Is the NDIS Free?
Yes. The NDIS is free for eligible participants.
If you are an NDIS participant with an approved plan, there is no out-of-pocket cost for plan-funded supports. The Australian Government funds the NDIS through general tax revenue and the Medicare levy. You do not pay a premium, excess, or co-payment for the supports included in your plan.
NDIS Price Guide & Price Limits
The NDIA publishes the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits document, which is updated annually (usually on 1 July each year). This document sets the maximum prices that registered NDIS providers can charge for different types of supports.
These are not fixed prices -- they are maximum price limits. Providers can charge any amount up to these limits, and some providers may charge less than the maximum. If you are self-managed, you can also choose to use unregistered providers who may set their own prices.
The latest pricing information is available on the official NDIS pricing page.
Common NDIS Service Costs
Below are approximate NDIS price limits for common services. These rates reflect the 2025-26 pricing arrangements and may vary based on location, time of day, and provider type.
| Service | Rate |
|---|---|
| Support Coordination | $65.09 - $100.14/hr |
| Specialist Support Coordination | $190.54/hr |
| Core Support (Daily Activities) | $59.81 - $67.63/hr |
| Therapeutic Supports (OT, Speech, Physio) | $193.99/hr |
| Behaviour Support (Practitioner) | $193.99/hr |
| Community Participation | $65.09 - $67.63/hr |
| Plan Management | $34.16/month + fees |
| Assistive Technology | Varies by item |
* Rates are indicative and based on the NDIS Pricing Arrangements 2025-26. Actual rates may differ. Weekend, evening, and public holiday rates are higher.
How Provider Pricing Works
Registered NDIS providers set their own prices for services, but they cannot exceed the NDIS price limits. This means that different providers may charge different rates for the same service, and it pays to compare.
Providers must give you a service agreement that clearly outlines the services, costs, and cancellation terms before you start. You have the right to understand exactly what you are paying for and to negotiate the terms of your service agreement.
Some providers charge flat rates per session, while others bill by the hour. Travel costs may also be included in certain support types (typically capped at 30 minutes for metro areas and longer for remote areas).
Self-Managed vs Plan-Managed vs NDIA-Managed
NDIA-Managed
The NDIA pays providers directly. You must use registered providers only, and they must charge within NDIS price limits. This is the simplest option but offers the least flexibility.
Plan-Managed
A plan manager handles your invoices and payments. You can use both registered and unregistered providers. Plan management is funded separately and does not reduce your other budgets. Most popular choice.
Self-Managed
You manage payments yourself. Maximum flexibility -- use any provider (registered or not) and negotiate your own rates. You can pay above NDIS price limits if you choose. Requires good record-keeping.
5 Tips to Get Value from Your NDIS Plan
Compare multiple providers
Get quotes from at least 2-3 providers before committing. Prices can vary significantly even for the same service type.
Understand your plan budget
Know exactly how much funding you have in each category (Core, Capacity Building, Capital) so you can allocate wisely.
Ask about cancellation policies
Providers can charge for late cancellations (usually 90% for less than 7 days notice, 100% for less than 2 days). Ask upfront.
Consider plan management
Plan managers handle invoices and payments, freeing you to focus on choosing the right supports. This is funded separately and does not reduce your other budgets.
Review your plan regularly
Track your spending monthly. If you are underspending in some areas and overspending in others, request a plan review to reallocate funds.
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