Are NDIS prices going up on 1 December 2026? What it means for your plan

This is general information only. It isn't legal or financial advice.

What's changing on 1 December 2026?

On 19 October 2026, the NDIA announced that the maximum prices for four NDIS support items will increase from 1 December 2026.

Here are the national rates, per hour:

• House or Yard Maintenance

  Item number 01_019_0120_1_1

  Now $59.01

  From 1 Dec 2026 $63.42

• House Cleaning and Other Household Activities

  Item number 01_020_0120_1_1

  Now $60.10

  From 1 Dec 2026 $64.59

• Assistance with Personal Domestic Activities

  Item number 01_004_0107_1_1

  Now $61.16

  From 1 Dec 2026 $65.73

• Specialised Home-Based Assistance for a Child

  Item number 01_016_0104_1_1

  Now $61.16

  From 1 Dec 2026 $65.73

Source: NDIA, 19 October 2026. Remote and very remote rates weren't listed in the NDIA's notice. Check the updated Pricing Schedule when it's published.

By our maths, that's about 7.5% more per hour at the maximum for each item.

Why are these prices going up?

The NDIA says the change is linked to the Fair Work Commission's decision to increase wages for employees covered by Schedule E of the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (the SCHADS award).

The Commission's decision of 11 September 2026 covers home care employees doing disability care work under Schedule E. The first phase of their pay increase starts from each employee's first full pay period starting on or after 1 December 2026. The Commission says any remaining increases for these employees will apply from 1 October 2027.

The NDIA's 19 October notice covers the 1 December 2026 price change only.

Do I need to do anything?

The NDIA says the claiming process and support item numbers aren't changing.

But if you use any of these four supports, three quick checks are worth doing before 1 December:

1. Check your service agreement. What price did you agree to? Has your provider asked to change it?
2. Check your budget. Work out how many hours your funding covers at the new price (see the example below).
3. Check your invoices after 1 December. Look at the date each support was delivered.

What does it mean for my budget?

A maximum price is a ceiling. The NDIA says providers can't charge more than the maximum price limits. It isn't a set fee everyone pays.

But if your provider moves to the new maximum, the same hours cost more. That means your funding stretches to fewer hours.

Example only (our maths, using the NDIA's national rates):

• 4 hours of house cleaning a week at $60.10 = $240.40
• The same 4 hours at $64.59 = $258.36
• That's $17.96 more a week, or $233.48 more over 13 weeks

Another way to see it: $1,000 covers about 16.6 hours at $60.10, and about 15.5 hours at $64.59.

Your numbers will depend on your hours, your agreed price and your plan. If your funding is getting tight, talk to your provider, your support coordinator or your plan manager early.

Can my provider just change my price?

Not on its own. The NDIA says providers must discuss any proposed changes to existing service agreements, as a result of these price changes, with participants. And participants must agree before those changes are made.

So if your provider wants to move your price up:

• Ask them to explain the change in writing.
• Check it against your budget before you agree.
• Ask someone you trust, or your support coordinator, if you're not sure.

Which price applies to my invoice?

The maximum price depends on when the support was delivered, not when the invoice was sent.

The NDIA says the new maximum prices apply to eligible supports delivered on or after 1 December 2026. Providers should use the maximum price that applied on the date the support was delivered.

Example only: a cleaning visit on 28 November 2026 that's invoiced on 3 December 2026 is still a November support. The old maximum ($60.10 an hour) applies.

So after 1 December, check the delivery dates on your invoices and statements.

Who does this affect?

• Plan-managed and NDIA-managed participants. The NDIA says the maximum prices in the pricing schedules only apply to NDIA-managed and plan-managed participants.
• Self-managed participants. The maximum prices don't apply to self-managed funding. Your service agreement still sets what you and your provider have agreed.
• Support coordinators. Worth a heads-up to participants who use any of these four supports, so they can check budgets and agreements before 1 December.

When will the official price list be updated?

The NDIA says it will publish an NDIS Pricing Schedule and claiming guidance that reflects this change on its website on 1 December 2026.

See every key date in one place on our NDIS changes page. Not sure what a term means? Try our NDIS glossary.

How does a plan manager help?

If you're plan-managed, your plan manager assesses claims, processes invoices and pays your providers. The NDIA says a plan manager's tasks include making sure each claim meets NDIS compliance requirements and is in line with your plan and budget.

On price limits, the NDIA is clear: it can't pay a claim for more than the maximum price, and providers can't charge more than the maximum.

Your plan manager must also give you a monthly financial statement, including what's been spent and your remaining balance.

What Forward Planning Plus does for you

Forward Planning Plus is a registered NDIS plan manager (NDIA registration 4050161030) with a Queensland-based team. Plan management with us is no cost to you.

• Our portal sends low-funding alerts.
• We work alongside your support coordinator.
• We call back within 24 hours on business days. Or call us on 0405 589 006.

Related reading: The NDIS 90-day claiming rule: what changes on 1 December 2026 · Understanding the NDIS Pricing Guide · Switch your plan manager