If you are looking into an occupational therapy (OT) assessment through the NDIS, one of the first questions is usually a simple one: what will it cost? The honest answer is that it depends on how many hours the work takes, but the price per hour is set by the NDIS and is easy to understand once you know how it works.
This guide explains the 2026-27 occupational therapy pricing in plain English, so you know what to expect before you book.
As always, the figures here are general information. Your own NDIS plan decides what you can claim, so check the current NDIS Pricing Schedule and speak to your planner or support coordinator about your situation.
The short answer
There is no single fixed price for an OT assessment, because an assessment is charged by the hour, not as a flat fee. For 2026-27, the NDIS price limit for occupational therapy is $193.99 per hour nationally.
Your total cost is simply that hourly price multiplied by the time the assessment and report take. A short, focused assessment costs less than a complex one that involves multiple visits and a detailed report.
How the $193.99 hourly price works
- It is a maximum, not a set fee. $193.99 is the most a provider can charge per hour under the NDIS. It is not a bill you pay out of your own pocket if the support is funded in your plan.
- It covers professional time. An OT assessment is not just the time spent with you. It also includes the clinical work of writing up findings and recommendations into a report.
- It is the same across Australia. The standard rate does not change by state for most regions.
What you might be charged for
From 1 July 2026, occupational therapy is billed as separate line items rather than one bundled charge. This is part of the wider 2026-27 pricing changes. For an assessment, your invoice may include:
- Direct service – the time spent assessing you, in person or in your home.
- Non-face-to-face work – writing up your assessment and recommendations into a report.
- Provider travel – if the OT travels to you, charged at a lower rate (around half the hourly price).
- Telehealth – where part of the assessment is done remotely and appropriate to do so.
- NDIA-requested reports – if the NDIA asks for a specific report.
This means your invoice may look more detailed than it used to. It is a change in how the cost is itemised, not a hidden extra charge. If anything on a quote or invoice is unclear, it is reasonable to ask your provider to explain it. We are always happy to do that.
How occupational therapy is usually funded
For many participants, occupational therapy is funded under the Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living part of their plan, depending on how the plan is set up. Capacity Building budgets are generally more flexible than some other categories.
We cannot tell you what your individual plan covers. Whether OT is funded, and how many hours, depends on your goals and your plan. The people who can confirm this are your support coordinator or NDIS planner. If you are not sure, that is the right place to start.
Did OT prices change in 2026-27?
No. Occupational therapy stayed at $193.99 per hour, the same as the previous year. It is one of the supports the NDIA chose not to increase this round. You can read the full picture of what did and did not change in our guide to the 2026-27 NDIS pricing changes.
If a support coordinator is helping you arrange supports and budgets, our explainer on NDIS support coordination levels and costs may also be useful.
How to get a clear quote
Because cost depends on hours, the best way to avoid surprises is to ask for an estimate up front. A good provider should be able to tell you:
- Roughly how many hours the assessment and report are likely to take.
- What the report will cover (for example, a Functional Capacity Assessment, home modifications, or assistive technology recommendations).
- How long the report will take to be delivered.
At Youcentric Care Group, we work with participants and families across Liverpool and Western Sydney, return reports in around 2 to 3 weeks, and are happy to talk through costs before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an NDIS OT assessment cost in 2026-27?
Occupational therapy is charged at up to $193.99 per hour nationally. The total cost depends on how many hours the assessment and report take, so a simple assessment costs less than a complex one.
Is $193.99 what I pay out of pocket?
No. It is the maximum hourly price a provider can charge. If occupational therapy is funded in your NDIS plan, it is generally paid from your plan, not your own pocket.
Why does my OT invoice have several line items?
From 1 July 2026, OT activities like travel, reports and non-face-to-face work are billed as separate lines rather than bundled together. It is a billing-structure change, not an extra charge.
Is occupational therapy covered by the NDIS?
It may be, depending on your plan and goals. Occupational therapy is often funded under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living, but you should confirm your own funding with your support coordinator or planner.