Understanding NDIS Transport Funding and Travel Allowance

We break down how NDIS transport funding works and what it all means for you.

Getting where you need to go should not be a barrier to living life on your terms.

Whether it is getting to work, attending medical appointments, studying, or staying connected with friends and community, reliable transport is essential for independence and quality of life.

But for many people with disability, public transport is not always a safe or accessible option. That’s where NDIS transport funding – also known as the NDIS travel allowance – can help. This support is designed to cover reasonable and necessary transport costs when public transport is not a viable option due to disability.

What is NDIS Transport Funding?

NDIS transport funding is support included in a participant’s NDIS plan if they are unable to travel independently on public transport due to their disability.

It helps offset extra transport costs that arise specifically because of a person’s disability. These supports are not intended to cover general travel costs like fuel or family transport.

To receive transport support, you will need to talk with your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) about your circumstances.

They will consider whether you can access public transport safely and independently and whether training or assistive technology might help.

Levels of NDIS Travel Allowance

The NDIS travel allowance is usually paid directly to participants in regular instalments. There are generally three standard funding levels, depending on your activity and independence:

• Level 1: For people not working or studying but looking to increase community access
• Level 2: For people working or studying part-time or attending day programs and community-based activities
• Level 3: For participants working, job seeking or studying more intensively who cannot use public transport due to their disability

These levels help determine how much transport funding you may be eligible for, based on your travel needs and life goals.

Can I Get More Than the Standard Transport Funding?

Yes. In exceptional circumstances, participants can receive higher levels of transport support if their plan includes goals around employment or education and travel is required to achieve these outcomes.

For example, if you need specialised transport to maintain a job or attend regular training, you may be eligible for additional funding. This might include:

• Planning travel to fit within existing allowances
• Using Capacity Building funds to access travel training
• Requesting Capital Supports for vehicle modifications (e.g., hoists or ramps)

Our team can work with you to explore transport solutions that support your goals – whether that is getting to work at one of our worksites, attending your local Learning and Lifestyle Hub or simply heading to the movies with our Social and Community Participation services.

What Happened to the Mobility Allowance?

The Mobility Allowance provided by Centrelink stops once you are an NDIS participant. The NDIS travel allowance replaces this, but only for eligible participants who cannot use public transport due to their disability.

Your planner will assess your situation and determine what transport supports are reasonable and necessary.

Transport Funded Through Support Workers or Providers

You might use your NDIS transport funding for:

1. Community or Provider Transport

Some disability service providers and community organisations offer scheduled bus or door-to-door transport services. These may be used to access work, learning programs or recreational activities.

This is often a good option for participants living in areas with limited public transport options.

At Endeavour Foundation, we offer a range of transport options to support participants in accessing our day programs, supported employment sites and community-based activities. Our transport services are designed to meet individual needs and are especially helpful in areas with limited public transport.

Speak to your local Endeavour Foundation team to find out what transport services are available in your region and how they can be included in your service agreement.

2. Transport with a Support Worker

Support workers can drive you to and from appointments or community activities using their own car. Endeavour Foundation support workers can assist with transport as part of your everyday supports, helping you stay connected and active in your community. In this case:

• Their time is billed under your Core Supports budget, usually as part of Assistance with Social and Community Participation
• Travel-related expenses like tolls, parking, and mileage (e.g., $0.97/km) may be charged if outlined in your service agreement

Make sure to discuss these arrangements with your provider and include them in your agreement.

3. Private Vehicle Use and Modifications

If you own a vehicle and need it modified to travel safely, you may be able to use Capital Supports for:

• Wheelchair hoists or ramps
• Seating adjustments
• Driving controls or lifts

Note: The NDIS does not fund:

• Fuel
• General car maintenance
• Insurance or registration

If a support worker is driving your car, it must be registered, roadworthy, insured, and safe.

What Counts as ‘Reasonable and Necessary’ Transport Support?

To include transport supports in your NDIS plan, they must meet the NDIS criteria of being reasonable and necessary, which means they must:

• Relate to your disability
• Support you in pursuing your goals
• Represent value for money
• Not be better provided by informal supports or mainstream services

The NDIS may also consider whether supports are age-appropriate. For example, it is expected that parents transport young children, so additional funding might not be granted for child participants in every case.

NDIS and State-Based Taxi Subsidy Schemes

Depending on where you live, you may also be eligible for state-run taxi subsidy schemes, which can complement NDIS transport supports. You cannot claim both subsidies for the same trip, but you can use them in different situations.

Here is a quick overview by state:

• Queensland – Taxi Subsidy Scheme (TSS): May continue alongside NDIS funding.
• New South Wales – Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme (TTSS): Dockets or cards still in use during and after transition.
• Victoria – Multi Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP): Operates in parallel with the NDIS while long-term arrangements evolve.

Speak with your Support Coordinator or check your state government’s website to understand eligibility and use.

Other Travel Tools and Concessions

Depending on the state you live in, you may also be eligible for:

• Companion Cards
• Assistance Animal Permits
• Public transport concessions
• Access passes for touch-free public transport use (e.g., Translink Access Pass in South East Queensland)

You can also download the Digital Wallet app from the Department of Human Services, which stores digital versions of your concession or healthcare cards.

Final Tips for Using NDIS Transport Funding Effectively

• Clearly explain your transport needs during planning meetings
• Combine the NDIS transport allowance with other available concessions and services
• Use Capacity Building funds to improve your travel independence
• Keep records and receipts if your funding is reviewed
• Speak to your Support Coordinator if your transport needs change

Need Help?

Understanding the NDIS can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone.

At Endeavour Foundation, our experienced NDIS specialists are here to help you navigate the system and get the support you need.

We are here to help you get where you need to go.

Get in touch today to see how we can support you.