Participants make an important contribution to NDIS improvement projects. To recognise this contribution, the NDIA has a Participant Engagement Payment Policy.

This policy updates the former External Consultation Policy. It applies from 1 January 2021.

The policy sets out the approved activities, who is eligible for payment, and the amount paid. This includes consideration of out-of-pocket expenses. 

The policy applies to:

• participants
• carers
• nominees
• people with a disability

who are invited to take part in specific NDIS improvement activities.

The policy does not cover:

• NDIA employees, contractors, partners or public service employees
• family members of NDIA employees (unless the family member is an NDIS participant)
• employees of a disability organisation
• members of the NDIA Board or Independent Advisory Council.

Paid activities

Paid activities may include:

• face-to-face forums
• teleconferences
• video conferences
• online meetings
• responses to questionnaires
• preparation for meetings (in some circumstances). 

We will tell participants before the event if it is a paid activity.

Payments

The NDIS is one of the only government agencies to have a payment policy of this kind.

The payment rates for an individual’s time are:

• $50 per hour for up to 2 hours (pro-rata)
• $150 per day for up to 4 hours
• $250 per day up to 8 hours.

In some circumstances, participants may receive out-of-pocket expenses to support their contribution.

Expenses might include transport, parking, meals, accessibility equipment or a support person/carer.

All expenses must be reasonable and necessary, and represent value for money.