Transport is an important part of everyday life. You might need it to get to work, a place of study, medical appointments, run day-to-day errands and access the community.
For this reason, it is important to consider your transport needs as part of the NDIS planning and plan reassessment process.
The NDIS will only provide transport funding in an NDIS Plan if you are unable to use public transport due to disability.
How transport is funded under the NDIS.
NDIS transport funding can include a range of supports that help you to travel to and participate in a range of activities and work towards the goals in your NDIS Plan.
Funding is only available to NDIS participants who cannot use public transport such as a city bus, train or tram without substantial difficulty due to disability. The NDIS will take into account any taxi subsidy schemes available.
The NDIS will also consider what is reasonable for families, carers, informal networks and the community to provide.
Types of transport supports the NDIS may fund.
General transport.
General transport funding allows you to pay a provider to transport you to an activity. This could include a non-NDIS funded activity or one that is paid for by your NDIS Plan. For example, a doctor’s appointment, the local shops and community activities.
General transport funding can be used for taxis and rideshares such as Uber or other transport if you can’t use public transport due to disability.
This support does not have a price limit which means you should agree on a reasonable price with the provider, as well as the billing schedule.
Specialised transport.
Specialised transport provides transport services for a participant to school, a place of education, employment or the community.
This support is subject to a quote and needs to be stated in your NDIS Plan. For example, a regular specialised bus to school for children who cannot use public transport or their parent’s vehicle, even if modified, due to their disability.
The NDIS can also fund Capacity Building supports to help you master independent travel, provider-related travel expenses relating to supports you receive in your plan, supports to help you learn to drive and vehicle modifications.
What is not covered by NDIS transport funding?
- The cost of public bus or train tickets – these are considered day-to-day living costs and are not funded by the NDIS
- Concessions to use public transport
- General transport requirements for children aged under 18 (the NDIS indicates it is a parent’s responsibility to meet their child’s daily transportation requirements)
- The cost of bus or train tickets for family members, friends or carers
- To pay someone in your family to drive you around.
Providers may claim reasonable travel costs for delivering supports as well as driving participants to community or other activities.
What are the NDIS transport funding levels?
There are three levels of transport funding support.
Level 1 transport funding – Up to $1,606 per year for participants who are not working, studying or attending day programs but are seeking to enhance their community access. This also covers people who want to do volunteer work without pay.
Level 2 transport funding – From $1,606 to $2,472 per year for participants who are currently working or studying part-time (up to 15 hours a week), participating in day programs and for other social, recreational or leisure activities.
Level 3 transport funding – From $2,472 to $3,456 per year for participants who are currently working or studying, at least 15 hours a week or who are looking for work, and are unable to use public transport because of their disability.
How does my NDIS Plan affect my Mobility Allowance?
You cannot get Mobility Allowance and the NDIS. If you’re just joining the NDIS and you receive Mobility Allowance, this will cease once your NDIS Plan is in place.
Your Mobility Allowance funding will not automatically transition to your NDIS Plan. It’s important that you are prepared and can explain your transport needs in your NDIS Plan meeting so that you are allocated adequate funding to replace your Mobility Allowance.
Transport funding for people who have transitioned to PACE.
If you are on the new PACE system, your NDIS Plan may include funding in the some new categories including the new Recurring category.
Transport recurring in your NDIS Plan covers supports paid by the NDIS on a regular basis to your nominated bank account. You don’t need to make a claim for these supports.
Transport recurring funding is for everyday transport needs. You could use this for transport such as taxis or specialised transport.
How can I prepare for my NDIS Plan meeting?
Leap in! can help you through the process of preparing for your plan meeting but some good starting points are:
- Think of examples of situations where you cannot travel independently
- Be prepared to discuss whether you need any personal transport-related aids and equipment
- Be ready to suggest any training that you may need so that you can use public transport.
Can NDIS participants access more transport supports by using their Core supports budget?
While NDIS participants can use their Core supports flexibly across most allocated support categories (including transport) there are some exceptions to the rule.
Exceptions include:
- If your total transport funding is set up as periodic payments (such as Recurring Transport for participants with a PACE plan).
- If you have not been funded for transport supports at all.
If you receive transport funding, ensure that not all of your funding is locked into periodic payments to offer some flexibility for your remaining funds.
Additionally, participants can only use transport funding flexibly within Core supports if their transport funds are plan managed by an NDIS plan manager or managed by the NDIA. This way, you can use your allocated Core budget flexibility to access additional transport funding.
Questions?
Let us know if you have more questions or would like help with your NDIS pre-planning for your first meeting or plan reassessment.
Call us on 1300 05 78 78 to have your questions answered, to book your free NDIS pre-planning session or sign up to Leap in! plan management today.
First published 16 January 2019, revised and updated 11 March 2024.
Further reading.
Taxi vouchers and transport support.