The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has released its updated Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits for 2024-25, bringing several important changes that affect both participants and service providers. Whether you’re accessing supports through the NDIS or providing disability support services within the scheme, understanding these updates is crucial for effective planning and budgeting in the coming year.
This comprehensive guide explores the key changes in the NDIS Price Guide 2024-25, helping you navigate the new pricing landscape with confidence. From wage increases to cancellation policy changes, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the latest NDIS pricing updates.
What Exactly Is the NDIS Price Guide?
The document formerly known as the NDIS Price Guide has been renamed to “NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.” This crucial resource sets out the maximum prices that registered NDIS providers can charge when delivering supports and services to participants. It serves as a regulatory framework that ensures fair pricing while maintaining quality service delivery across the disability support sector.
Below is a snapshot of key service categories and their associated hourly rates, reflecting the NDIS Price Guide 2024-25, which vary based on location:
NDIS Price Guide 2024-25: Key Service Categories
| NDIS Disability Support Services | Unit | National Rate | Remote Rate | Very Remote Rate |
| Assistance With Self-Care Activities – Standard – Weekday Daytime | Hour | $67.56 | $94.58 | $101.34 |
| Assistance With Self-Care Activities – High Intensity – Weekday Daytime | Hour | $73.09 | $102.33 | $109.64 |
| Assistance with Personal Domestic Activities | Hour | $57.23 | $80.12 | $85.85 |
| Assistance with Household Tasks – House or Yard Maintenance | Hour | $55.21 | $77.29 | $82.82 |
| Assistance with Household Tasks – House Cleaning and Other Household Activities | Hour | $56.23 | $78.72 | $84.35 |
| Assistance with the cost of the preparation and delivery of meals | Hour | $1.00 | $1.00 | $1.00 |
| Assistance in Supported Independent Living – Standard – Weekday Daytime | Hour | $67.56 | $94.58 | $101.34 |
| Assistance in Supported Independent Living – Night-Time Sleepover | Each | $286.56 | $401.18 | $429.84 |
| STA And Assistance (Inc. Respite) – 1:1 – Weekday | Day | $2,098.80 | $2,938.32 | $3,148.20 |
| STA And Assistance (Inc. Respite) – 1:2 – Weekday | Day | $1,156.24 | $1,618.74 | $1,734.36 |
| Medium Term Accommodation | Day | $152.03 | $212.84 | $228.05 |
| Unplanned onsite shared supports in Specialist Disability Accommodation | Week | $1,484.10 | $2,077.74 | $2,226.15 |
| Individualised Living Options – Exploration and Design | Hour | $100.14 | $140.19 | $150.21 |
| Capacity Building and Training in Self-Management and Plan Management | Hour | $77.00 | $107.80 | $115.50 |
| Access Community Social and Rec Activity – Standard – Weekday Daytime | Hour | $67.56 | $94.58 | $101.34 |
| Access Community Social and Rec Activity – High Intensity – Weekday Daytime | Hour | $73.09 | $102.33 | $109.64 |
| Support Coordination Level 1: Support Connection | Hour | $77.00 | $107.80 | $115.50 |
| Support Coordination Level 2: Coordination of Supports | Hour | $100.14 | $140.19 | $150.21 |
| Support Coordination Level 3: Specialist Support Coordination | Hour | $190.54 | $266.75 | $285.80 |
Each year, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) releases a revised version of these pricing arrangements, detailing how NDIS supports will be funded for the coming financial year. While the main updates take effect annually on July 1st, the guide typically undergoes several revisions throughout the year to reflect market changes and evolving support needs.
For 2024-25, the most recent updates came into effect on October 1, 2024, building upon changes implemented in July 2024.
Key Updates in the NDIS Price Guide 2024-25
Wage and Superannuation Increases
Following the Fair Work Commission’s decision to raise the National Minimum Wage and award minimum wages by 3.75%, the NDIS Price Guide 2024-25 includes several important adjustments:
- Price limits for supports delivered by NDIS support worker have increased by 3.19% from July 1, 2024.
- The National Minimum Wage has risen to $915.90 per week or $24.10 per hour.
- These increases affect all relevant awards, including the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry (SCHADS) Award.
This adjustment reflects the NDIA’s commitment to ensuring fair compensation for workers in line with the Fair Work Commission’s decisions.
