NDIS Price Guide 2026 Changes Explained
The July 2026 NDIS Pricing Arrangements brought modest changes - a 2-3% increase across most categories with allied health remaining flat. Most providers don't read the Pricing Arrangements carefully and miss billable rate updates. Here's what changed in 2026 and what providers should adjust.
The Headline Rate Changes
July 2026 Pricing Arrangements delivered 2-3% increases across most support categories. Personal care weekday day rate increased to $70.23/hr (from $68.18 in 2025). Community access rates increased proportionally. Cleaning rate held at the 2024-reduced level (significant cut from 2024 not reversed). Allied health remained flat at $193.99/hr - third consecutive year. Plan management rates unchanged. Travel rules tightened slightly with kilometre rates and time caps clarified. Most providers should update their billing rates immediately to capture the increases.
Allied Health - Third Year Flat (Significant)
Allied health rates remained $193.99/hr in 2026 - third consecutive year without increase. While other categories received modest increases, allied health practitioners absorbed inflation. This is significant because the 2023 NDIS Review flagged allied health for structural pricing reform expected in 2027. The flat rates signal restructure rather than simple increase coming. Allied health practices should monitor July 2027 announcement carefully. Outcomes-tied trial likely. Practices tracking participant outcomes today will benefit when reform arrives.
Cleaning Rate - 2024 Cut Held
Cleaning rates were significantly cut in 2024 (~$8/hr reduction). The 2026 Arrangements held the cut rather than restoring previous rates. Providers heavily dependent on cleaning revenue continue to feel margin pressure. From our work with cleaning-heavy providers - the strategic shift required is integrating cleaning with personal care delivery rather than running cleaning-only services. Bundled service agreements offering personal care plus cleaning typically maintain better margins than cleaning-only offerings.
Travel Rule Clarifications
Travel rules tightened in 2026 with clearer guidance on: claimable kilometre rates, time caps for metro vs regional travel, when travel is and isn't claimable. Most providers we work with through Provider Scale were over-claiming or under-claiming travel due to unclear rules. Review your travel claiming against the 2026 clarifications. Provider Scale's Free Compliance Health Check often identifies travel claiming gaps. Compliant travel claiming captures legitimate revenue without audit risk.
Action Items for 2026 Rate Implementation
This week: 1) Update your billing rates in your software (ShiftCare, Lumary, etc.) to 2026 rates. 2) Review service agreements - some may need update if rates referenced explicitly. 3) Update participant communication if you're explicit about hourly rates. 4) Audit your travel claiming against 2026 clarifications. 5) Subscribe to NDIA pricing updates so you don't miss the next change. The annual July release matters - reviewing it carefully takes 2-3 hours and protects revenue. Provider Scale's $999 package includes pricing setup as part of registration.