A participant receives the same support they have relied on for months, then notices something has changed on their next invoice or service agreement. The amount looks different, but it is not immediately clear why.
That is why NDIS pricing changes 2026 matter to more than providers. Changes to pricing guidance can affect how participants and providers discuss service rates, agreements and the use of NDIS funding.
The good news is that participants do not need to understand every number in the NDIS pricing schedule. What matters is knowing what has changed and what to check before agreeing to a new price.
What Changed From 1 July 2026?
The NDIS released its 2026–27 pricing schedule, effective from 1 July 2026. The schedule provides guidance on what the NDIS considers appropriate and reasonable maximum prices for supports.
The Annual Pricing Review is conducted each year to consider factors such as market data, wages, supply and demand, and the costs of delivering supports. For 2026–27, the review used more than 16 million therapy transactions as part of its analysis.
For participants, the important point is simple: a pricing update does not automatically mean your provider can change your agreed price without discussion.
The NDIS states that providers must discuss proposed pricing changes with participants, and participants must agree before changes to an existing service agreement are made.
Why January 2027 Matters for Some Unregistered Providers
One of the more significant changes in the 2026–27 Annual Pricing Review concerns Social, Community and Civic Participation (SCCP) supports.
The review recommends that prices for these supports delivered by unregistered providers be reduced by 10% from 1 January 2027, while prices for registered providers are maintained. The recommendation applies to relevant standard and high-intensity supports.
This does not mean every unregistered NDIS provider will suddenly become 10% cheaper across every service.
The proposed reduction specifically relates to the relevant SCCP supports covered by the recommendation.
For participants, this makes understanding registered vs unregistered provider pricing increasingly important when comparing support arrangements.
What Should Participants Check?
When reviewing your services, don’t focus only on the hourly rate.
Check your service agreement for:
- the support being provided
- the agreed price
- cancellation terms
- how travel or other additional costs are handled
- how pricing changes will be communicated
- when the agreement can be reviewed
The NDIS explains that participants and providers can negotiate an appropriate and reasonable price for supports. Any change to an existing agreed price needs participant agreement.
This is particularly important when reviewing NDIS plan management fees or other costs associated with managing and delivering your supports. Don’t assume every charge is an NDIS-mandated amount—ask the provider or plan manager what the charge represents.
Does a Pricing Change Mean Your Support Should Change?
Not necessarily.
The NDIS pricing schedule provides guidance on appropriate maximum prices. It does not automatically determine the exact price every participant must pay for every support.
If your provider proposes a change, ask:
What has changed, why has it changed, and how will it affect my current support?
A clear provider should be able to explain the change in plain English rather than simply pointing you towards a long pricing document.
Where My Lotus Fits In
For participants and families, having a provider that communicates clearly becomes even more important when pricing arrangements change.
My Lotus operates as a registered NDIS provider, meaning participants can discuss their support arrangements directly with the provider and understand how current pricing guidance applies to their services.
The focus should remain on the participant’s needs, the agreed supports and transparent communication—not simply the number attached to an hourly rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the NDIS pricing changes for 2026–27 start?
The NDIS pricing schedule for 2026–27 took effect from 1 July 2026.
Can a provider change my existing price without asking me?
No. The NDIS states that providers must discuss proposed changes to existing service agreements with participants, and participants must agree before those changes are made.
What is changing for unregistered providers in January 2027?
The 2026–27 Annual Pricing Review recommends a 10% reduction from 1 January 2027 for relevant Social, Community and Civic Participation supports delivered by unregistered providers. Registered-provider prices for those supports are recommended to remain maintained.
Where can I check the current NDIS prices?
The official NDIS pricing arrangements and pricing schedule provides the current 2026–27 pricing information.
The key takeaway from the NDIS pricing changes 2026 is not to memorise every price. It is to understand what you are being charged, check your service agreement, and make sure any proposed changes are clearly explained and agreed to.
Need help understanding the latest NDIS pricing changes?
If you’re unsure how the 2026–27 pricing changes affect your current supports, the Lotus Disability Care team can help you understand your options and discuss your support arrangements.
Get in touch with Lotus Disability Care on 0493 084 705 or visit My Lotus to learn more.