Short Notice Cancellation Policy Update
One of the most significant changes in the NDIS Price Guide 2024-25 is the revised Short Notice Cancellation policy. This update was implemented after costs related to cancellations nearly doubled over the past three years, from approximately $60 million to $120 million.
The new policy differentiates between service types:
- Disability Support Worker services: The cancellation period remains at 7 days
- Non-DSW services (including therapies): The cancellation period has been reduced from 7 days to 2 business days
This change particularly affects therapy and early childhood supports, which previously accounted for 37% of all cancellation claims.
End of Temporary Transformation Payment (TTP)
The Temporary Transformation Payment, introduced in July 2019 to help providers transition to the NDIS system, has officially ended as of June 30, 2024. Providers can no longer claim the TTP loading for services delivered on or after July 1, 2024, though Legacy Line Items remain available for services delivered before this date.
This change requires providers to update their billing systems and potentially review service agreements with participants to ensure clear communication about pricing changes.
Removal of COVID Loading
Similar to the TTP, COVID loading has also been phased out in the NDIS Price Guide 2024-25. This loading was initially introduced to cover additional costs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The loading began with a 2% increase in July 2022, was reduced to 1% in July 2023, and has now ended completely as of July 2024, in line with the NDIA’s planned reduction schedule.
Additional 2024 NDIS Pricing Resources and Addenda
Bereavement Addendum
The NDIS Bereavement Addendum, effective from July 1, 2024, outlines support items that providers can claim after an NDIS participant’s death. This document must be read alongside the main Pricing Arrangements document to ensure proper understanding and compliance.
COVID Addendum
Despite the removal of COVID loading, the NDIA has maintained a COVID Addendum (effective July 1, 2024) that includes temporary measures introduced in response to the coronavirus pandemic. This addendum specifies the dates and regions where these special measures apply, providing clarity for providers operating in affected areas.
Group and Centre-Based Support Pricing Transition
Transitional pricing arrangements for group and centre-based NDIS social and community participation supports ended on December 31, 2023, with new pricing taking effect from January 1, 2024. The NDIA has provided resources, including guidance documents and participant guides, to assist providers and participants through this transition.
Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Guide
Each year, the Assistive Technology, Home Modifications, and Consumables Code Guide is revised to list commonly used supports. The 2024-25 Code Guide, valid from July 1, 2024, outlines the most frequent supports, but users should understand it’s not a complete inventory
Specialist Disability Accommodation Arrangements
On April 16, 2024, the NDIA published updated Pricing Arrangements for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) 2023-24 and the SDA Price Calculator 2023-24. Under these updated arrangements, both the maximum reasonable rent contribution (MRRC) and maximum board amount increased, effective March 20, 2024.
What Do These Changes Mean for Participants?
For NDIS participants, these updates mean that funding allocations in their plans will be adjusted to reflect the new price limits. Participants will automatically see these changes take effect from July 13, 2024, ensuring that their support budgets align with current market conditions. While there may be some delays in the rollout, the aim is to ensure that participants receive fair pricing and maintain access to essential disability support services.
What Do These Changes Mean for Providers?
For service providers, including those working as an NDIS support worker, the updated NDIS Price Guide 2024-25 is equally significant. Providers must update their invoicing and billing systems, adjust service agreements where necessary, and stay informed about the changes outlined in the NDIS price guide documents. By ensuring compliance with the new price limits and cancellation policies, providers can continue to offer high-quality support while remaining competitive and sustainable in the market.
The removal of the TTP and COVID loadings further reinforces the need for providers to transition smoothly to the new pricing structure. Although these changes might seem challenging initially, they are designed to bring the pricing framework in line with real-world economic conditions and the evolving needs of participants.
What Does This Mean for the Future?
The NDIA has hinted at the upcoming NDIS Price Guide 2025 which could overhaul the pricing structure in the coming year. The planned review will involve independent experts to ensure the pricing approach meets the needs of NDIS participants and the sustainability of the system. This forward-looking approach is designed to work in tandem with the NDIA’s new Quality Supports program, which aims to directly engage with providers to deliver quality services to those at risk of not receiving adequate supports.
Concluding Remark
In essence, navigating the NDIS Price Guide 2024-25 requires continuous vigilance and a proactive approach. Both participants and providers must stay informed about ongoing updates and be prepared to adapt to evolving policies. By fostering a collaborative understanding of these changes, we can ensure the NDIS continues to deliver effective, sustainable support to those who need it most.
