NDIS Transport Funding: Your Guide to Coverage and Eligibility

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides transport funding for participants who cannot use public transport due to their disability. This article explains what transport costs the NDIS covers, what remains your responsibility, and how the funding system works.

What Transport Support Does NDIS Cover?

NDIS transport funding helps participants who face substantial difficulties using public transport because of their disability. Your NDIS plan may include funding for:

Personal transport-related aids and equipment that make travel possible for you. The NDIS can fund training programs that teach you how to use public transport safely and confidently. For those unable to travel independently, the NDIS may cover reasonable costs of taxis or other private transport options. Students might receive funding for transport to and from school. The NDIS can fund necessary modifications to private vehicles owned by you or your carers.

Light rail tram Sydney Australia to Circular Quay nighttime transport.

Each transport support in your plan must be reasonable and necessary, directly related to your disability, and help you pursue your goals. The funding takes into account any relevant taxi subsidy schemes that might be available to you.

What Transport Costs Are Not Covered?

Regular public transport fares, including concession fares, remain your responsibility. The NDIS doesn't fund transport infrastructure like modifications to roads, footpaths, or public spaces. Modifications to make public transport or taxis accessible are the responsibility of transport providers, not the NDIS.

Transport costs for animals aren't covered, except for eligible assistance animals included in your NDIS plan. The NDIS also doesn't cover airline lounge memberships, community transport services available to the general public, or transport for families and carers. Day-to-day transport costs that aren't directly related to your disability fall outside NDIS funding.

The Three Levels of Transport Funding

Your transport funding depends on your circumstances:

Level 1 Funding

You can receive approximately $1,784 per year if you're not working or studying but want to enhance your community access. This helps you engage with your community and join social activities.

Level 2 Funding

You can get around $2,676 per year if you work or study part-time (up to 15 hours weekly), attend day programs, or participate in social activities. This level recognises your increased transport needs due to these commitments.

Level 3 Funding

You may receive up to $3,456 per year if you work, study, or actively look for work for at least 15 hours weekly and cannot use public transport because of your disability. This acknowledges the significant transport needs associated with regular work or study.

In some cases, you might qualify for higher funding if your plan includes supports enabling employment participation. This recognises that some participants face extraordinary transport barriers in maintaining employment.

How Transport Funding Works

If you self-manage your transport funding, the NDIS can pay it directly into your bank account every fortnight. These payments happen automatically without requiring claims. Make sure the NDIS has your current bank details to receive these payments.

For agency-managed transport funding, the process works differently. Talk with your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or support coordinator to understand how payments work in your situation.

Transport funding typically becomes available in NDIS plans when participants reach young adulthood, often around age 16. If you think you qualify for transport funding, discuss this with your LAC or planner during your planning meeting.

Getting the Right Support for Your Needs

Your transport needs may change as your life circumstances change. Review your transport needs regularly with your LAC, planner, or support coordinator to ensure you receive appropriate funding.

If your transport needs exceed the standard funding levels, you can request a review. You'll need to provide evidence showing why your disability-related transport needs require additional funding.

Support worker, Phil, standing at the back of a Infinite Disability Services owned disability vehicle.

Focus on how improved transport access connects to your NDIS goals when discussing transport needs with your planner. The right transport support can make a big difference in your ability to live independently and participate fully in your community.

NDIS transport funding aims to increase your independence and community participation. While it doesn't cover all transport costs, it provides crucial support for disability-related transport needs that go beyond typical day-to-day expenses. Contact the NDIS on 1800 800 110 for more information about transport funding options for your specific situation.

Need assistance with Specialised Transport? Get in touch with us today to learn more about our Specialised Transport services across Wollongong and the Illawarra region. We’re ready to support you every step of the way!