A major shift in the governance of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has taken effect, with the first-ever ministerial pricing determination now officially in force.

According to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), the new NDIS pricing schedules set maximum prices for supports for the 2026–27 financial year and took effect on 24 September 2026.


A First for the Minister

Under the newly enacted Securing the NDIS for Future Generations Act 2026, the Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme officially became the NDIS pricing decision-maker starting August 27, 2026.

While the annual pricing review continues to inform pricing policy, the final determination now rests with the Minister. The NDIA notes that the annual review still guides its official advice to the Minister, ensuring that market trends and stakeholder needs are accounted for.


What the Price Limits Mean

The newly published pricing schedules establish strict maximum price caps for the 2026–27 financial year, covering standard supports as well as Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), which maintains its own dedicated schedule.


These limits apply specifically to NDIA-managed and plan-managed participants, enforcing several key rules:

  • The NDIA cannot process or pay any claim exceeding the established maximum price.
  • NDIS providers are strictly prohibited from charging participants more than the capped limit.
  • Participants are not entitled to scheme funding payments above the maximum price threshold.

Each schedule outlines specific support item numbers, titles, and maximum price limits tailored for national, remote, and very remote regions. Because summary pages do not detail individual item fluctuations, stakeholders seeking specific figures are advised to consult the primary schedules directly.

Balancing Sustainability and Quality

The newly enforced price caps align with the NDIA's recommended pricing guidance published in June 2026. According to the agency, its recommendations to the Minister balanced several competing priorities, including:

  • The cost of delivering safe, efficient, and high-quality supports.
  • Market diversity and competitive provider landscapes.
  • The long-term financial sustainability of the NDIS.

The pricing decisions draw upon the annual pricing review, which evaluates supply and demand, comparative market rates, wage trends, labour conditions, and broader economic factors. A specialized disability support worker cost model for 2026–27 effective since July 1, 2026 is also available via the agency's official pricing portal.

Other companion documents published on the NDIA website include previous 2025–26 pricing arrangements, a bereavement addendum outlining permissible claims following a participant's passing, and an assistive technology, home modifications, and consumables code guide.

Next Steps for Participants and Providers

For now, participants and providers do not need to take any immediate action in response to the ministerial determination. However, the agency has advised that updated pricing and claiming guidance documents will be released shortly.

Looking ahead, consultation for the 2027–28 annual pricing review is already underway. Feedback closes on November 1, 2026, with the agency encouraging stakeholders to share their experiences and insights via NDIS Engage to help shape future pricing frameworks.