How much funding is in a typical NDIS plan?

NDIS plan budgets vary enormously depending on your disability and support needs. A plan with minimal supports might be $10,000-$20,000 per year, while a plan with high daily support needs, therapy, and assistive technology could be $100,000-$300,000 or more. The average NDIS plan value is approximately $74,000 per year, but individual plans range from under $10,000 to over $500,000.

What are the three NDIS budget categories?

NDIS plans are divided into three support categories: Core Supports (daily activities, transport, consumables, social participation — generally flexible within the category), Capacity Building (therapy, support coordination, employment support — not flexible between sub-categories), and Capital (assistive technology, home modifications — approved as specific line items). You can move funds within Core Supports but not between the three main categories.

How much does an NDIS support worker cost per hour?

Under the NDIS Pricing Arrangements 2025-26, the standard weekday rate for a support worker (daily activities, personal care) is $59.81 per hour. Rates increase for evenings ($65.79/hr), Saturdays ($83.73/hr), Sundays ($107.66/hr), and public holidays ($131.58/hr). Allied health professionals (physiotherapy, OT, psychology) are priced at $193.99/hr. These are the maximum prices providers can charge under the NDIS.

Can I move money between NDIS budget categories?

You can move money flexibly within Core Supports — for example, shifting unused transport funding to daily activities or social participation. However, you cannot move money between the three main categories (Core, Capacity Building, Capital). Within Capacity Building, each sub-category (e.g. therapy vs support coordination) is also a separate budget that cannot be transferred. If you need to change your budget allocation significantly, you can request a plan review.

What happens to unused NDIS funding at the end of my plan?

Unused NDIS funding does not roll over to your next plan. When your plan ends and a new plan is created, the budget is reassessed based on your current needs and goals. Consistently underspending may lead to a reduction in your next plan, so it is important to use your funding effectively. If you are struggling to spend your plan, consider discussing this with your support coordinator or LAC before your plan review.

How do I request an NDIS plan review?

You can request a plan review at any time if your circumstances have changed, you need more or different supports, or you believe your plan does not meet your needs. Contact the NDIA on 1800 800 110 or ask your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or support coordinator to initiate a review. You should prepare evidence such as therapist reports, functional assessments, and specific examples of how your needs have changed. Plan reviews can result in increased, decreased, or unchanged funding.

NDIS Budget Estimator 2026

None

No funded daily activity support needed

Low

Occasional help with household tasks or self-care (~$5,000/yr)

Moderate

Regular support several times per week (specify hours below)

High

Daily support for personal care and domestic assistance

Very high

Extensive daily support including overnight or 24-hour care

This covers personal care (showering, dressing), domestic assistance (cleaning, cooking), and similar supports.

NDIS Budget Estimator

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