NDIS Transport Funding Explained

Recurring transport helps with eligible journeys

The NDIA describes recurring transport as a support category that may help eligible participants travel to work, study, community activities, day programs and other activities. This can include taxis, rideshare services and other private travel. Not every participant has this funding, and the amount is based on the circumstances the NDIA considers.

The NDIA also considers the reasonable help available from family, carers and community networks. Explain what help is actually available rather than assuming relatives can provide unlimited transport. The official recurring supports guidance listed below describes the current levels and payment arrangements. Check it directly rather than relying on a quoted rate in an older article.

Recurring transport may be paid regularly into a nominated bank account. Check your own plan and payment arrangements before booking ongoing journeys. A regular payment is not a promise that it will cover every trip you want or need to make, particularly where distance, accessibility or local service availability increases costs.

Support-worker transport and provider travel are different

Activity-based transport generally concerns transport delivered as part of a support, such as a worker accompanying or driving you during community participation. Depending on the relevant rules and agreement, charges may include the worker's time and permitted vehicle-related costs. Ask the provider to explain each component, the budget involved and how shared trips are charged.

Provider travel concerns a worker travelling to deliver a support, rather than transporting you. A therapist travelling to your home is different from a support worker taking you to an activity. Check whether travel can be claimed for the particular support, what you have agreed to pay and whether costs are shared between participants.

The NDIA's pricing documents set out the relevant conditions. These arrangements can change, so request an explanation using the currently applicable pricing guidance listed below. An invoice should make the support delivered understandable. Do not assume a kilometre charge includes worker time, parking or tolls, or that all proposed charges are claimable.

Explain the disability-related barriers, not just the destination

A useful description goes beyond saying that buses are difficult or taxis are expensive. Explain what happens when you try to travel: reaching the stop, boarding, finding a seat, managing crowds, understanding announcements, transferring, navigating changes or responding to an unexpected disruption. Include whether difficulties change with fatigue, time of day or unfamiliar environments.

An occupational therapist may assess the functional demands of travel where clinically appropriate. The assessment can consider mobility, cognition, sensory needs, communication and the assistance required for a journey. It should also recognise your existing skills and preferences. A report can clarify needs, but it does not determine which transport supports the NDIA will fund.

Prepare a realistic travel picture

Keep a practical record of your usual destinations, journey frequency, approximate costs and the support currently used. Include work, study, relationships and community participation, not only appointments. Note local accessibility barriers and any reliable transport alternatives. Distinguish the fare itself from assistance needed before, during or after the journey.

Bring your current plan and relevant reports to discussions with your my NDIS contact or support coordinator. Ask how each proposed support fits your budget and whether funding periods or other restrictions affect access. The NDIA's guide to using your funding listed below explains the different support budgets; their names do not make every travel expense eligible.

Before signing a service agreement, ask for a written explanation of hourly charges, vehicle charges, cancellations and any parking or toll costs. Check how bookings are approved and invoices reviewed. If the same journey appears to involve recurring transport and a provider claim, ask how the arrangements avoid charging twice for the same expense.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use NDIS funding for all taxi trips? Not automatically. Recurring transport is available only where included for your circumstances, and other transport claims must meet the relevant plan and claiming requirements. Ask how a proposed trip should be paid before assuming a taxi receipt can be reimbursed from any available budget.

Can the NDIS help me learn to use public transport? Disability-related travel training may be considered where it is an appropriate support under your plan. Assessment should consider your goals, existing abilities, safety and the assistance required. Training is not suitable for everyone and should not be presented as a guaranteed route to travelling without support.

Get clarification before committing to regular costs

To discuss daily functioning or disability-related support needs, contact Today & Tomorrow Allied Health Services to discuss an appropriate assessment. Confirm the scope, suitability, fees and availability before proceeding. Funding decisions and plan permissions should be clarified with the NDIA; an assessment does not guarantee funding.

This information is general and does not establish an individual transport entitlement. Current NDIS guidance, pricing conditions and plan arrangements can change.