If you’ve ever looked at your NDIS rate and wondered why a Sunday shift pays differently to a Tuesday one, this guide explains the logic behind it. It also gives you an easy reference table and a worked example — but for the exact figures that apply to your invoice, always confirm against the current NDIS Price Guide, or use Sole’s NDIS hourly rate calculator to do the maths for you.
This matters for more than just curiosity. Undercharging on an after-hours or public holiday shift because you invoiced it at your standard weekday rate is money you simply don’t get back — and overcharging, even by accident, can create problems with a participant’s plan manager or the NDIA. Understanding the structure means you can quote and invoice with confidence, whatever day or time you’re working.
If you’re new to the NDIS or starting your own business, read our complete guide on How to Become an NDIS Sole Trader before learning how NDIS pricing works.
1. Why NDIS Rates Change by Time of Day and Week
NDIS pricing is designed to reflect the actual cost of delivering support at different times, much like penalty rates under Australian workplace awards.
Working evenings, weekends and public holidays generally costs more, so the NDIS Price Guide includes higher price limits for those periods.
That’s why the same support item can have multiple pricing levels depending on when the support is delivered.
Understanding these pricing rules helps you:
- Invoice correctly
- Quote participants accurately
- Avoid undercharging
- Prevent billing disputes with plan managers or the NDIA
If your Saturday invoice looks identical to your Tuesday invoice, there’s a good chance the appropriate time-of-day pricing hasn’t been applied.
2. Understanding the Time-of-Day Multipliers
While exact rates vary by support item and are updated regularly, the NDIS pricing structure generally follows the same pattern.
Approximate Multipliers
Weekday Daytime
- Base rate (100%)
Weekday Evening
- Approximately 150% of the weekday rate
Saturday
- Approximately 150% of the weekday rate
Sunday
- Approximately 200% of the weekday rate
Public Holiday
- Approximately 250% of the weekday rate
These percentages are intended as a guide only.
Always confirm the current pricing using the latest NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits before invoicing.
3. Remote and Very Remote Area Loadings
In addition to time-of-day pricing, the NDIS provides higher rates for services delivered in remote and very remote areas.
These additional loadings recognise the higher cost of delivering disability support outside metropolitan locations.
Remote Area
- Approximately +20% loading
Very Remote Area
- Approximately +25% loading
These loadings are applied on top of the applicable weekday, weekend or public holiday rate.
If you support participants across different regions, it’s important to check the remoteness classification for each service location, as pricing may differ between participants.
4. Worked Example
Here’s a simplified example to show how the pricing works.
Assume your weekday daytime base rate is $65.00 per hour.
Step 1
Apply the Saturday multiplier.
$65.00 × 150% = $97.50 per hour
Step 2
Apply the Remote Area loading.
$97.50 × 120% = $117.00 per hour
In this example, a Saturday shift delivered in a remote area increases the hourly rate from $65.00 to approximately $117.00.
The same calculation applies to Sunday and Public Holiday shifts using their applicable multipliers.
Rather than calculating every invoice manually, many sole traders use an NDIS Hourly Rate Calculator to ensure they’re always charging the correct rate.
5. Quick Reference – Time-of-Day Multipliers
| Time Period | Approximate Rate | Example (Base $65/hr) |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday Daytime | 100% | $65.00 |
| Weekday Evening | ~150% | $97.50 |
| Saturday | ~150% | $97.50 |
| Sunday | ~200% | $130.00 |
| Public Holiday | ~250% | $162.50 |
6. Quick Reference – Remote Area Loadings
| Area | Approximate Loading | Applied To |
|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan / Regional | No loading | Standard rate only |
| Remote | +20% | Added to applicable time-of-day rate |
| Very Remote | +25% | Added to applicable time-of-day rate |
7. Use an NDIS Hourly Rate Calculator
The examples above help explain how NDIS pricing works, but they’re only a guide.
Actual rates change over time and vary depending on:
- Support Item
- Time of day
- Day of the week
- Public holidays
- Participant location
- Remote area classification
Instead of manually calculating every invoice, use an NDIS Hourly Rate Calculator to quickly find the correct current rate for your specific support item and location.
Simplify Your NDIS Bookkeeping
Sole was built specifically for Australian sole traders.
It helps you manage:
- NDIS invoicing
- Expense tracking
- GST tracking
- BAS preparation
- Super tracking
- Time tracking
- Bank reconciliation
All without needing an accounting background.
With a free forever plan and a 30-day free trial of the premium plan, Sole helps you spend less time on admin and more time supporting participants.
Important Disclaimer
The percentages and examples above are intended as a general guide only.
The NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits are updated periodically, and actual rates differ depending on the support item and service location.
Sole is bookkeeping and invoicing software, not a registered tax agent or legal adviser.
For advice specific to your circumstances, always refer to the latest NDIS Pricing Arrangements or speak with a qualified professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do NDIS rates increase on weekends and public holidays?
NDIS pricing reflects the additional cost of providing support outside normal business hours. Similar to Australian workplace penalty rates, evenings, weekends and public holidays attract higher price limits under the NDIS Pricing Arrangements.
How much more can I charge on a public holiday?
As a general guide, public holiday rates are approximately 250% of the weekday daytime rate. However, always confirm the current price limits for your specific support item before invoicing.
What is considered a remote or very remote area?
The NDIS uses Australian geographic remoteness classifications to determine whether remote (+20%) or very remote (+25%) loadings apply to a support service.
Where can I check the latest NDIS hourly rates?
The latest pricing is available in the official NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. For a faster option, use an NDIS Hourly Rate Calculator to calculate the correct rate for your support item, location and time of service.
Do weekend and public holiday rates apply to self-managed and plan-managed participants?
Generally, yes. The NDIS time-of-day pricing structure applies across participant management types, although claiming processes and pricing arrangements may differ. Always check the participant’s service agreement and current NDIS pricing guidance before invoicing.
