Occupational Therapy (OT) under NDIS helps you build skills for daily living, work, and independence. This guide explains OT costs ($193-$214/hour 2026 rates), what OTs do, how to access funding, and when you need OT assessments.

What do occupational therapists do under NDIS?

OTs help you:

  • Build daily living skills (cooking, cleaning, personal care)
  • Improve work skills and employment readiness
  • Access assistive technology (recommend equipment)
  • Modify your home for accessibility
  • Develop fine motor skills
  • Manage sensory needs (especially autism)
  • Increase independence

Common OT services for NDIS participants:

  • Functional capacity assessments
  • AT (assistive technology) assessments and recommendations
  • Home modification assessments
  • Skill building (cooking, budgeting, self-care)
  • Workplace assessments for employment
  • Sensory assessments and strategies
  • Goal setting and capacity building

OT costs under NDIS (2026-27 rates)

These maximum rates are set in the NDIS pricing arrangements:

ServiceWeekday RateSaturday RateSunday/Public Holiday
Standard OT$193.99/hour$242.49/hour$290.99/hour
High Intensity OT$214.41/hour$268.01/hour$321.61/hour
Report Writing$193.99/hour--
Travel Time50% of service rate50% of service rate50% of service rate

Unbundling from 1 July 2026: Under the 2026-27 pricing arrangements, OT provider travel, non-face-to-face work, and NDIA-requested reports are billed as separate line items rather than folded into the session rate. OT travel is now charged at 50% of the service rate (around $97/hour on a weekday). Report writing is still billed at the hourly service rate but appears as its own line item. Check quotes and invoices for these separate charges.

Session costs:

  • 1-hour session: $193.99
  • Functional capacity assessment: $800-2,000 (4-10 hours)
  • Home modification assessment: $400-800 (2-4 hours)
  • AT assessment: $300-600 (1.5-3 hours)

How to pay:

  • Self-managed: Pay OT directly, claim from NDIS
  • Plan-managed: OT invoices your plan manager
  • Agency-managed: OT must be NDIS-registered, invoices NDIS directly

How to access OT under NDIS

Step 1: Check your plan

  • Look for “Capacity Building - Improved Daily Living” budget
  • This funds OT sessions
  • Typical funding: $2,000-$10,000/year for OT

Step 2: Find an OT

  • NDIS Provider Finder: Search “Occupational Therapy” + your area
  • Ask your Support Coordinator for recommendations
  • Check if OT is NDIS-registered (required for agency-managed)

Step 3: Book initial assessment

  • First session: OT assesses your needs and goals
  • Develops therapy plan
  • Discusses recommended sessions (e.g., weekly for 3 months)

Step 4: Ongoing therapy

  • Follow OT’s recommended schedule
  • Work on goals between sessions
  • Review progress quarterly

When you need an OT assessment

Functional Capacity Assessment:

  • Required for: SDA, SIL, ILO applications
  • Assesses: Daily living skills, support needs, functional capacity
  • Cost: $800-2,000
  • Used by: NDIS planners to determine funding levels

AT Assessment:

  • Required for: Assistive technology over $1,500
  • Assesses: Equipment needs, trials, recommendations
  • Cost: $300-600
  • Results in: AT report for NDIS to approve funding

Home Modification Assessment:

  • Required for: Ramps, bathroom mods, accessibility changes
  • Assesses: Safety, accessibility needs, modification recommendations
  • Cost: $400-800
  • Results in: Costed modification plan for NDIS approval

Workplace Assessment:

  • For: Employment support, workplace accommodations
  • Assesses: Job readiness, workplace modifications needed
  • Cost: $300-500
  • Results in: Workplace recommendations for employer

Frequently asked questions

How much does OT cost under NDIS?

Standard OT costs $193.99/hour weekdays (2026-27 rates). Saturday rate is $242.49/hour. Sunday/public holiday rate is $290.99/hour. Typical session is 1 hour = $193.99. Functional capacity assessments cost $800-2,000 (4-10 hours). AT assessments cost $300-600. NDIS pays from your Capacity Building budget.

Do I need a referral for NDIS OT?

No referral needed for NDIS OT. You can self-refer (find OT and book directly). Some participants ask GP or Support Coordinator for OT recommendations but referral is not required. Just ensure OT is NDIS-registered if you’re agency-managed.

How many OT sessions does NDIS fund?

NDIS doesn’t specify session limits. Funding depends on your Capacity Building budget ($2,000-$10,000 typical for OT). At $193.99/hour, $5,000 budget = 25 hours of OT. Your OT recommends session frequency based on goals (e.g., weekly for 12 weeks, then monthly maintenance).

Related: Find NDIS Occupational Therapists