At this week’s Beyond Shelter, Safe Houses, and Future Forum in Melbourne, I presented on the latest NDIS pricing and claiming changes for the 2025–26 financial year. These updates have significant implications for how providers must operate to remain sustainable and compliant under the NDIS.
Key pricing changes
Effective 1 July 2025, the NDIA has implemented several pricing adjustments:
– Disability Support Worker rates increased by 3.95% to $70.23/hr.
– Nursing rose to $98.04/hr (+3.2%).
– Psychology increased to $223.99/hr (+4.2%), while Physiotherapy and Dietetics/Podiatry saw reductions to $183.99/hr and $188.99/hr, respectively.
– The Temporary Transformation Payment (TTP) has been phased out (as was always to be expected – the clue is in the name!)
– The early childhood approach age limit has been extended from 7 to 9 years—a welcome change (we need to remain upbeat where we can!).
Therapy claiming rule changes
From 1 July 2025, all therapy supports must be claimed exclusively under the Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living category. This affects:
– Occupational therapy
– Physiotherapy
– Speech pathology
– Psychology
– Dietetics
– Podiatry
Providers should audit participant plans to ensure sufficient Capacity Building funds and update service agreements accordingly. Failure to comply may result in rejected claims and service disruptions.
Travel pricing and claiming rules – what’s changed?
As of 1 July 2025, travel time can only be claimed at 50% of the provider’s hourly rate, with time caps based on location:
Metro (MMM1–3): 30 minutes each way Regional (MMM4–5): 60 minutes each way Remote (MMM6–7): Uncapped, 50% + loading
For example, a physiotherapist with a rate of $183.99/hr can claim up to $92/hr for travel, capped at 30 minutes each way in metro areas. And because this was an issue in our discussion at the Forum, I want to be clear, the NDIA’s website states that: Therapy providers can keep claiming for travel time in both directions, up to the usual limits:
- 30 minutes each way in metro areas (MMM1–3)
- 60 minutes each way in regional areas (MMM4–5)
Non-labour travel costs, such as tolls, parking and fuel, remain claimable with participant consent.
Providers need to:
– Update billing systems to reflect new travel rules
– Clearly separate therapy and travel time on invoices
– Include participant consent for travel costs in service agreements
Being compliant and financially viable, or ‘No money, no mission’!
To remain compliant and financially viable, providers should:
– Audit participant plans for Capacity Building allocations
– Update service agreements and billing systems
– Revise planning and budgeting to reflect reduced travel reimbursements
– Maintain accurate documentation and communicate proactively with participants
The importance of quick adaptability
The 2025–26 NDIS pricing and claiming updates reflect a strategic shift toward sustainability and clarity. Providers must adapt quickly to maintain service quality and financial health.
If your organisation needs support navigating these changes, whether it’s pricing strategy, compliance, governance or financial analysis and planning, MGA is here to help.