Last reviewed on:
New NDIS Service Agreement Resources: What You Need to Know
The NDIS has released new tools to help you understand your service agreements.
Announced on 13 October 2026, the resources include a new template, checklist, guidance and Easy Read information. They can help you understand what you're agreeing to before you start receiving supports.
The new NDIS template is optional. You and your provider can use it or create an agreement that suits your needs.
Here's what's new and how the resources can help you.
What is an NDIS service agreement?
A service agreement is an agreement between you and your NDIS provider.
It explains the supports you'll receive, how much they cost and what you and your provider have agreed to.
For example, if you book a support worker each week, your agreement might explain:
- What help you'll receive.
- When your support worker will visit.
- How much each visit costs.
- What happens if you cancel.
- How to raise a concern.
Think of it as a shared plan between you and your provider, so everyone knows what to expect.
Learn more in the NDIS guide to service agreements.
What's new in October 2026?
On 13 October 2026, the NDIA announced four new resources:
- Service agreement template: Helps you and your provider write an agreement.
- Checklist: Helps you check what should be included.
- Guidance: Explains how to make and review an agreement.
- Easy Read resources: Make the information easier to understand.
The NDIA developed these resources with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. They aim to help participants understand their rights, ask questions and make informed choices.
Do I have to sign a service agreement?
Not for every NDIS support.
Service agreements are required for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).
For other supports, including Supported Independent Living (SIL), the NDIA strongly encourages service agreements as good practice. Having an agreement in writing can help avoid confusion about costs, services and cancellations.
You do not have to use the new NDIS template, even when a service agreement is required.
What should I check before agreeing?
Before you agree to a service agreement, make sure you understand:
- Your supports: What help will you receive, and how often?
- The costs: How much will each support cost? Are there travel or other fees?
- Cancellations: What happens if you cancel a booking?
- Changes: How can you change or end the agreement? How much notice is needed?
- Your rights: What can you do if something goes wrong?
Any cancellation fees must follow the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, where those rules apply. Providers can only claim cancellation fees when the relevant conditions are met, including notice periods and applicable price limits.
You should also know who to contact if you have questions.
Important: A service agreement cannot take away your rights under Australian Consumer Law or the NDIS Code of Conduct.
You can ask your provider to change terms before you agree.
Can I ask someone to help me?
Yes.
You can ask a family member, friend, nominee, support coordinator or someone you trust to help you review an agreement.
You can also ask your provider to explain anything that isn't clear.
Don't feel rushed to agree to something you don't understand.
You can ask for information in a language or format that works for you.
The NDIS guide to making a service agreement explains how to get help.
Where can I find the new template?
The new resources are free on the NDIS website.
You can find the new resources here:
The template is a starting point. You and your provider should make sure the agreement suits your needs. You don't need to send your service agreement to the NDIA.
Keep a copy for your own records.
What does this mean if I'm plan-managed?
If you're plan-managed, the NDIA says you need a service agreement with your plan manager. You may also have separate agreements with the providers who deliver your supports.
Your agreement with your plan manager explains how they'll manage your funding, what services they'll provide and how much they'll charge.
Your agreements with other providers explain the supports you'll receive and what those supports cost.
These agreements can also help you check invoices.
For example, you can compare an invoice with the supports, rates and fees listed in your agreement.
This may help you spot a charge you don't understand.
Remember, an agreement does not make a support eligible for NDIS funding if it doesn't meet the NDIS rules.
Need help managing your NDIS invoices?
At Kismet Healthcare, we help plan-managed participants track their funding and manage eligible provider invoices.
We believe you should know what you're paying for and feel confident about how your NDIS funding is used.
Learn more about Kismet Plan Management.