The short answer
Your plan budget pays, within the NDIS price limits that apply.
Registered providers are bound by NDIS price limits for many supports. Self-managed and plan-managed participants can sometimes use providers who are not registered and who set their own rates. Either way, the support must be in your plan and reasonable and necessary.
| Support | From | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Personal care | $85 / hour | Daily self-care support. |
| Domestic assistance | $83 / hour | Cleaning and household tasks. |
| Meal preparation | $82 / hour | Planning, cooking and storage. |
| Shopping | $83 / hour | Groceries and errands. |
| Transport | $40 / trip | Door-to-door transport. |
| Nursing | $125 / hour | Clinical support. |
| Registered nurse | $144 / hour | Complex clinical support. |
Price limits, in plain words
The NDIS publishes price limits for many supports. A registered provider generally cannot charge more than the limit for those supports. The limits are updated periodically, so the number that applied last year may not apply now.
If a provider quotes a rate above the limit for a support that is subject to a limit, ask why and get it in writing. There are legitimate reasons in some categories, and there are also mistakes.
The budget is the real limit
A plan has funding allocated across categories. You can be within the price limit and still run out of budget. That is why a monthly budget check matters more than a rate comparison.
Ask your plan manager for a summary each month. If you are self-managed, keep a simple spreadsheet. Knowing what is left in month eight prevents the scramble in month eleven.
Self-managed, plan-managed and NDIA-managed
- Self-managed. You pay the provider and claim. You can often use unregistered providers.
- Plan-managed. Your plan manager pays. You can often use unregistered providers, depending on the manager.
- NDIA-managed. The NDIA pays registered providers directly. You generally must use a registered provider.
Ask which arrangement you have before you book. It changes who invoices whom and which providers you can use.
What is usually not covered
Supports that are not related to your disability, everyday living costs that everyone has, and supports already funded by another system. The NDIS does not fund a holiday, a mortgage or general household upkeep unrelated to disability.
If you are unsure, ask your support coordinator or plan manager before you commit.
Three questions before you book
Is this support in my plan? What is the rate and does it fit the price limit? How will it be invoiced? If you cannot answer all three, wait.
Common questions
Do you charge the NDIS price limit?
Our from-rates are published. Your exact rate and the applicable price arrangement are confirmed before you book.
Can I use you if I am self-managed?
Yes. Tell us when you call so we set up the invoicing correctly.
Can I use you if I am plan-managed?
Yes, where the support is in your plan and your plan manager can pay us.
What if my plan runs out?
Tell us early. We can prioritise the support that matters most, or move some hours to private payment if you choose.
Are there cancellation fees?
Ask for the policy in writing. NDIS rules and provider policies both apply.
Sources and further reading
This guide is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. If you are worried about your health, call your GP. In an emergency, call 000.