How to raise your rates as an independent support worker
When and how to increase your rates as an independent NDIS support worker — staying within price limits, giving notice, communicating value and handling pushback.
When it's time to raise your rates
Stay within NDIS price limits
Align with the annual price updates
Give plenty of notice
Communicate your value, not just a number
Handling pushback
Set new participants at your current rate
Frequently asked questions
Can independent support workers set their own rates?
Yes, but not without limits. You set your own rate as a sole trader, but for NDIS-funded supports you can't charge above the relevant NDIS price limit. Working with plan-managed and self-managed participants, you charge up to that cap. Self-managed participants have more flexibility, but staying within published limits…
How much notice should I give before raising my rates?
Give as much written notice as you reasonably can — several weeks at a minimum, more if possible. Participants budget carefully and an unexpected increase can disrupt their plan. State the new rate and start date clearly, explain the reason briefly, and check the change against their available funding. Your service…
When is the best time to increase my rates?
The easiest time is when the NDIS releases its annual Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits update, since participants and plan managers already expect changes then. Reviewing your rates each year at that point makes an increase feel routine rather than personal, and stops you drifting for years without adjusting for…
What if a participant pushes back on a price increase?
Treat it as a normal business conversation, not a rejection. Listen to their concern, reaffirm your value and the reason for the rise, and be honest about what you can do. If it's a genuine funding issue, discuss adjusting hours or suggest they speak to their support coordinator or plan manager. Decide any exceptions…
Do NDIS price limits cap what I can charge?
Yes, for NDIS-funded supports. The NDIS sets maximum price limits, so raising your rate means moving up within the allowed range, not above the cap. If you're already near the limit for a support, price growth is limited — you'd need to grow through your mix of supports, added skills or efficiency instead. Always check…
Should I charge new clients more than existing ones?
It's smart to quote every new participant your current, correct rate rather than an old figure — it's far easier than raising it later. This refreshes your book at up-to-date prices over time and reduces pressure to increase existing clients. Combined with a modest annual review tied to the NDIS price updates, it keeps…