a new agreement, for example when you get a new plan, change providers, have a major change to your supports, or your agreement has expired.
Price changes are a good example. The NDIA has announced price increases from 1 December 2026 for some supports, including house and yard maintenance, house cleaning, assistance with personal domestic activities and specialised home-based assistance for a child. Providers need your agreement before changing your service agreement, so if one of these supports is in yours, your provider should talk to you about it first.
Something Many People Do Not Know
The NDIA and the NDIS Commission are not part of your service agreement. They do not keep a copy and cannot enforce it. The agreement is between you and your provider, which is why it is worth making sure you understand it and keeping a copy somewhere safe.
If you have a problem with a provider that you cannot sort out together, you can make a complaint to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. You can also read more about service agreements on the NDIS website.
Talk to Us About Your Service Agreement
At Loving Life Support Services, we go through our service agreement with you before anything is signed, so you know exactly what to expect.
Before you sign anything, you can read how our 1:1 disability support works on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, so you know what to expect.
📍 Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast
Information current as at 6 November 2026.
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