What Is an NDIS Service Agreement?
A service agreement helps participants and providers understand the supports, fees, responsibilities, privacy rules and cancellation terms before services begin.
Understanding NDIS Service Agreements
An NDIS service agreement is a written agreement between an NDIS participant and a provider. It explains what supports will be provided, how services will be delivered, how payments work, and what both sides are responsible for.
A service agreement should be clear and easy to understand. Participants should be able to ask questions before signing. They can also involve a family member, carer, advocate or support coordinator if they need help understanding the agreement.
At Advice Care, we aim to explain service agreements in simple language so participants, families and support coordinators understand the support arrangement before services begin.
Rights and Responsibilities
It explains what participants and providers need to do.
Participant RightsWhat May Be Included?
A service agreement may include participant details, provider details, services, support goals, funding type, payment information, cancellation rules, privacy, complaints and how the agreement can be changed or ended.
The agreement should match the participant’s NDIS plan, goals and support needs. It should also explain the service in a way the participant can understand.
- Participant and provider details
- Supports and services to be provided
- Fees and payment information
- Cancellation and notice rules
- Privacy and consent information
- Complaints and feedback process
Before You Sign
Ask questions and make sure you understand the agreement before services start.
Learn MoreWhy Service Agreements Matter
Service agreements help reduce confusion. They make support arrangements clearer for participants, families, support coordinators and providers.
Clear Expectations
Everyone understands what support will be provided and how.
Better Communication
Participants and providers can discuss needs, changes and concerns.
Pricing Clarity
Fees, invoices and cancellations can be explained before support starts.
Participant Rights
The agreement should respect choice, dignity, privacy and control.
Support Planning
The agreement can connect supports with participant goals and needs.
Review and Change
Support arrangements can be reviewed if needs or goals change.
Fees, Cancellations and Payments
A service agreement should explain how services are charged. Many NDIS supports follow NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits where they apply.
The agreement may also explain whether the participant is self-managed, plan-managed or NDIA-managed. This affects how invoices are sent and paid.
Cancellation rules are also important. If support is cancelled with short notice, a fee may apply where allowed under NDIS rules and the service agreement.
Participants should ask questions if they do not understand fees, invoices, support items or cancellation rules.
Questions to Ask Before Signing
What supports are included?
Ask what services will be provided and when they will happen.
How much will it cost?
Ask how fees are calculated and how invoices are handled.
What if I cancel?
Ask about notice periods and short notice cancellation fees.
Can I change supports?
Ask how to change the agreement if needs or goals change.
How is privacy handled?
Ask how personal information is collected, used and shared.
How do I complain?
Ask how to give feedback or make a complaint safely.
Changing or Ending a Service Agreement
Participant needs can change. A service agreement may need to be reviewed if the participant’s goals, funding, support needs, schedule or risks change.
The agreement should explain how changes can be made and how services can be ended. Participants should check any notice period before ending services.
- Change in NDIS plan or funding
- Change in goals or support needs
- Change in support schedule
- Change in health or risk information
- Participant request to stop or change services
Need to Review Support?
Contact Advice Care if your support needs, goals or circumstances have changed.
Contact UsNeed Help Understanding a Service Agreement?
Contact Advice Care to discuss service agreements, support planning, pricing and referrals.
Contact Advice CareFrequently Asked Questions
What is an NDIS service agreement?
It is a written agreement between a participant and provider. It explains services, fees, responsibilities, cancellations and support arrangements.
Do I need to understand it before signing?
Yes. You should understand the agreement before signing. You can ask questions or get help from a trusted person.
Can a service agreement be changed?
Yes. It can be reviewed and changed if support needs, goals, funding or service arrangements change.
Can I end a service agreement?
Yes. The agreement should explain how services can be ended and what notice may be required.