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Here’s a refined overview of the NDIS Guidelines for Therapy Assistant Claims, based on the latest official guidance:

NDIS Guidelines for Therapy Assistant Claims

1. Therapy Assistant Levels & Supervision

  • Level 1 Therapy Assistant
    Must work under direct supervision of a qualified therapist at all times.†
    (NDIS)
  • Level 2 Therapy Assistant
    Works under indirect supervision, defined as being capable of working independently once adequately trained by the therapist.†
    (NDIS)
  • In both cases, the therapy assistant must be covered by professional indemnity insurance, provided either by the supervising therapist or their employing organisation.†
    (NDIS)

2. Claimable Support Items & Pricing

  • Therapy assistant services fall under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living / Therapy Supports (7 or older):
    • Level 1:
      • Support item codes:
        • 15_007_0118_1_3 (Early Childhood)
        • 15_052_0128_1_3 (Aged 7+)
      • Hourly rates: approx. $56.16 (Metro) — up to $78.62 (Remote).†
        (NDIS, Accessability)
    • Level 2:
      • Support item codes:
        • 15_008_0118_1_3 (Early Childhood)
        • 15_053_0128_1_3 (Aged 7+)
      • Hourly rates: approx. $86.79 (Metro) — up to $130.19 (Very Remote).†
        (NDIS)
  • These prices are maximum limits. Providers must comply with the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, though negotiated lower rates are permissible.†
    (NDIS)

3. Claimable Components Beyond Direct Service

Support items can also be claimed for:

  • Non–face-to-face activities (e.g., report writing, planning),
  • Provider travel,
  • Short-notice cancellations,
    as long as they align with NDIS pricing rules.†
    (NDIS)

4. Supervision, Training & Case Conferences

  • Providers may claim for time spent by both therapist and therapy assistant, such as during supervision or training—representing value for money when compared to delivering all support directly by the therapist.†
    (NDIS)
  • Case conferences involving multiple therapists may also be claimed; this includes rural or remote situations where coordination is essential.†
    (NDIS)

5. Reasonable & Necessary Criteria

All claimed services must be:

  • Directly related to the participant’s disability,
  • Not for everyday living costs unrelated to disability support,
  • Value for money,
  • Likely effective and beneficial for the participant.†
    (news.com.au, NDIS)

6. Service Agreements & Documentation

  • A service agreement is mandatory and must clearly outline the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of both therapist and therapy assistant.†
    (NDIS)
  • Claims must be submitted via the NDIS myplace portal, supported by appropriate documentation aligned with the service agreement.†
    (NDIS)

Summary Table

AspectLevel 1 Therapy AssistantLevel 2 Therapy Assistant
SupervisionDirect, constant by qualified therapistIndirect; trained and trusted to work independently
InsuranceRequired (therapist/provider)Required (therapist/provider)
Support Item Codes15_007_0118_1_3 / 15_052_0128_1_315_008_0118_1_3 / 15_053_0128_1_3
Hourly Rates~$56–$78 (depending on region)~$86–$130 (depending on region)
Claimable ExtrasNon-face-to-face, travel, cancellationsSame
Supervision ClaimableYes (joint time)Yes (joint time)
Agreement NeededDetailed service agreementDetailed service agreement
Funding CategoryCapacity Building – Improved Daily LivingCapacity Building – Improved Daily Living

Let me know if you’d like help understanding how these guidelines apply to specific cases or preparing a service agreement!