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.
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.
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:
These levels help determine how much transport funding you may be eligible for, based on your travel needs and life goals.
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:
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.
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.
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:
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:
Note: The NDIS does not fund:
If a support worker is driving your car, it must be registered, roadworthy, insured, and safe.
To include transport supports in your NDIS plan, they must meet the NDIS criteria of being reasonable and necessary, which means they must:
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.
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:
Speak with your Support Coordinator or check your state government’s website to understand eligibility and use.
Depending on the state you live in, you may also be eligible for:
You can also download the Digital Wallet app from the Department of Human Services, which stores digital versions of your concession or healthcare cards.
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.