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Understanding 2025–26 NDIS PAPL Changes: What Providers Need to Know

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) continues to evolve, with the 2025–26 Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (PAPL) introducing some of the most significant changes seen in years. For NDIS providers, understanding these updates isn’t optional it’s critical for compliance, sustainable service delivery, and business growth.

This guide breaks down the key elements of the 2025–26 NDIS PAPL, explains what they mean for your organisation, and offers actionable strategies to stay ahead.

Why the 2025–26 PAPL Changes Matter

The new PAPL changes come at a pivotal time, as the NDIA works to strengthen the sustainability of the NDIS, improve participant outcomes, and ensure better value for money.

The 2025–26 updates directly impact:

  • Pricing structures for supports and services

  • Provider compliance responsibilities

  • Claiming rules and timing

  • Conflict-of-interest policies

Failing to adapt could risk non-compliance penalties, delayed payments, or reputational harm.

Key Changes in the 2025–26 NDIS PAPL

1. Adjusted Pricing for Core and Capacity Building Supports

The NDIA has revised pricing structures for common services such as:

  • Assistance with daily living

  • Therapy supports

  • Support coordination

These price adjustments reflect market benchmarking, cost of delivery increases, and efforts to curb inflationary pressures on participant plans.

2. Changes to Travel Claiming Rules

New rules now cap travel claims for certain supports:

  • Maximum travel distances per session have been introduced.

  • Metropolitan, regional, and remote area limits differ.

Why it matters: Providers in regional and remote areas may need to adjust rostering to remain profitable, particularly for allied health services.

3. Revised Therapy Pricing Arrangements

Therapy pricing is undergoing structural reform, particularly:

  • Higher rates available for specialist practitioners

  • Encouragement of outcome-based pricing where feasible

  • Introduction of reporting standards to substantiate claims

This shift aligns with a broader NDIA focus on value-based care rather than just volume.

4. Conflict-of-Interest Management

The NDIA has introduced tighter requirements for managing conflicts of interest, especially for providers offering both coordination and delivery of services to the same participant.

Providers must:

  • Maintain clear, documented conflict-management plans

  • Disclose all conflicts upfront in service agreements

  • Demonstrate proactive steps to mitigate potential bias

5. Pricing Arrangements for Short-Term Accommodation (STA)

STA pricing has been clarified with:

  • New definitions of booking periods (hourly/daily blocks)

  • Rules distinguishing between respite care and funded supports

  • Clearer guidance on claiming shared accommodation costs

6. Enhanced Reporting Obligations

Providers are required to submit more detailed reporting on:

  • Service delivery locations

  • Service frequencies

  • Outcome achievement where relevant

Failure to comply could trigger plan reassessments or audit actions.

What Providers Need to Do Right Now

1. Review and Update Service Agreements

Service agreements with participants should reflect the updated pricing, especially where travel or therapy supports are involved. Transparency is key to maintaining trust.

2. Train Your Admin and Billing Teams

Administrative teams should receive specific training on:

  • New travel claiming caps

  • Conflict-of-interest documentation requirements

  • Changes to line item codes and reporting expectations

3. Optimise Rostering and Service Delivery

Particularly for regional providers, intelligent rostering systems can help mitigate the impact of capped travel claims by consolidating appointments geographically.

4. Leverage Technology to Reduce Admin Overhead

Platforms like Curki.ai can help providers:

  • Automate compliance documentation

  • Streamline rostering against geographic and funding constraints

  • Generate accurate, compliant invoices faster

5. Engage With Plan Managers and Support Coordinators

Establish strong relationships with plan managers and support coordinators to ensure participants understand how their plans may need to adapt to the new pricing environment.

Opportunities Hidden in the Challenges

While regulatory changes can create friction, they also unlock competitive advantages for forward-thinking providers:

  • Greater operational efficiency → Providers using AI-driven platforms can outperform competitors still relying on manual systems.

  • Enhanced participant trust → Transparent pricing and conflict management build stronger relationships with clients.

  • Compliance as a differentiator → Providers who get compliance right early will stand out to NDIS participants, families, and referrers.

What’s Next for Providers?

  • Monitor ongoing updates: NDIA has signalled further reforms through 2025–26. Subscribe to official updates and industry newsletters.

  • Invest in data visibility: Providers who can track unit economics by service and location will thrive.

  • Embrace intelligent automation: Admin reduction isn’t optional it’s a survival strategy.

Final Thoughts

The 2025–26 NDIS PAPL changes represent both challenge and opportunity. Providers who adapt quickly will maintain compliance, improve service quality, and unlock business growth.

If you’re unsure where to start, Curki.ai can help. Our sector-trained AI reduces admin by up to 30%, helps with compliance, and streamlines rostering and documentation all tailored to the unique needs of NDIS and aged-care providers.

👉 Book a free consultation today and ensure your business is ready for the next wave of NDIS transformation.

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