NDIS Therapy Assistant Rates and Funding Guide (2024–25)
Under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), therapy assistants provide valuable support in delivering therapy services at a more affordable rate compared to qualified therapists. This enables participants to access more frequent therapy sessions, enhancing their rehabilitation and skill development.
Therapy Assistant Support Items and Rates
The NDIS classifies therapy assistant services into two levels:(NDIS)
- Level 1: Delivered under the direct supervision of a therapist.
- Level 2: Delivered under the delegation and supervision of a therapist, where the therapist is satisfied that the therapy assistant can work independently without direct supervision at all times.(NDIS)
The following table outlines the hourly rates for therapy assistant services based on the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits for 2024–25:(NDIS)
| State/Territory | Level 1 Rate | Level 2 Rate |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | $56.16 | $86.79 |
| VIC | $56.16 | $86.79 |
| QLD | $78.62 | $121.51 |
| ACT | $84.24 | $130.19 |
| WA | $78.62 | $121.51 |
| SA | $84.24 | $130.19 |
| TAS | $78.62 | $121.51 |
| NT | $84.24 | $130.19 |
| Remote Areas | $78.62 | $121.51 |
| Very Remote Areas | $84.24 | $130.19 |
Note: Rates are subject to change and may vary based on specific circumstances. (NDIS)
Funding Categories for Therapy Assistant Services
Therapy assistant services are typically funded under the following NDIS categories:
- Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living: Supports that assist participants in developing skills for independence and community participation.
- Capacity Building – Improved Relationships: Supports that assist participants in developing positive behaviors and interactions.
- Core – Assistance with Daily Life: Supports that assist participants with daily personal activities.
These supports aim to build and enhance the participant’s functional capacity, enabling them to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.(NDIS)
Considerations When Engaging Therapy Assistants
- Supervision Requirements: Therapy assistants must operate under the supervision of a qualified therapist, ensuring that the support provided aligns with the participant’s therapy plan.
- Professional Indemnity Insurance: Therapy assistants must be covered by the professional indemnity insurance of the supervising therapist or the employing provider.
- Service Agreements: It’s essential to have a clear service agreement in place that outlines the scope of services, supervision arrangements, and expectations.
- Monitoring and Reporting: Regular monitoring and reporting are crucial to assess the effectiveness of the therapy assistant’s support and make necessary adjustments to the therapy plan.(NDIS)
Maximizing the Benefits of Therapy Assistant Services
To make the most of therapy assistant services:
- Collaborate with Your Therapist: Work closely with your therapist to ensure that the therapy assistant’s support aligns with your therapy goals and needs.
- Set Clear Goals: Establish clear and measurable goals to track progress and outcomes.
- Regular Reviews: Schedule regular reviews to assess the effectiveness of the therapy assistant’s support and make necessary adjustments.
- Feedback Mechanism: Implement a feedback mechanism to ensure that the support provided meets your expectations and needs.
By effectively integrating therapy assistant services into your NDIS plan, you can enhance the frequency and quality of your therapy sessions, leading to improved outcomes and greater independence.
For more detailed information and the latest updates on NDIS pricing and supports, please refer to the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2024–25 document.