Participant Enquiries
NDIS Pricing Changes 2025–26: What Participants and Providers Need to Know
Empowrd • October 17, 2025
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will introduce several pricing updates on 24 November 2025. These changes affect therapy rates, travel claims, assistive technology (AT), and how providers can claim for services.
While your current NDIS plan and funding will remain unchanged, you may notice that providers adjust their pricing, billing line items, or service delivery practices in response to the new NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2025–26.
Why the NDIA Updates Prices Each Year
Annual reviews are part of the NDIA’s commitment to making sure the scheme remains:
- Financially sustainable
- Clinically sound and evidence-based
- Fair for both participants and providers
In 2025–26, the focus is on removing outdated COVID-era rules, refining therapy billing, and updating regional classifications for travel cost reimbursement.
Key NDIS Pricing Changes from 24 November 2025
| Change | Description |
|---|---|
| Art & Music Therapy Price Cap | Reduced from $193.99/hr to $156.16/hr |
| Therapy Line Item Enforcement | “Other Professional” is no longer permitted; providers must bill under their registered profession |
| COVID Addendum Removed | All temporary pandemic pricing rules are discontinued |
| MMM 2023 Adopted | Travel loadings now based on the updated Modified Monash Model (MMM 2023) |
| Community Participation Clarified | Recreational activities cannot be claimed as therapy unless clinical goals are involved |
| Low-Cost AT Line Item Removed | Items must now be claimed under Core → Consumables |
| SDA Pricing Adjusted | Linked to the Disability Support Pension (DSP) indexation |
Allied Health Therapy: New Claiming Rules
Therapists now must bill under their registered professional category, for example, “Occupational Therapist,” “Speech Pathologist,” or “Psychologist.” The use of broad “Other Professional” categories is no longer compliant.
This improves transparency and ensures participants receive clinically appropriate services.
Art & Music Therapy Rates Reduced
The hourly rate for Art and Music Therapy has been adjusted downward to match other clinical supports. Providers may restructure sessions or move toward small group models to maintain viability.
Low-Cost Assistive Technology (AT)
You can still access and claim low-cost AT (e.g., sensory items, kitchen aids, mobility supports), but it must now be invoiced under Core Supports → Consumables.
This change does not require a plan review, but participants and providers should review receipts carefully to ensure accuracy.
Community Participation Clarified
The NDIA has reinforced that recreational or community-based activities can only be claimed as therapy if they meet all of the following criteria:
- Delivered by a registered allied health professional
- Aligned with clearly documented therapeutic goals in the participant’s NDIS plan
This clarification is now reflected in updated descriptions within the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (PAPL), which list supports that cannot be claimed unless those conditions are met.
Not claimable:
- General gym memberships
- Standard art or craft classes
- Social or hobby-based group activities
Claimable:
- Structured art therapy provided by an accredited therapist
- Clinical exercise programs run by physiotherapists or occupational therapists
- Group programs with documented outcomes and clinical intent
These changes are designed to prevent misclassification of recreational activities and ensure supports are clinically aligned and outcome-focused.
NDIS Travel Pricing: The MMM 2023 Update
What Is the Modified Monash Model (MMM)?
The MMM 2023 is a classification system that defines whether a location is metropolitan, regional, rural, or remote. It determines which areas are eligible for higher travel reimbursements under NDIS rules.
From 24 November 2025, this system will replace the older regional classifications previously used by the NDIS.
MMM 2023 and Regional South Australia
From 24 November 2025, the NDIS will apply the Modified Monash Model (MMM) 2023 to determine eligibility for regional and remote travel loadings. This model updates how providers can claim travel-related costs based on the participant’s location.
If you live in Port Lincoln, Ceduna, Whyalla, Tumby Bay, or Port Augusta, your provider may be eligible to claim a higher travel allowance, depending on the MMM classification of your postcode.
Example MMM Classifications for Empowrd's Service Region
| Location | Postcode | Likely MMM Classification | Travel Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port Lincoln | 5606 | MMM 3 | Eligible for standard regional travel loading |
| Ceduna | 5690 | MMM 5 | Remote – highest travel loading applies |
| Whyalla | 5600 | MMM 2–3 | Fringe classification – may qualify for partial loading |
| Tumby Bay | 5605 | MMM 4 | Regional loading likely applies |
| Port Augusta | 5700 | MMM 3 | Eligible for regional loading |
Note: These classifications affect how your provider claims for travel. Your NDIS plan funds or budget categories will not change.
You can check the MMM classification of your postcode using the Health Workforce Locator.
What This Means for Participants
- Your current plan is not changing
- Therapy rates may be adjusted by providers
- MMM travel changes may affect support delivery in regional areas
- Assistive tech is still funded, but claimed differently
- Service agreements may need updating for accuracy
What This Means for Providers
- Review and update all service agreements and invoices
- Claim therapy under registered disciplines only
- Recheck all MMM-based travel claims using the updated tool
- Ensure community participation activities are not misclassified as therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this affect my current NDIS plan funding?
No. Your plan remains unchanged, but how services are invoiced may shift.
Do I need a plan review?
Not for these pricing changes. Your budgets remain valid.
Will I lose therapy hours because of the new rates?
Not necessarily. Some providers may adjust how they structure sessions to maintain outcomes.
Does this affect support worker travel?
Yes — especially for participants in remote or regional postcodes. Travel loading may increase depending on the new MMM zone.
Need Help Understanding the Changes?
The team at Empowrd is here to support you through these updates.
Our Services:
- Support Coordination
in Port Lincoln, across the Eyre Peninsula, Ceduna and surrounds
- Plan Management is available nationwide
Call us to speak with your plan manager or support coordinator or email us through our contact form here.
NDIS Plan Management and Support Coordination
At Empowrd, we are here to make your life easier. Based in Port Lincoln on the Eyre Peninsula, we offer a personal, accessible and holistic approach to NDIS Plan Management and Support Coordination.
We provide Plan Management services across Australia, assisting with financial administration, and offer Support Coordination to participants in Port Lincoln and Eyre Peninsula, connecting them with the right supports and providers. Our goal is to ensure your NDIS plan works for you, so you can focus on achieving your goals and doing what you love.
Want to Become a Support Worker?
Our Independent Support Workers Education Portal provides everything you need to navigate the NDIS, find work, and confidently offer services as an Independent Support Worker. For just $65, you will gain access to comprehensive guides, essential resources, and ready-to-use templates to streamline your work.
Inside, you will find:
- A clear breakdown of how the NDIS works
- Tips for finding jobs and delivering services
- Step-by-step guidance on invoicing and support planning
- Ready-to-edit templates for quotes, service agreements, invoices, and case notes
Need just the templates? You can also purchase them separately as standalone resources.
I hope you enjoy reading this blog post.
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