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.