Do you need a service agreement?
The NDIS says a service agreement is required for specialist disability accommodation and encouraged for supported independent living. For other supports it isn’t required, but the NDIS recommends one when you start working with a new participant or their needs change. For an independent support worker it is also where you agree your travel and cancellation terms, which you can only claim if the participant agreed to them in advance.
What the NDIS suggests including
The NDIS guidance for participants lists what a service agreement should cover. This template includes each part:
| Part | In this template |
|---|---|
| Your and the participant’s details | Names, contacts, representative, plan management and goals |
| Supports and costs | Support item number and name, when and where, quantity, unit price and total |
| Extra charges | Provider travel time, cost per kilometre, tolls and parking |
| Important dates | Start, end and review dates |
| How you’ll work together | Provider and participant responsibilities, privacy |
| Cancelling supports | Notice period, the fee, and what happens if you cancel |
| Changing or ending the agreement | Variations, a new agreement for big changes, notice to end |
| When you disagree | Raising concerns with you, then the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission |
Source: ndis.gov.au, “How to make a service agreement” and “What is a service agreement”, checked 31 October 2026. The NDIS also publishes its own Word template made with the NDIS Commission.
Cancellation terms that hold up
The latest published NDIS claiming guidance lets you claim a short notice cancellation or no-show at up to 100% of the agreed fee, but only if your service agreement sets out the cancellation terms and you couldn’t fill the time with other paid work. Support worker supports usually use a 7-day notice period; therapy and other supports use 2 clear business days. Claim it on the invoice with the same support item and the “Cancellation” claim type.
Travel terms
Travel can only be claimed if the participant agreed to it in advance, and the agreement is the place to record that. See the provider travel calculator for the time limits and the cost per kilometre.
Questions
Does the participant have to sign?
A signed agreement is clearest, but the NDIS says neither the NDIA nor the NDIS Commission is a party to service agreements, keeps them or enforces them. Both of you should keep a copy.
What if the plan or the prices change?
Small changes can be added as a written variation. Make a new agreement for big changes such as new supports, a new provider or a new NDIS plan. You can never charge more than the price limit that applies on the day of the support.
Is this legal advice?
No. It is a template based on the NDIS guidance. Read it with the participant, change what doesn’t fit and get advice if you need it.
Is participant data stored?
No. The PDF is made in your browser and nothing you type is uploaded.
Related: NDIS quote template · NDIS pricing arrangements 2026-27 · NDIS invoice generator