NDIS Pricing Schedule vs Pricing Arrangements (PAPL): what's the difference in 2026?
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What's the difference?
The NDIS publishes two key pricing documents each year:
- Pricing Schedule: The price list. It shows the maximum price for every support item (e.g., $73.58/hr for weekday daytime support workers).
- Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (PAPL): The rule book. It explains how and when supports can be claimed, including travel, cancellations, non-face-to-face, reports, and irregular SIL.
NDIS Pricing Schedule 2026-27
The 2026-27 Pricing Schedule took effect on 24 September 2026. It lists 976 current support items across 15 support categories. Each item has:
- A unique support item code (e.g., 01_011_0107_1_1)
- National, remote, and very remote price limits
- Unit (per hour, per day, per kilometre, etc.)
- Flags showing whether travel, cancellation, and non-face-to-face are claimable
You can download the full Support Catalogue (XLSX) from the NDIS pricing page.
Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (PAPL)
The PAPL is a PDF document (usually 200+ pages) that explains the detailed rules for claiming each support type. It covers:
- Travel: When providers can claim travel time and distance, and the caps
- Cancellations: Short-notice cancellation rules and fee limits
- Non-face-to-face: When phone or video delivery is claimable (e.g., telehealth therapy)
- Report writing: Limits on how much time can be claimed for reports and assessments
- Irregular SIL: Rules for claiming Supported Independent Living in shared arrangements
Where's the 2026-27 PAPL?
As of October 2026, the NDIA has said the 2026-27 PAPL claiming guidance will be published shortly. Until then, the 2025-26 PAPL still applies for travel and cancellation rules.
Check the NDIS pricing arrangements page for updates.
Why it matters for participants
You need both documents to understand what you're paying for:
- The Pricing Schedule tells you the maximum hourly rate.
- The PAPL tells you whether travel, cancellations, or report time can be added to the invoice.
Your plan manager (if you have one) checks that providers follow both the Pricing Schedule and the PAPL.
Find price limits and rules
- Browse the NDIS Price Guide (item codes and rates)
- NDIS travel charges explained
- NDIS cancellation policy
Sources and effective dates
- NDIS Pricing Arrangements 2026-27 (Pricing Schedule effective 24 Sep 2026)
- NDIS Support Catalogue 2026-27
- Last checked: 16 October 2026
General information only: This guide provides general information about NDIS supports and is not personal advice. Check your plan or speak with your plan manager if unsure.