NDIS Price Guide & Support Budgeting: Everything You Need to Know About Costs & Funding
The NDIS Price Guide Demystified
Picture this: You’ve just received your NDIS plan, and it’s packed with terms like “core supports,” “price limits,” and “reasonable and necessary.” It feels like decoding hieroglyphics, right? You’re not alone. Thousands of Australians grapple with the NDIS price guide every year—but here’s the good news: It doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the NDIS price guide 2023-2024 like a trusted friend, breaking down costs, funding categories, and budgeting hacks. Whether you’re a participant, a carer, or a support worker, you’ll leave with actionable tips and clarity. Let’s dive in!
What’s Really in the NDIS Price Guide?
The NDIS price guide is your financial blueprint. It outlines maximum rates providers can charge, rules for travel, and what’s covered under your plan. Think of it as a rulebook designed to protect you from overpaying while ensuring fair wages for support workers.
Breaking Down the Key Sections
a) Hourly Rates: What Can Providers Charge?
From support workers to therapists, the NDIS sets strict hourly caps. For example:
- Support Workers: $65.09/hour (weekdays), $91.22 (weekends).
- Cleaning/Gardening: $55.20–$58.75/hour.
- Therapy Assistants: Up to $193.99/hour for specialised care.
Why this matters: Providers cannot charge above these rates unless you agree to a “non-standard” service (e.g., after-hours crisis support).
b) Travel Costs: When Are They Covered?
- Providers can claim $0.97/km for travel to your location.
- Time-based travel charges: Capped at 30 minutes unless pre-approved.
Pro Tip: Always ask for a travel quote upfront to avoid surprises.
c) Specialist Supports: High-Cost Items
This includes:
- Assistive Technology: Wheelchairs, communication devices.
- Home Modifications: Ramps, bathroom rails.
- Therapy: Speech, occupational, or physiotherapy.
Insert image of NDIS funding categories infographic here
NDIS Funding Categories Explained
Your NDIS budget is split into three “buckets.” Let’s unpack them:
1. Core Supports: Your Everyday Essentials
- What’s covered: Daily personal care, transport, consumables (e.g., incontinence products).
- What’s not: Rent, groceries, utility bills.
Real-Life Example: Sarah, a Perth-based participant, uses Core Supports for her support worker’s visits and taxi fares to medical appointments.
2. Capacity Building: Investing in Your Future
- What’s covered: Therapy, skill-building programs, employment coaching.
- What’s not: Gym memberships, hobbies unrelated to your goals.
Case Study: James used Capacity Building funds to learn cooking skills, reducing his reliance on meal delivery.
3. Capital Supports: Big-Ticket Items
- What’s covered: Home modifications, vehicle adaptations, assistive tech.
- What’s not: Luxury items (e.g., hot tubs, non-essential tech).
2023–2024 NDIS Price Guide Updates
While the 2025 NDIS price guide isn’t final yet, 2024 brought critical changes:
Key Updates
- 2-Hour Minimum Shifts: Providers must bill in 2-hour blocks for certain services (e.g., personal care), preventing “nickel-and-diming” for 15-minute tasks.
- Travel Time Caps: Providers can’t claim more than 30 minutes of travel without written approval.
- Higher Rates for Complex Care: Support workers assisting participants with high medical needs (e.g., PEG feeding) now earn up to $85.50/hour.
Insert table comparing 2023 vs. 2024 rates:
| Service | 2023 Rate | 2024 Rate | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Support Worker (Weekday) | $62.50 | $65.09 | +4.1% |
| Cleaning | $53.00 | $55.20 | +4.2% |
| Therapy Assistant | $185.00 | $193.99 | +4.8% |
FAQs Answered
- “Can the NDIS pay for my iPad?”
Yes—if it’s deemed essential for communication or therapy. Submit a quote from your OT for approval. - “What’s the sleepover rate?”
$40.98/night for workers who stay overnight but aren’t actively assisting you. - “Will NDIS fund a car?”
Only if it’s modified for disability use (e.g., wheelchair ramps). - “How do I find registered providers?”
Use the NDIS Provider Finder or our Perth disability services guide. - “Can I hire unregistered providers?”
Yes, but only if you’re self-managed. Plan-managed participants must use registered providers. - “What’s the average NDIS package?”
Roughly $50,000/year, but severe needs can push this to $200,000+. - “Does NDIS cover flights or hotels?”
Only for disability-related travel (e.g., specialist appointments). - “Can I buy a washing machine with NDIS funds?”
Yes—if linked to disability needs (e.g., sensory issues requiring hypoallergenic cycles). - “What’s the hourly rate for cleaners?”
$55.20/hour (2024 rate). - “How do I appeal a funding decision?”
Submit an internal review request within 3 months. Need help? Contact us.
Avoiding Common NDIS Budget Mistakes
Pitfall 1: “Use It or Lose It” Mentality
Example: Mia didn’t use her Core Supports budget, assuming it would roll over. Spoiler: It didn’t.
Fix: Schedule regular support hours—even if you don’t “need” them yet.
Pitfall 2: Overpaying Providers
Red Flag: A cleaner charging $70/hour (above the NDIS cap of $55.20).
Fix: Compare invoices to the NDIS price guide and question discrepancies.
Pitfall 3: Ignoring Plan Reviews
Fact: 60% of participants miss out on increased funding because they don’t request reviews.
Fix: Mark your calendar for plan renewal dates. Unsure? We’ll remind you.
Your NDIS Budget Toolkit
Cheat Sheet: What’s Covered vs. What’s Not
| Category | Covered | Not Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Core Supports | Transport, daily activities | Rent, groceries |
| Capacity Building | Therapy, job training | Gym memberships |
| Capital Supports | Wheelchairs, home modifications | Luxury holidays, designer clothing |
Step-by-Step Budgeting Guide
- Audit Your Plan: List all funded supports.
- Allocate Funds: Prioritise essentials first.
- Track Spending: Use apps like My NDIS Planner.
- Review Quarterly: Adjust as needs change.
Insert image of a budgeting flowchart here
Why Choose Hale Foundation?
We’re not just another NDIS provider—we’re your partners in empowerment.
Our Services
- Plan Management: We handle invoices, claims, and paperwork.
- Support Coordination: Find the right providers for you.
- Accommodation Support: Explore NDIS housing options in Perth.
Success Story: Meet Alex
Alex, a participant with autism, struggled to manage his plan. After partnering with Hale, he:
- Saved 10 hours/month on admin.
- Accessed a tailored therapy plan.
- Upgraded his assistive tech within budget.
Conclusion: Take Charge of Your NDIS Journey
The NDIS price guide isn’t a constraint—it’s your toolkit for independence. With the right knowledge, you can turn confusing jargon into actionable steps.
Ready to simplify your NDIS experience? Contact Hale Foundation today. Let’s make your funding work as hard as you do!