Two dates matter if you use NDIS support in the next few months. One is 1 December 2026. The other is 1 January 2027. The NDIS pricing changes 2027 start earlier than the new year, and some of them are not final yet. This guide explains both dates in simple terms and what to check in your service agreement.

The SCHADS Pay Change

On 11 September 2026, the Fair Work Commission made a decision about Schedule E of the SCHADS Award. That decision increases wages for many disability and home care workers from 1 December 2026. It is a big part of the SCHADS Award NDIS 2026 changes.

NDIS price limits are set separately from wages, so the NDIA is updating them. It has confirmed that from 1 December 2026 the maximum prices for four support items will rise. These include house or yard maintenance (from $59.01 to $63.42 per hour) and house cleaning (from $60.10 to $64.59 per hour).

Here is what to know:

• The new prices apply to supports delivered on or after 1 December 2026.
• Support item numbers and the claiming process stay the same.
• The 2026–27 NDIS Pricing Schedule will be updated later this year.

In short, the SCHADS Award NDIS 2026 changes may raise the hourly cost of some supports. If your budget is fixed, a higher price can mean fewer hours.

NDIS Pricing Changes 2027: The Proposed 1 January Change

The second change is about differentiated pricing NDIS participants will hear more about. It means the same support can have a different maximum price depending on whether the provider is registered.

The NDIA’s Annual Pricing Review recommends this from 1 January 2027:

• Unregistered providers who deliver social, community and civic participation supports (such as community access) would have a price limit 10% lower.
• Annual price increases for those unregistered providers would stop.
• Registered providers would keep their current prices and yearly increases.

This is a proposal, not a final decision. The government is still consulting, so the details could change. Check the NDIS website for updates.

If differentiated pricing NDIS rules go ahead, it will be the first time registered vs unregistered provider pricing is different for the same type of support. Plan-managed and agency-managed participants should expect their providers to follow price limits. Self-managed participants have more room to negotiate, but price limits are still a useful guide to how far your funding will go.

Service Agreement Checklist For NDIS Pricing Changes 2027

Now is a good time to read your service agreement. Here is what to check:

• Is your provider registered? This matters more if differentiated pricing NDIS rules go ahead.
• What is the hourly rate, and from what date? Make sure the agreement shows when prices apply.
• How are price changes handled? Your provider should talk to you and get your agreement before changing prices. Ask for any change in writing.
• How will your hours be affected? Ask what a price change means for the number of hours you can use.
• What about other fees? Check travel, cancellation and weekend or public holiday rates.
• Who manages your funds? Agency, plan-managed and self-managed participants are affected differently.
• When will we review it? Agree on a date to check the agreement again after 1 December and 1 January.

Ask questions early. A good provider will explain registered vs unregistered provider pricing clearly and won’t pressure you to sign.

What To  Do Next

The SCHADS Award NDIS 2026 changes are confirmed. The January change is still a proposal, so keep watching whether differentiated pricing NDIS rules are confirmed and how registered vs unregistered provider pricing will work. Review your agreement now and keep an eye on official NDIS updates.

Lotus Disability Care supports people with disability through the NDIS and Community Programs with Social Workshops. If you are unsure how the NDIS pricing changes 2027 affect your plan, our team can help you understand your options.

Have questions about your service agreement? Contact Lotus Disability Care today.