Support to get
where you need to go.

How transport can be funded in your NDIS plan

NDIS plans have 4 support budgets: core, capacity building, capital and recurring. Transport funding can sit in your Core supports budget (category: Transport) or your Recurring supports budget (category: Recurring transport). Your plan shows which one you have.

Recurring transport can be paid to you regularly into your nominated bank account, or you can claim it through the participant portal or my NDIS app. You can use it for taxis, rideshare or other private travel to work, study, day programs and community activities. The NDIS website lists 3 levels:

• Level 1, community access: $1,784 a year, if you are not working, studying or going to day programs but want to do more in the community.
• Level 2, part-time work or study: $2,676 a year, if you work or study up to 15 hours a week, go to day programs or take part in other social activities.
• Level 3, work or study: $3,456 a year, if you work or study, or both, at least 15 hours a week.

Transport funding or a worker's travel: what's the difference?

Three different things get called transport, and they are paid in different ways.

Transport funding is money in your plan for your own travel. NDIS pricing rules include a general transport item that lets you pay a provider to take you to work, an appointment or an activity.

Provider travel is the cost of a worker travelling to you to deliver a support, such as personal care at home. It can only be claimed for some supports and must be explained to you. You must agree to it in advance in your service agreement, and there are limits on how much travel time can be claimed.

Activity-based transport is when a worker drives you to, from or during a community participation activity. The worker's time is claimed from your core budget at the community participation rate. Running costs, like kilometres, tolls or parking, can be claimed separately if you agree beforehand.

What transport support usually doesn't include

Whether it's funded depends on your plan and what the NDIA agrees is reasonable and necessary. NDIA guidance says transport is an everyday cost for most people. It is funded only when it is an extra cost caused by your disability support needs. The NDIA also looks at what family, friends and the community can reasonably help with.

These are on the NDIA list of supports that are not NDIS supports:

• Buying a vehicle, vehicle registration and standard mechanical repairs.
• Public transport fares, concessions and community transport services, which other systems provide.
• Holiday travel, cruises and airfares.
• Health transport services, which are part of the health system.
• Everyday transport for children that parents or carers would usually provide.

Starting transport support

Call 1800 148 857, email admin@heartforcare.com.au or send the online form. Tell us where you need to go, how often, and what help you need on the way.