Nurturing Hands journal
10 Things You Should Know About the July 2026 NDIS Pricing Changes
10 Things You Should Know About the July 2026 NDIS Pricing Changes
Hello everyone! It’s Deb here. If you’ve been keeping an eye on the news lately, you’ll know that the NDIS environment is constantly shifting. As we step into July 2026, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has released its latest Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (PAPL).
Navigating these updates can feel a bit like trying to read a map while the roads are being renamed. Having lived with Multiple Sclerosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis for many years, I know firsthand how overwhelming it is when the “rules” of your support system change. At Nurturing Hands Allied Health, we believe that transparency and collaboration are the keys to making sure these changes don’t slow down your progress.
Here are the 10 most important things you need to know about the July 2026 NDIS pricing updates and how we’re here to help you stay on track.
1. The New Schedule is Now Live
The 2026–27 NDIS Pricing Schedule officially took effect on 1 July 2026. This applies to all supports delivered from this date forward. It’s not just a minor update; it’s a significant shift in how services are categorized and billed. If you have an existing service agreement, now is the time to sit down with your providers to ensure everything aligns with the new limits. At Nurturing Hands, we are already proactive in reviewing our participants’ plans to ensure a smooth transition.
2. A Significant Restructure of Documentation
For the first time, the NDIA has moved away from the machine-readable Excel support catalogue. The pricing guide is now only available in PDF and DOCX formats. While this might seem like a technical detail, it means providers and plan managers have to be extra diligent in manually checking rates. This change highlights the need for a supportive tone and clear communication between you and your therapy team to avoid any billing surprises.
3. Removal of “Y/N” Claiming Flags
Previously, the pricing guide used simple “Yes/No” flags to indicate if a provider could claim for things like travel, non-face-to-face time, or cancellations. Those flags are gone. In their place is a more complex set of rules. This makes it more important than ever to work with a team that understands the “fine print” of NDIS pricing so your funding isn’t misused.
4. The Suffix-Item-Number System for Allied Health
Allied Health billing has become much more granular. Instead of general rules, we now use a “suffix code” system. This means separate line items for:
- Provider travel
- Short-notice cancellations
- NDIA-requested reports
- Telehealth services
This level of detail is designed to show exactly where your budget is going, which is great for transparency, but it does require more admin work. Our team handles this complexity for you, ensuring your therapy goals remain the focus while we manage the paperwork.
5. Rate Cuts for “Other Professionals”
One of the most talked-about changes this year is the reduction in the price cap for “Other Professionals” (non-psychology allied health providers) to approximately $156.16 per hour. For many, this feels like a hurdle. However, this is where our unique model at Nurturing Hands really shines. By utilising Allied Health Assistants (AHAs), we can deliver high-quality therapy at a much lower cost than a senior clinician, allowing you to get more hours of support for every dollar in your plan.
6. Wage-Related Increases for Core Supports
On a positive note, there have been targeted rate increases for frontline disability support workers, linked to the Fair Work Commission’s 2026 wage decisions. This ensures that the people providing your essential daily care are being paid fairly. While this affects “Core” budgets more than “Capacity Building,” it’s a vital step in maintaining a strong and sustainable workforce for the whole disability sector.
7. Changes to Travel and “Type 2” Isolated Towns
The way travel is claimed has been reworked, particularly for those in regional areas. A new “Type 2” isolated towns list has been introduced. For these locations, providers now negotiate travel charges directly with participants rather than relying on a fixed remote loading. Because Nurturing Hands is a mobile therapy service, we are experts in navigating travel rules to ensure we can reach you at home, school, or work without exhausting your budget.
8. New SIL Registration Group (0138)
If you or your loved one uses Supported Independent Living (SIL) services, be aware that the old 0115 items have been replaced by the new 0138 registration group. Registered providers must update their support allocations immediately. While Nurturing Hands focuses on allied health therapy, we work closely with your SIL providers to ensure our therapy programs are integrated perfectly into your home life.
9. 25 Items Removed, 33 Items Added
The catalogue has seen a bit of a “spring clean.” With 25 items removed and 33 added, the NDIA is trying to modernise the list of supports. Many of the additions relate to the new allied health modifiers we mentioned earlier. It’s a lot to keep track of, which is why we recommend checking the NDIS website or chatting with your Plan Manager if you see an item code you don’t recognise.
10. The Importance of Reviewing Service Agreements
With all these changes, your old service agreement might be out of date. The NDIA expects providers to discuss these changes with you before updating your billing. This is a great opportunity to check in on your progress. Are you meeting your goals? Do you need more regular sessions? We love having these collaborative conversations to ensure our partnership is still serving you perfectly.
How Nurturing Hands Helps You Navigate the Changes
At Nurturing Hands Allied Health, we don’t just “provide a service”: we partner with you. The July 2026 changes might seem restrictive, but our model is designed to thrive in this environment.
Stretching Your Budget with AHAs
With the price cap for “Other Professionals” tightening, our use of Allied Health Assistants (AHAs) is your secret weapon. Our AHAs work under the direct guidance of external Allied Health Professionals (like your Physiotherapist or external OT). This means you get the same high-quality, goal-directed therapy but at a rate that lets your funding go significantly further. You can read more about how this works in our blog post on how AHAs maximise your NDIS funding.
Mobile Service Delivery: Therapy Where You Are
We believe therapy should happen where life happens. Whether it’s at home, at school, or in your workplace, our mobile service removes the stress of travel and clinical environments. This mobile therapy approach isn’t just about convenience; it’s about context. Practising skills in the environment where you actually use them leads to better outcomes and faster goal achievement.
A Collaborative, Holistic Approach
We don’t work in a vacuum. We take a holistic, collaborative approach, working closely with your entire support team: carers, support workers, and external clinicians. While we do not employ Occupational Therapists (OTs) or perform Functional Capacity Assessments (FCAs) ourselves, we excel at implementing the therapy plans designed by your external OTs and Physios, ensuring a cohesive experience for you.
About Deb
I’m Deb, the owner of Nurturing Hands Allied Health. My professional journey is deeply intertwined with my Disability Lived Experience. Living with Multiple Sclerosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis has given me a unique perspective on the NDIS: I don’t just see the “provider” side; I see the “participant” side every single day.
My goal is to provide a service that I would want for myself: one that is supportive, flexible, and genuinely cares about the person behind the plan. I’m here to help you navigate these 2026 changes with confidence and a bit of that casual, friendly support we all need sometimes.
Ready to Maximise Your Funding?
Don’t let the July 2026 pricing changes stop you from reaching your potential. Whether you need Physiotherapy support, Speech Pathology, or a dedicated Allied Health Assistant to help you stay consistent with your exercises, we are here for you.
Or simply scan the QR code below to get started:
