NDIS Support Worker Rates 2025-26

Last updated: 24 November 2025 — reflecting NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2025–26 v1.1, the most current version. See what changed.

2025–26 rates at a glance

Shift	Standard rate
Weekday daytime	$70.23 / hr
Saturday	$98.83 / hr
Sunday	$127.43 / hr
Public holiday	$156.03 / hr

National rates (MMM 1–5). Source: NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2025–26 v1.1 (NDIA).

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Finding accurate NDIS support worker rates shouldn't require downloading a 100-page government PDF. This page gives you every current rate — weekday, weekend, public holiday, sleepover, high-intensity and remote — explained in plain English. It's updated within 48 hours every time the NDIA publishes new pricing.

Whether you're a participant budgeting your plan, a support worker checking what you should earn, or a provider confirming your billing is compliant, you'll find what you need here.

What are NDIS support worker rates?

NDIS support worker rates are the maximum prices a provider can charge a participant's NDIS plan for support worker services. They are not the wage the support worker takes home — that's a common and important distinction we'll cover in detail below.

The NDIA sets these rates in a document called the Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (PAPL), which is updated annually each July following the Annual Pricing Review. The review aligns rates with changes to the SCHADS Award — the industrial award governing most disability support workers — as well as superannuation and cost-of-living pressures.

For 2025–26, all support worker rates increased by 3.95% from 1 July 2025. This was the largest single-year increase in recent history, driven by SCHADS Award wage growth and the superannuation guarantee rising to 12%. A mid-year update (v1.1) took effect on 24 November 2025 with minor adjustments.

Important: The hourly rate charged to your NDIS plan is not what the support worker earns. The weekday daytime rate of $70.23/hr, for example, covers the worker's wage, superannuation (12%), workers compensation insurance, paid leave entitlements, training, administration and the provider's operating costs. The support worker's actual take-home rate is set separately under the SCHADS Award — we cover that in full below.

2025–26 NDIS support worker rates

Standard support rates

Standard rates apply to the most common types of support: personal care, assistance with daily life tasks, and community participation activities.

Assistance with Daily Life & Community Participation — national rates (MMM 1–5)

Source: NDIS PAPL 2025–26 v1.1. Remote (MMM 6) = 40% loading. Very Remote (MMM 7) = 50% loading.

What each shift type means:

• Weekday daytime — any support starting at or after 6:00am and ending by 8:00pm, Monday to Friday
• Weekday evening — support starting after 8:00pm and finishing by midnight, Monday to Friday
• Weekday night — support that starts before midnight on a weekday and finishes after midnight, or starts before 6:00am on a weekday
• Saturday / Sunday — any support starting at or after midnight on the night before that day, ending by midnight of that day
• Public holiday — support starting at or after midnight on the night before a gazetted public holiday, ending by midnight of that day
• Night-time sleepover — a continuous shift of 8 or more hours where the worker is permitted to sleep when not actively supporting. Includes up to 2 hours of active support. Hours beyond 2 are charged at Saturday rates on weekdays, or at the applicable rate on weekends and public holidays.

What happens when a shift crosses a time boundary? If a shift starts as a weekday daytime but runs past 8:00pm, or starts Saturday and runs into Sunday, it does not need to be split into two separate claims — unless the same worker did not deliver the entire support. Where the same worker delivers a continuous shift that crosses a boundary, the higher of the two applicable rates applies to the entire shift.

High intensity support rates

High intensity rates apply when a participant requires support with complex needs — for example, behaviours of concern, ventilator management, PEG feeding, tracheostomy care, or complex bowel care.

High Intensity Daily Activities — national rates (MMM 1–5)

Source: NDIS PAPL 2025–26 v1.1.

When can a provider charge high intensity rates? Only when the support worker holds the relevant verified training and competency for the specific complex support being delivered. Providers cannot charge high-intensity rates simply because a participant has high support needs in general — the higher rate must correspond to a specific complex support activity for which the worker is trained. If you are being billed at high intensity rates and are unsure why, ask your provider to confirm which support item is being claimed and what competency their worker holds for it.

SIL (Supported Independent Living) rates

SIL providers use the same hourly rate structure as standard daily assistance. The weekday, Saturday, Sunday, public holiday and sleepover caps are identical to those in the standard table above. SIL providers claim against the relevant daily living line items for each shift — there is no separate SIL pricing tier for support worker hours.

What support workers actually earn — the SCHADS Award explained

If you're a support worker trying to work out what you should be paid, the NDIS price limits are not your starting point. Your wages are set by the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award (SCHADS Award), administered by the Fair Work Commission.

The SCHADS Award sets minimum pay rates by classification level and experience point. Most NDIS support workers in disability fall under the Social and Community Services (SACS) stream:

SCHADS Award minimum rates — Social and Community Services stream (2025–26)

Casual employees receive an additional 25% casual loading on top of these base rates. Rates effective October 2025. Source: Fair Work Ombudsman pay calculator — use this for your exact rate.

Penalty rates apply on weekends and public holidays, mirroring the NDIS price limit structure:

• Saturday: 150% of ordinary rate
• Sunday: 200% of ordinary rate
• Public holiday: 250% of ordinary rate

So a Level 2 support worker on approximately $35/hr base earns around $70/hr on Sundays and $87.50/hr on public holidays — before casual loading.

Why is the NDIS price limit higher than the worker's wage?

The gap between the NDIS price limit ($70.23/hr weekday) and the worker's base wage (~$35/hr) is not profit. It covers:

• Superannuation — 12% of wages in 2025–26 (the final legislated increase)
• Workers compensation insurance
• Annual leave, personal leave and long service leave entitlements
• Training and compliance costs — particularly mandatory NDIS worker screening and orientation
• Administration and rostering — coordinators, invoicing systems, compliance reporting
• Provider operating costs and margin

A provider charging $70.23/hr and paying their worker $35/hr base is not pocketing the difference. The DSW Cost Model — the NDIA's own published framework for setting price limits — accounts for all of these on-costs. When you add them up, the margin left to the provider is modest.

If you believe you are being underpaid: Check your classification level against the SCHADS Award and use the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay calculator to confirm your minimum entitlement. If your employer is not meeting the Award minimum, you can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for advice.

How your plan management type affects rates

The NDIS price limits apply differently depending on how a participant's plan is managed. This affects both which providers you can use and how much they can charge.

Agency-managed (NDIA-managed)

When a participant is agency-managed, the NDIA pays providers directly from the participant's plan:

• You must use NDIS registered providers only
• Providers cannot charge more than the NDIS price limit
• Billing and payments are handled entirely by the NDIA
• Least administrative burden for the participant, but fewest provider options

Plan-managed

When a participant is plan-managed, a registered plan manager handles payments on their behalf:

• You can use both registered and unregistered providers
• Providers still cannot charge more than the NDIS price limit
• The plan manager processes invoices, so you don't pay providers directly
• More provider choice than agency-managed, with less admin than self-managed

Self-managed

When a participant self-manages their NDIS plan:

• You can use any provider — registered or unregistered — including independent sole-trader support workers
• You are not bound by NDIS price limits and can negotiate rates above or below the guide
• You pay providers directly and claim reimbursement from the NDIA
• Maximum flexibility and provider choice, but requires active financial management

Summary

Remote and very remote rates

Providers delivering support in remote and very remote areas can charge a loading on top of national rates. This reflects the genuinely higher costs of delivering services in these communities — longer travel distances, reduced workforce availability, and higher operational expenses.

The NDIS uses the Modified Monash Model (MMM) to classify locations:

• MMM 1–5 (metropolitan and most regional areas): national base rates apply
• MMM 6 (remote): 40% loading on top of national rates
• MMM 7 (very remote): 50% loading on top of national rates

Example: A weekday daytime standard support in a remote area (MMM 6): $70.23 × 1.40 = $98.32/hr

The loading applies based on the address where the support is delivered, not where the participant or provider is based. To check whether your location is classified as remote or very remote, use the Department of Health's MMM Locator tool.

Public holiday rates — and which days count

The standard national public holiday rate for 2025–26 is $156.03/hr (standard support) or $168.81/hr (high intensity). These are the highest NDIS hourly rates, reflecting the 250% public holiday penalty that the SCHADS Award requires providers to pay their workers.

When does the public holiday rate apply? The rate applies from midnight at the start of the public holiday to midnight at the end of that day. Support delivered on the evening before a public holiday — even late into the night — is charged at the weekday evening rate, not the public holiday rate.

