NDIS support workers are crucial in assisting individuals with disabilities and providing personalised care to improve their quality of life. With changes in funding models and policy, it’s essential to understand the NDIS support worker pay rates 2024 and how they affect both workers and participants.
This guide breaks down the key components of NDIS support worker rates, including factors that influence the rates, how they vary by location and time, and much more. If you’re an NDIS support worker or someone who relies on their services, this article is for you.
Understanding NDIS Support Worker Pay Rates 2024
NDIS support worker pay rates are not fixed across the board. They depend on several factors, such as the time of day, the day of the week, and whether the support worker is delivering services in a remote or very remote area. The NDIS has a structured pricing guide that helps determine how much a support worker should be paid, but there is flexibility depending on how the participant manages their plan.
Key Factors Affecting NDIS Pay Rates for Support Workers
Several key factors influence the rates for NDIS support workers:
1. Time of Day
The time a support service is provided can affect the pay rate. Support workers who provide services during non-standard hours (evenings, nights, or weekends) are often paid at higher rates.
2. Day of the Week
Rates differ between weekdays, weekends, and public holidays. For example, public holiday rates tend to be the highest.
3. Location
Remote or very remote areas have higher rates due to the increased cost of living and service provision.
4. Participant’s Plan Management
Whether a participant’s plan is agency-managed, self-managed, or plan-managed can affect how the rates are applied.
5. TTP Rates
Some providers can charge higher Temporary Transformation Payment (TTP) rates for workers.
What Are the TTP Rates?
TTP rates are slightly higher rates provided to NDIS providers that have undergone a specific transformation process to improve their services. TTP is aimed at providers transitioning from older systems and methods into more effective models. Participants who use TTP-registered providers can expect to see marginally higher pay rates for their support workers.
The NDIS Pay Rates for Support Workers in 2024
The following table presents the NDIS hourly rate for support workers, based on the latest price guide.
Assistance with Daily Life, Social, Economic, & Community Participation
| Support Type | Standard Rate/hour | Remote Rate/hour (MMM6) | Very Remote Rate/hour (MMM7) |
| Assistance With Self-Care Activities | |||
| Weekday Daytime | $67.56 | $94.58 | $101.34 |
| Weekday Evening | $74.44 | $104.22 | $111.66 |
| Weekday Night | $75.82 | $106.15 | $113.73 |
| Saturday | $95.07 | $133.10 | $142.61 |
| Sunday | $122.59 | $171.63 | $183.89 |
| Public Holiday | $150.10 | $210.14 | $225.15 |
| Night-Time Sleepover | $286.56 | $401.18 | $429.84 |
| Assistance with Social, Economic, & Community Participation | |||
| Public Holiday | $150.10 | $210.14 | $225.15 |
| Weekday Evening | $74.44 | $104.22 | $111.66 |
| Weekday Daytime | $67.56 | $94.58 | $101.34 |
| Saturday | $95.07 | $133.10 | $142.61 |
| Sunday | $122.59 | $171.63 | $183.89 |
| Establishment Fee for Personal Care/Participation | |||
| $675.60 | $945.84 | $1,013.40 | |
| Assistance With Daily Life Tasks Provided in Residential Aged Care Facility | |||
| $1.00 | $1.00 | $1.00 | |
Reference: https://www.ndis.gov.au/media/7150/download?attachment
NDIS Hourly Rate for Support Workers: A Breakdown
1. Weekday Daytime Support
Support workers providing assistance with daily life NDIS (between 6:00 am and 8:00 pm) on weekdays are typically paid at the standard weekday rate. The exact pay rate can increase for workers in remote or very remote areas, ensuring that the costs associated with providing services are covered.
2. Evening and Night Support Rates
Support workers who provide care in the evenings (after 8:00 pm) or at night are paid at a higher rate due to the less convenient working hours. These rates also increase when services are provided in remote or very remote areas.
3. Weekend and Public Holiday Rates
Saturday and Sunday rates are higher than regular weekday rates. Public holiday rates are the highest, compensating workers for their time during what are typically non-working days for most people. The exact increase depends on the location and the time spent delivering the service.
Understanding Remote and Very Remote Areas
What is a Remote Area (MMM6)?
According to the Modified Monash Model (MMM), a remote area is a location where the population density is low, and it may be more difficult for support workers to access. For these areas, pay rates are increased to account for the higher living costs and additional challenges faced by support workers.
What is a Very Remote Area (MMM7)?
A very remote area is even more isolated and has fewer available services. As a result, NDIS support workers are paid higher rates to compensate for the difficulty of reaching such areas and providing services.
For both MMM6 and MMM7 areas, the hourly rate increases, ensuring that workers are fairly compensated for their time and effort.
How Travel and Transport Costs Affect NDIS Support Worker Pay Rates
Support workers often incur additional costs for travel, such as parking, tolls, or fuel. These additional costs can be claimed as part of the support provided under the NDIS.
Traveling Between Participants
When support workers are required to travel between multiple participants, travel time and expenses may be accounted for separately, ensuring that workers are fairly compensated for their time spent in transit.
Vehicle Depreciation and Non-Labour Costs
In some cases, vehicle depreciation and other non-labour-related expenses may be reimbursed as part of the support worker’s overall pay, adding an extra layer of financial support for the worker.
Providing Support to More Than One Participant
When an Disability support worker provides services to multiple participants at the same time, the price for each participant is divided by the number of participants in the group. This pricing model ensures that the cost of group-based services remains fair and aligned with the number of people being supported.
How NDIS Participants Manage Their Plans and Its Effect on Pay Rates
There are three main ways that NDIS participants can manage their plans:
- Agency Managed: In this case, the NDIS directly handles the funding and provider agreements, and the provider cannot charge more than the price guide.
- Plan Managed: The participant works with a plan manager who helps with budgeting and service provider agreements, but service rates remain within NDIS price limits.
- Self-Managed: The participant has full control over their funds and can negotiate pay rates directly with their support workers.
Self-managed participants are the only ones who can negotiate rates outside the standard NDIS price guide, which can benefit workers and participants who wish to establish unique agreements.
Final Thoughts
The NDIS support worker pay rates 2024 are structured to ensure fair wages while maintaining service affordability for participants. Understanding these rates allows workers to maximise their earnings and participants to make informed choices about their care. Keeping up with the latest NDIS updates is essential for both parties.
