How Much Do NDIS Support Workers Cost Per Hour in 2026-27?
Calculate your support worker shift costs by time of day, intensity, and region
Cost Estimate
Weekday Daytime (Mon-Fri, 6am-8pm)
NDIS Item: 01_011_0107_1_1
Rate: $73.58 per hour
Per Shift
$294.32
Per Week
$588.64
Per Year
$30,609.28
NDIS support workers help participants with daily personal activities, from showering and dressing to meal preparation and community access. The NDIS sets maximum hourly rates that registered providers can charge, and these rates vary based on when the support is provided, the intensity of care required, and your location.
How NDIS Support Worker Rates Work
Support worker rates are structured around several key factors:
Time of Day
Weekday daytime (Monday-Friday, 6am-8pm) attracts the base rate. Weekday evening (8pm-midnight) and night (midnight-6am) rates are higher. Saturday rates are approximately 40% more than weekday daytime, while Sunday and public holiday rates are about 50% higher. Sleepover support (8pm-8am) is charged per overnight stay, not per hour.
Standard vs High Intensity
Standard support covers most daily personal activities. High intensity support applies when participants require more complex assistance due to behavioural needs, medical complexity, or situations requiring two support workers. High intensity rates are approximately 8-10% higher than standard rates.
Regional Loading
National (metro) rates apply to most Australian cities and towns. Remote area rates are approximately 10% higher, while very remote rates are around 50% higher, reflecting the additional costs of delivering services in less accessible locations.
What These Rates Include
The hourly rates cover the support worker's time providing direct assistance. Providers can also claim for provider travel (when travelling to and from your home), short-notice cancellations (less than 2 clear business days' notice), and non-face-to-face support (phone check-ins, report writing) when specified in your service agreement.
Using This Calculator for Your NDIS Plan
Enter your typical shift pattern to estimate your weekly and annual support costs. This helps when:
- Planning your initial NDIS plan budget request
- Preparing for a plan review or reassessment
- Comparing quotes from different providers (they should not exceed these rates)
- Understanding how changing shift times affects your funding needs
- Forecasting how long your Core Supports budget will last
Remember, these are maximum rates for plan-managed and NDIA-managed participants. Self-managed participants can negotiate rates with unregistered providers, but most choose to stay within these limits for accountability and simplicity.
Next Steps
Once you've estimated your support worker costs, speak with your support coordinator or plan manager about building this into your plan. They can help you understand how your Core Supports budget can be allocated across different support types and whether your estimated hours align with your assessed needs.
Looking for support workers in your area? Use our provider directory to find registered NDIS support workers, read reviews, and request matched introductions based on your specific needs and location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between standard and high intensity support?
Standard support covers most daily personal activities like showering, dressing, meal preparation, and community access. High intensity applies when you have complex behavioural needs, require two support workers, have significant medical complexity, or need specialised manual handling. Your plan will specify if high intensity support is funded. The high intensity rate is approximately 8-10% higher than standard.
Can providers charge more than these rates?
No, if you are plan-managed or NDIA-managed, registered providers cannot exceed these NDIS price limits. Self-managed participants can negotiate rates with unregistered providers, but the NDIA may question claims that significantly exceed the price guide. Most providers charge at or near the maximum rates.
Do I pay extra for travel time?
Providers can claim for provider travel separately when they travel to your home to provide support. This is usually charged at a reduced rate compared to face-to-face support. Check your service agreement for details on how travel time is charged.
What if I cancel a shift at short notice?
If you cancel with less than 2 clear business days' notice (not counting weekends or public holidays), the provider may charge a short-notice cancellation fee, typically at the same rate as the scheduled support. Your service agreement should explain the cancellation policy.
How much support can I have per week?
There's no fixed limit—it depends on your assessed needs and your plan budget. Some participants have a few hours per week for specific tasks; others have 24/7 support. Your plan budget determines the total you can spend, and you work with your support coordinator to allocate that across different support types.
Do public holidays cost more?
Yes, public holidays use the Sunday rate, which is about 50% higher than weekday daytime rates. If you need regular support and a public holiday falls on your usual shift day, plan for that higher cost in your budget.
Can I mix standard and high intensity hours in my plan?
Yes, if your plan specifies both. For example, you might have standard support for most activities but high intensity for certain times or situations. Your plan will show how many hours of each type are funded, and providers claim against the correct item number.
What about overnight active support (not sleepover)?
Active overnight support—where the worker stays awake and provides assistance throughout the night—is charged at the weekday night hourly rate, not the sleepover rate. Sleepover applies only when the worker is permitted to sleep and is on-call for intermittent assistance.
How often do these rates change?
The NDIS reviews pricing annually. The current rates are effective from 24 September 2026 and apply throughout the 2026-27 financial year. New rates are usually announced mid-year and take effect from July 1st, though the September 2026 update was a mid-year adjustment.
Where can I find support workers who charge these rates?
Browse our NDIS support worker directory to find registered providers in your area. You can filter by location, read reviews, and request matched introductions. All registered providers must comply with NDIS price limits if you are plan-managed or NDIA-managed.
Important: This is general information only, not financial or care advice. NDIS price limits change annually. Always check the official NDIS pricing schedule for the most current rates and consult your plan manager or support coordinator about your specific situation.
Official Sources
NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2026-27
Effective: 24 September 2026 | Last checked: 16 October 2026
NDIS Support Catalogue 2026-27
Effective: 24 September 2026 | Last checked: 16 October 2026
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