Public holiday dates vary by state. The NDIS public holiday rate is triggered by the gazetted public holiday in the state where the support is delivered — not the participant's home state. This matters for participants who receive support that crosses state lines, or for providers who operate nationally.

2026 public holidays — national and selected states

Always verify the gazetted public holidays for the state where support is delivered via your state or territory government website. Dates are subject to government proclamation.

Questions to ask your provider about rates

Before signing a service agreement, participants and families should ask their provider these questions directly. A reputable provider will answer all of them clearly and in writing.

• What rate do you charge for weekday daytime support? Is it the full NDIS price limit, or less?
• How do you handle shifts that cross a time boundary — for example, a shift that starts in the daytime but runs past 8:00pm?
• Do you charge for travel time to reach me? If so, how is that calculated, and from where?
• What is your cancellation policy? Do you charge for short-notice cancellations, and at what rate?
• Will you charge standard or high-intensity rates for my support? If high-intensity, can you confirm which support items require that rate and what training your workers hold?
• Are your rates the same regardless of whether I am agency-managed, plan-managed or self-managed?
• Do you charge the same rates for all your support workers, or do rates vary by worker?

Providers are not required to charge the full NDIS price limit. Some charge less, particularly for participants with straightforward support needs or for long-term clients. It is always worth asking whether there is flexibility before you sign.

How rates are calculated — the DSW Cost Model

The NDIA does not set NDIS price limits arbitrarily. They are calculated using the Disability Support Worker (DSW) Cost Model, a published framework that adds up the real cost of employing a support worker compliantly.

The model builds from the SCHADS Award base wage up:

• Base wage — the applicable SCHADS Award rate for the classification level and time of day/day of week
• Superannuation — 12% of wages in 2025–26 (the final legislated increase)
• Workers compensation insurance — varies by state, built into the model as an average loading
• Annual and personal leave entitlements — the SCHADS Award specifies these; they are costed across all hours worked
• Overtime, penalty rates and allowances — for sleepover shifts and other special conditions
• Indirect costs — administration, rostering, compliance, training and a reasonable margin

When all these components are added together, the result is the NDIS price limit. This means that when a provider charges $70.23/hr, they are essentially passing on the full model cost of employing a compliant worker — not a self-determined markup.

Why did rates increase by 3.95% in 2025–26?

Two main drivers:

1. The Fair Work Commission's Annual Wage Review increased SCHADS Award minimum rates, flowing directly into the DSW Cost Model.
2. The superannuation guarantee rose to 12% from 1 July 2025, increasing the on-cost component of every shift.

Both of these are statutory changes that providers have no control over — the price increase simply reflects what it now costs to employ workers legally.

What changed in the 2025–26 update

From 1 July 2025 (v1.0):

• All support worker rates linked to the DSW Cost Model increased by 3.95% — the largest annual increase in recent years
• Superannuation built into the model increased to 12%
• Therapy support claiming rules changed: therapy supports can no longer be claimed from Core Supports budgets and must be claimed from Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living

From 24 November 2025 (v1.1):

• Removal of COVID-19 content under the "Addenda to the PAPL" and heading "COVID-19 Response".
• Removal of Low Cost AT - Support Capacity Building.
• Price limit reduction for Art and Music therapies from $193.99 to $156.16 per hour.
• The Modified Monash Model has been updated to 2023 from 2019, including adjustments to isolated towns definitions for Greater Geraldton, Irwin, and Mingenew.
• Amendment of the text for intensive and complex behaviour support to clarify that plan managed participants use providers, rather than plan managers.
• Adjustment of line item descriptions to align with the NDIS support list exclusions for Community, Social, and Recreational Activities; Innovative Community Participation; and Community Participation Activities.
• Revised guidance on travel claiming to reflect changes to pricing for therapists effective 1 July 2025.
• Reference to Supports that are NDIS supports lists.

All rates on this page reflect the v1.1 figures effective from 24 November 2025.

Frequently asked questions

What is the NDIS support worker rate for 2025–26? The standard weekday daytime rate is $70.23 per hour (national/MMM 1–5). Saturday is $98.83/hr, Sunday is $127.43/hr, and public holidays are $156.03/hr. These rates have been in effect since 1 July 2025, with the current v1.1 update effective from 24 November 2025.

