The NDIS Price Guide (Now the Pricing Schedule) Explained Simply
Updated: Oct 13
Updated October 2026: From 24 September 2026, NDIS prices are set by a pricing determination made by the Minister for Disability under the new NDIS Act. The Pricing Schedule is now a list of maximum prices only. The NDIA has said updated claiming guidance will be published soon, and we will update this post when it is.
If you have ever opened the NDIS Price Guide and felt completely overwhelmed, you are not alone. From 1 July 2026 it is officially called the NDIS Pricing Schedule, but most people still call it the Price Guide.
It is a long document filled with codes, categories, and numbers. But despite how technical it looks, it exists for a very simple reason. It sets the maximum prices for NDIS supports.
This guide explains what the NDIS Price Guide is, why it matters, and what it actually means for participants and families.
What Is the NDIS Price Guide?
The NDIS Price Guide is an official document that outlines the maximum prices providers can charge for NDIS-funded supports.
It is used by participants, families, providers, support coordinators, and plan managers to make sure supports are delivered fairly and consistently.
Prices are usually reviewed once a year, but under the new NDIS Act they can now change during the year (the current schedule took effect on 24 September 2026). The most current version is always published on the NDIS website: Pricing arrangements | NDIS
For 2026–27, the NDIS split this information across two documents that are meant to be used together:
The NDIS Pricing Schedule 2026–27 lists each support item's number, name and unit, and the maximum price for national, remote and very remote areas.
The NDIS Support Catalogue 2026–27 is a spreadsheet that shows which claim types apply to each support item, such as provider travel, non-face-to-face support and short notice cancellations, along with guidance on how to claim them. It was published in July 2026, before the new pricing rules took effect, and the NDIA has said updated pricing and claiming guidance is coming soon.
What Information Does the NDIS Price Guide Include?
The NDIS Price Guide sets out:
Supports grouped by who delivers them, such as support workers, nurses, therapists and support coordinators
Individual support line items with codes and descriptions
Maximum hourly rates providers are allowed to charge
How group pricing works: the maximum amount is divided by the number of people in the group
Rules around provider travel, cancellations, and non-face-to-face time (these now sit in the Support Catalogue)
For example, weekday daytime community access support (04_104_0125_6_1) has a maximum of $73.58 an hour. In a group of two, each person can be charged up to $36.79 an hour, because the maximum is divided by the number of people in the group. Providers cannot charge more than these amounts. This applies when your plan is NDIA-managed or plan-managed. If you self-manage, you are not bound by the price limits (section 45C(2) of the NDIS Act), but paying more means your funding will not stretch as far.
Why the NDIS Price Guide Matters
The NDIS Price Guide exists to protect participants.
It ensures funding is used appropriately and helps prevent overcharging or unclear billing.
It also creates consistency so participants can compare providers more easily.
Understanding the basics of the price guide helps you:
Know what you are being charged for
Understand why rates differ between weekdays, evenings, and weekends
Ask informed questions about pricing and ratios
Feel confident that your funding is being used correctly
You do not need to know every code, but understanding the structure gives you more control over your plan. One thing to know: the schedule only lists maximum prices. It does not explain what each support can be used for, so if you are unsure, check with your LAC, plan manager or support coordinator.
Do Participants Need to Understand the NDIS Price Guide?
You do not need to read the entire document or memorise pricing codes.
However, having a basic understanding can be really helpful. Simple questions like:
Which funding category is this coming from?
Is this billed as one-to-one or a group support?
Is this a weekday or weekend rate?
can make a big difference when choosing providers or reviewing invoices.
Your Plan Manager or Support Coordinator can always help explain anything that feels unclear.
How We Keep NDIS Pricing Clear at Loving Life
At Loving Life Support Services, we believe pricing should never feel confusing or hidden.
We make a point of:
Explaining costs clearly before supports begin
Providing upfront quotes where possible
Charging only within NDIS price limits
Using the correct support ratios and categories
Answering questions about billing in plain language
Families already have enough to manage. Understanding NDIS pricing should not add stress.
Questions About the NDIS Price Guide?
If you are unsure how supports are billed, the best place to start is your Support Coordinator, Plan Manager, or my NDIS contact (often your Local Area Coordinator).
If you are still feeling stuck or want clarity around how supports are delivered in real life, you are always welcome to reach out for a conversation.
📍 Based on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast
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