NDIS Annual Pricing Review 2026–27: Key Changes Explained

What the new pricing schedule means for participants and families in Australia

Informed. Prepared. Supported.

Every year, the NDIS conducts an Annual Pricing Review (APR) to make sure the prices paid for disability support remain fair, evidence-based, and sustainable. The 2026-27 review has introduced several changes that affect participants, families, and providers across Australia. 

This guide explains what has changed, what it means for your NDIS plan, and what to do if you have questions about your support. 

The new pricing schedule took effect from 1 July 2026. For full details, refer to the official NDIS pricing update at ndis.gov.au. 

What Are the NDIS Annual Pricing Review? 

The Annual Pricing Review (APR) is a yearly check carried out by the NDIA to ensure NDIS support prices remain up to date. It looks at market conditions, provider costs, and participant outcomes before setting up price guidance for the year ahead. 

The APR informs two key documents: 

• The NDIS Pricing Schedule — guidance on appropriate prices for NDIS supports 

• The Support Catalogue — the full list of funded support items and their price limits 

For the full review, visit the NDIS Annual Pricing Review 2026-27 page. 

Key Changes in the 2026-27 NDIS Pricing Schedule 

Support Worker Pay Rate Increase 💰 

The hourly base cap for disability support workers (DSW) has increased in line with minimum wage changes. The new hourly base cap is $73.58.

Psychology and Behavior Support Increase 🧠

Fees for psychology and specialist behavior support have increased by 8%, bringing the national rate to $252.99 per hour. Psychosocial recovery coaching now has a cap of $110.44 per hour. 

New Support Worker Line Items 🏷️

Four specific line items have been introduced for DSW services, from standard daily care (Level 1) through to psychosocial recovery coaching (Level 4), creating clearer categories for complex support needs. 

Short Term Respite (STR) Unbundled 🏠

STR pricing is now unbundled. Accommodation and support costs are separated into individual line items. The accommodation component aligns with Medium Term Accommodation at $162.85 per night. 

Nursing and Capital Supports Rise 🩺

Prices for nursing and other supports not covered by DSW pricing have increased by approximately 3.4%.

New Therapy Line Items 📋

Separate line items are now available for non-face-to-face therapy activities — including provider travel, preparation, documentation, and NDIS-requested reporting — improving transparency in claiming. 

What Has NOT Changed 

✅ Plan management and support coordination fees are NOT changing. You will not pay any more for these services. They continue to be funded separately from your NDIS plan at no cost to you.

Allied Health Price Cap Changes 

Most allied health price caps remain unchanged. However, the following adjustments apply from 1 July 2026: 

1. Dietetics: Price cap decreased by 5.2% 
2. Other professional supports: Price dropped by nearly 20% 
3. Exercise physiology: Reduced by 3%, now set at $161.99 per hour 
4. Psychology and specialist behavior support: Increased by 8%, now $252.99 per hour 
5. All other allied health caps: Unchanged from 2025-26 

If you access therapy services funded under your NDIS plan, speak with your provider about how these changes apply to your current service agreement. 

Senami offers NDIS-aligned mental health and counselling services across South Australia. Contact us to understand how updated therapy pricing affects your support. 

What This Means for NDIS Participants  

The impact of the 2026-27 pricing changes depends on how your plan is managed and which supports you use. 

If you need help understanding how these changes apply to your plan, Senami Plan Management can help you review your current budget and service agreements. 

Understanding the Short-Term Respite (STR) Unbundling 

📅 From 1 July 2026:   STR is no longer claimed as a single bundled rate. 

Previously, STR combined accommodation, food, utilities, and support costs into one daily claim. The new pricing separates these components. 

Under the new structure: 

• Support costs are claimed based on actual hours, timing, and intensity of care 

• Accommodation is claimed separately at the Medium-Term Accommodation rate of $162.85 per night 

• Providers must itemize each component individually when submitting claims 

If you or a family member uses short-term respite as part of your plan, check with your provider about how they are implementing the new claiming process. 

How Senami Supports You Through These Changes 

Pricing changes can feel confusing, especially when you’re already managing a lot. At Senami, our experienced support coordinators are here to help you understand how the 2026–27 NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits may affect your individual plan and supports. We’ll guide you through your NDIS journey with confidence, helping you make informed decisions every step of the way. 

We can help with: 

• Reviewing your service agreements in line with the updated price limits  

• Explaining how therapy pricing changes may affect your Capacity Building budget  

• Managing your NDIS plan and ensuring claims are processed correctly  

• Connecting you with the right disability, mental health, and community participation supports  

• Helping you navigate your plan through our support coordination services  

Do You Have Questions About How These Changes Affect Your Plan? 

The 2026–27 NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits introduce several updates designed to support a fairer, more sustainable disability support system. While many participants will continue receiving their support as usual, understanding these changes can help you make informed decisions and get the most from your NDIS plan. 

If you have questions about how the pricing updates may affect your support or would like guidance on your individual circumstances, the Senami team is here to help. Contact us today To discuss your options and receive personalised support.