How much does an NDIS support worker actually earn per hour? Support workers are paid under the SCHADS Award, not the NDIS price limit. Most sit at Level 2, earning approximately $34.58–$37.73/hr base rate (casual workers earn 25% more). The gap between the NDIS price limit and worker pay covers superannuation, insurance, leave entitlements, admin and provider operating costs.

Can a provider charge more than the NDIS price limit? No — for agency-managed and plan-managed participants, providers cannot charge above the NDIS price limit. Self-managed participants are not bound by price limits and may negotiate rates above or below the guide with their providers.

Do NDIS rates change every year? Yes. The NDIA reviews rates annually, with updated rates typically effective from 1 July each year. Mid-year updates can also occur — as happened in November 2025 when v1.1 was published with minor adjustments.

What is the NDIS sleepover rate? The night-time sleepover rate is $297.60 per shift (national rate). This applies to overnight shifts of at least 8 consecutive hours where the worker can sleep when not actively supporting. Up to 2 hours of active support are included. Any active support hours beyond 2 within the shift are charged at the Saturday rate on weekdays, or at the applicable day rate on weekends and public holidays.

Why are Sunday and public holiday rates so much higher than weekday rates? Because the SCHADS Award requires employers to pay workers 200% of their base rate on Sundays and 250% on public holidays. The NDIS price limits must be set high enough to cover these wage obligations — a provider cannot legally pay penalty rates while billing at weekday rates.

What is a remote or very remote loading? Providers delivering support in MMM 6 (remote) areas can charge 40% more than national rates. In MMM 7 (very remote), the loading is 50%. The loading is based on the address where the support is delivered, not the participant's residential address. Use the Department of Health MMM Locator to check your location.

What is the difference between standard and high-intensity support worker rates? High-intensity rates (weekday daytime: $75.98/hr vs $70.23/hr standard) apply only when a participant requires support with specific complex needs — such as behaviours of concern, ventilator management, PEG feeding or tracheostomy care. The worker must hold verified competency for the specific support. Providers cannot charge high-intensity rates for generally complex participants without this nexus.

Can a support worker charge for travel time? Providers can charge for the worker's travel time to deliver support at the relevant hourly support rate. They can also pass on direct non-labour costs such as road tolls and parking. There are specific rules around how travel is calculated and claimed — check the NDIS travel and transport rules on the NDIS website for full detail.

What is a TTP rate? Temporary Transformation Payment (TTP) rates are marginally higher rates available to providers holding TTP registration — a transitional measure for providers moving from legacy service models. TTP rates apply only when both the provider is TTP-registered and the participant's plan allows for them.

Are NDIS rates the same in every state and territory? The hourly rates are national — the same in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, ACT and NT for MMM 1–5 locations. Variation arises from (1) remote and very remote loadings based on the MMM zone of the service delivery address, and (2) public holiday dates, which are gazetted separately by each state and territory.

How do I find a support worker who charges fair rates? Search SupportSearch to compare verified NDIS providers and support workers in your local area. All providers are sourced from the NDIS Commission register and mapped to your suburb. If you have questions about a provider's pricing before you sign a service agreement, our Community Q&A is a good place to ask.

When rates are next updated

The NDIA typically releases updated pricing in June each year, with new rates effective from 1 July. The 2026–27 pricing arrangements have not yet been announced as of June 2026.

SupportSearch updates this page within 48 hours of every official NDIA pricing release — both the July update and any mid-year revisions. To be notified when 2026–27 rates are published, join the SupportSearch Community Q&A where we post pricing updates as soon as they are confirmed.

Quick reference — 2025–26 NDIS support worker rates summary

Standard support (Assistance with Daily Life & Community Participation)

High intensity support

All rates from NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2025–26 v1.1, effective 24 November 2025. Rates are maximum price limits — providers may charge less. Self-managed participants are not bound by price limits.

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SupportSearch provider data is sourced from the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and updated regularly. This page is maintained as an independent information resource and is not affiliated with the NDIA. Always verify current rates at ndis.gov.au before making financial decisions. SupportSearch resources may be shared freely provided they are credited to SupportSearch.com.au with a link back to this page.