What a claim type is
Every NDIS payment is claimed against a support item number, such as 01_011_0107_1_1 for weekday daytime self care. The claim type tells the NDIA which part of that support you are being paid for. Claiming travel time or a cancellation as if it were the support itself is a common error, and it makes claims harder to audit.
The NDIS support catalogue shows which claim types are allowed for each item. If a claim type is not listed for an item, you cannot use it.
The main claim types
- Direct service: the support delivered to the participant. This is the standard claim
- Provider travel: time spent travelling to the participant, and between participants, where travel is allowed for the item
- Short notice cancellation: when a participant cancels late or does not show, and you meet the conditions
- Non face to face: work done for that participant without them present, such as writing a progress report for their other providers
- NDIA requested reports: reports the NDIA asks for, such as at plan start or reassessment
- Telehealth: a direct support delivered by video or phone where appropriate
- Irregular SIL supports: unplanned SIL support outside the usual roster, such as when a participant is unwell or a day program is cancelled
Short notice cancellations
You can claim up to 100% of the agreed fee for a short notice cancellation or no show, if the service agreement allows it and you could not find other billable work for the worker. The current pricing arrangements describe two notice periods: less than 2 clear business days, typically for supports other than disability support workers, and less than 7 days, typically for disability support worker supports. You can always waive the fee or offer better terms.
There is no hard cap on cancellations, but the NDIA monitors them. If a participant cancels often, find out why.
Provider travel and reports
Travel time is capped at 30 minutes to each participant in MM 1 to 3 and 60 minutes in MM 4 and 5, with no cap in remote and very remote areas. For therapy, travel is claimed at up to half the hourly limit. Non labour costs, such as tolls and parking, are claimed separately on their own items.
NDIA requested reports can only be claimed when the NDIA genuinely asked for the report, for example a report at plan start or a report measuring progress at reassessment, and the participant agreed.
Claim types in the 2026/27 pricing schedule
The 2026/27 pricing schedule, effective 24 September 2026, lists separate lines for these activities on therapy items. Occupational therapy, for example, has a direct service item (01_661_0128_1_3) plus versions ending in _CA for cancellation, _NF for non face to face, _PT for provider travel, _RR for NDIA requested reports and _TH for telehealth. Provider travel is $97.00 an hour against $193.99 for the direct service.
The NDIA has said updated claiming guidance will follow the new schedule. Until it does, check the current support catalogue and pricing documents before you change your invoicing.
Tips for providers
- Write every claim type you may use into the service agreement, with your cancellation notice period
- Show the support, travel time and travel costs as separate lines on invoices
- Never bill admin, such as making claims or updating systems, as non face to face time. It is covered in the price limit
- From 1 December 2026 claims must be made within 90 days of the support, so invoice promptly