New NDIS PAPL Updates Effective November 2025: What This Means for You

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has released the latest NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (PAPL) 2025–26 Version 1.1, which takes effect on 24 November 2025. These changes are part of the NDIA’s regular review cycle designed to keep pricing fair, transparent, and aligned with participant and provider feedback.

The NDIA noted that many providers and participants asked for earlier notice before new pricing rules take effect. This update delivers on that request, giving the sector more time to plan, review service agreements, and adjust internal systems.

Understanding these changes is critical for NDIS providers. The new rules affect how services are priced, claimed, and reported. Staying compliant will help avoid claim rejections and ensure participants continue to receive the right supports under the latest guidelines.

Overview of the November 2025 PAPL Update

The NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2025–26 v1.1 replaces earlier versions and updates multiple sections of the framework. It reflects recent policy reviews, cost adjustments, and sector reforms that shape how supports are delivered under the NDIS.

The updates impact pricing for therapy supports, community participation, assistive technology, and accommodation. The NDIA has also refined guidance to help providers apply the correct line items and understand which supports are claimable within the new framework.

This version also aligns with the NDIS Supports List, ensuring consistency across related guidance documents like the Assistive Technology, Home Modifications and Consumables Code Guide, and the Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Pricing Calculator.

Key Pricing Changes Effective 24 November 2025

Revised Price Limits for Art and Music Therapies

The price limits for Art Therapists and Music Therapists have been revised following recommendations from the Independent Review of Art and Music Therapies. The hourly rate has been adjusted from $193.99 to $156.16, reflecting updated benchmarking and consistency with other allied health professionals.

Providers offering art or music therapy should update their service agreements and ensure their billing aligns with this new limit.

Updated Guidance for ‘Other Professional’ Support Items

The NDIA has clarified how providers can claim for ‘Other Professional’ supports, which include art, drama, and music therapy services. These updates align with the Independent Review’s recommendations to promote consistent interpretation and transparent pricing across similar professions.

This means providers must ensure that service claims under these categories follow the new guidelines to avoid compliance issues.

Removal of the COVID-19 Addendum

All temporary COVID-19-related pricing arrangements and support items have been removed. Providers should ensure their billing systems and service templates are updated to reflect this change. Any ongoing COVID-19 supports must now fit within standard support categories and price limits.

Modified Monash Model (MMM) Updates

The NDIA has implemented the latest Department of Health, Disability and Ageing updates to the Modified Monash Model (MMM) classifications. These updates replace the 2019 version with the 2023 data, adjusting how regional and remote areas are categorised.

Some areas have changed classifications, which may affect travel claims and rural loadings. The following locations are recognised as remote and no longer reclassified as remote:

• WA: Green Head, Leeman

• QLD: Blythdale, Euthulla, Orange Hill, Horrocks.

Full lists of locations that meet the Isolated Towns definition have been added for Greater Geraldton, Irwin, and Mingenew.

Providers are encouraged to verify the current MMM classification of their service locations using the latest maps and resources to ensure accuracy when submitting claims.

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Pricing Updates

The SDA calculator has been updated as part of the annual indexing process. These changes are linked to the Disability Support Pension indexation to ensure SDA pricing remains consistent with national income benchmarks.

Providers delivering SDA services should use the revised calculator to confirm rental contributions and payment structures in line with the updated indexation.

Alignment with the NDIS Supports List

The NDIA has updated the Assistive Technology, Home Modifications and Consumables Code Guide to maintain consistency with the NDIS Supports List.

This includes:

• Adding, modifying, and deleting support items for accuracy
   
• Revising descriptions of Community Social and Recreational Activities, Innovative Community Participation, and Community Participation Activities
   
• Aligning terminology to ensure clear understanding between participants, plan managers, and providers

Providers must familiarise themselves with these changes to ensure they are offering claimable supports and using the correct line items for invoicing.

What These Changes Mean for NDIS Providers

The November 2025 update impacts all registered and plan-managed providers. The NDIA expects full compliance from the effective date, meaning providers should charge no more than the revised price limits.

Key actions for providers include:

• Reviewing service agreements to ensure updated rates and item codes are used
   
• Training staff on the revised claiming rules and documentation requirements
   
• Checking the latest NDIS Support Catalogue for correct line item references
   
• Adjusting internal systems, software, and pricing templates before 24 November 2025

These updates also reinforce the NDIA’s focus on improving transparency and value for money while maintaining fair pricing for both participants and service providers.

Updated Claiming and Compliance Rules

Providers must continue to follow strict claiming rules under the PAPL framework. Claims can only be made for supports that have been delivered and within the approved price limits.

Key reminders include:

• Participant consent must always be obtained before claiming for non-face-to-face or travel time.
   
• Short-notice cancellation policies remain in effect, with claim limits clearly defined in the updated document.
   
• Group supports continue to have specific claiming instructions to ensure fair cost-sharing among participants.
   
• Plan-managed participants remain subject to price caps, while self-managed participants can negotiate their own rates as long as they meet value-for-money principles.

Providers are encouraged to keep accurate service delivery records and maintain transparency in invoicing and reporting to ensure smooth claim processing.

How Providers Can Stay Prepared

The best way to stay ahead is through proactive compliance and communication. Providers should:

• Review the full NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2025–26 (v1.1) document
   
• Keep informed through the official NDIS provider updates
   
• Update their internal policies, pricing systems, and participant agreements regularly
   
• Educate staff and clients about pricing changes to maintain transparency and trust

Providers can also access support through organisations like Labour Care, which helps businesses navigate NDIS compliance, documentation, and pricing reforms.

Conclusion: Preparing for a New Pricing Framework

The November 2025 NDIS Pricing Arrangements update marks another important step toward consistency, fairness, and alignment with policy reforms. While these changes may require adjustment, they ultimately create a more stable and transparent pricing system for both providers and participants.

All pricing updates are subject to change as the NDIA continues to review and refine the framework. Providers should always refer to the most recent version of the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits available at ndis.gov.au/providers/pricing-arrangements.

For guidance, compliance support, or business training to help you adapt to the latest NDIS pricing updates, Labour Care can provide expert assistance tailored to your organisation’s needs. Our NDIS consultants can help you stay compliant, confident, and prepared for every change. Book a free consultation today.

FAQs about NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits:

1. When do the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (PAPL) changes take effect?

All updates in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (PAPL) 2025–26 v1.1 take effect on 24 November 2025. Providers must apply the new price limits, line items, and guidance from that date to remain compliant.

2. Where can providers find the official pricing documents?

All current and past versions of the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits and related documents, including the SDA calculator, AT Code Guide, and Support Catalogue, are available on the NDIA’s official provider page: https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/pricing-arrangements

3. How often does the NDIA update the Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits?

The NDIA reviews and updates the PAPL regularly, usually twice a year, to reflect changes in policy, cost of living, and participant needs. Major updates typically occur each financial year with smaller adjustments during the year, like this November 2025 update.