What the pricing arrangements cover
The pricing arrangements do more than set prices. They list every support item, its number and unit, and the most that can be paid for it in national, remote and very remote areas. They also set rules for how supports are claimed, such as time of day, group supports, provider travel, short notice cancellations and non face to face work.
For years these sat in one NDIA document called the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, often shortened to PAPL or called the price guide. That name is still widely used.
What changed in 2026
The Securing the NDIS for Future Generations Act 2026 changed who decides NDIS prices. Since 27 August 2026 the Minister for Disability and the NDIS makes a pricing determination, a legislative instrument, after advice from the NDIA.
The first determination was made on 24 September 2026 and set the 2026/27 price limits. The prices are listed in the NDIS pricing schedule 2026/27, effective 24 September 2026, with a separate schedule for Specialist Disability Accommodation. The limits match the pricing the NDIA had already published for 1 July 2026. The NDIA says updated pricing and claiming guidance documents will follow, and the 2025/26 Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits is still published for reference.
Who has to follow them
The pricing schedule says the maximum amounts apply when funding is managed by the NDIA or by a registered plan management provider.
- NDIA managed: providers must be registered and cannot charge more than the limit
- Plan managed: the plan manager cannot pay more than the limit, whether the provider is registered or unregistered
- Self managed: you are not bound by the price limits, but you can only buy NDIS supports and must follow your plan
The documents that make up NDIS pricing
These are all published on the NDIA's pricing arrangements page:
- The pricing determination: the Minister's legal instrument
- The NDIS pricing schedule: support item numbers, names, units and maximum amounts, plus definitions such as time of day
- The NDIS pricing schedule for SDA
- The support catalogue: a spreadsheet of every support item with its category, registration group, unit, price limits and allowed claim types
- The disability support worker cost model, which explains how support worker limits are calculated
- The assistive technology, home modifications and consumables code guide
Key 2026/27 price limits
Support worker limits rose in line with the Fair Work annual wage increase. The standard weekday daytime limit for self care support is $73.58 an hour in most of Australia. Occupational therapy is $193.99 an hour and psychology $252.99 an hour. Support coordination and plan management limits were held at their previous rates, and the plan management monthly fee is $104.45.
Remote and very remote areas have higher limits, and evenings, weekends and public holidays have their own items. Check the schedule for the exact item you are using.
What is coming next
Watch for these changes over the next few months:
- Differentiated pricing: lower limits for some supports from unregistered providers. The NDIA's Annual Pricing Review recommended a start date of 1 January 2027, but the government is still consulting
- SCHADS Award: the Fair Work Commission's decision takes effect on 1 December 2026, and the 2026/27 pricing schedule is due to be updated to reflect any required changes
- Claims within 90 days: from 1 December 2026, claims must be made within 90 days of the support
How to use them
Participants can use the schedule to check a quote is within the limits and that the support item matches what is being delivered. Providers should set prices for each item, time of day and location, tell participants about cancellation terms before starting, and never suggest that the NDIA sets the price they charge. The NDIA's long standing guidance is that the price is agreed between the provider and participant, up to the limit.