Transport is essential for social and economic participation for people with disabilities. Meeting a child's daily transportation requirements is crucial, especially for children with disabilities. NDIS transport funding is provided based on what is considered ‘reasonable and necessary’ to meet the participant’s disability-related needs. NDIS funding helps cover additional transport costs for those who cannot use public transport due to their disability. Understanding how transport is funded under the NDIS can help you make the most of your plan.
NDIS Transport Funding
NDIS transport funding supports travel related to community access, work, study, medical appointments, and running errands. It’s important to discuss your transport needs during your NDIS planning meeting to ensure they are factored into your plan, including the relevant taxi subsidy scheme, which is considered as part of the funding support for transport provided by the NDIS, with different levels of financial support based on the participants' circumstances and needs. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available:
General Transport Funding
Eligibility: Participants unable to use public transport due to their disability. The NDIS also considers the relevant taxi subsidy scheme when determining transport funding. This scheme is part of the funding support for transport provided by the NDIS, with different levels of financial support based on the participants' circumstances and needs.
Uses: Taxis, rideshares, and other transport services to access activities and appointments.
Funding Levels: The amounts are allocated per year for participants based on their specific needs.
Level 1: Up to $1,606 per year for community access and social participation.
Level 2: Up to $2,472 per year for part-time work, study, attending day programs, and recreational activities.
Level 3: Up to $3,456 per year for full-time work, study, or job-seeking.
Specialised Transport
Purpose: Transport to school, work, or community activities that cannot be accessed using public transport.
Requirements: Needs to be stated in your NDIS Plan and often requires a quote.
Capacity Building Supports
Travel Training: Helps you learn to use public transport independently.
Vehicle Modifications: Funds to modify a vehicle for self-driving or to be driven by others.
Eligibility: Participants who are currently working, studying, or attending day programs may qualify for different levels of funding.
Additional Public Transport Options
Service Provider and Community Transport: Some disability service providers offer bus services, and there are independent community transport providers. These options are useful for door-to-door transport needs. Managing transport funds within the Core supports budget is essential for accessing additional transport funding.
Private Vehicle Use: You may use your own vehicle or a family member’s vehicle for transport. However, NDIS does not cover fuel costs. Vehicle modifications can be funded under the Capital Supports budget if necessary for disability needs. Transport support can include vehicle modifications and support worker transport.
Exceptional Circumstances
Participants with employment-related supports in their plan may receive higher transport funding. It’s important to demonstrate how additional transport supports help achieve your goals. Proposed transport support must be justified as necessary to achieve the participant's goals.
Taxi Subsidy Schemes
Participants can access taxi subsidy schemes in some states, such as Western Australia. These schemes provide financial assistance for taxi fares for people with severe disabilities who cannot use public transport without substantial difficulty.
For more information about the Taxi User Subsidy Scheme (TUSS):
Western Australia, visit Department of Transport WA.
Queensland, visit Taxi Subsidy Scheme and Lift Payment
New South Wales, visit Transport NSW
Victoria, visit Safe Transport Victoria
Preparing for Your NDIS Plan Meeting
Identify Needs: Think about situations where you cannot travel independently. Consider how proposed transport support represents value for money and meets your disability-related needs.
Discuss Aids and Equipment: Mention any personal transport-related aids you might need. Discussing your needs thoroughly can help you access funding for necessary transport supports.
Propose Training: Suggest any travel training that could help you use public transport.
What NDIS Does Not Fund
Public Transport Tickets: These are considered day-to-day living costs.
Transport for Family Members: Funding is only for the participant’s transport needs.
General Child Transport: Parents are expected to meet their child's daily transportation requirements. However, the NDIS may consider funding for transport if it is reasonable and necessary, especially for children with disabilities who may need additional assistance.
Getting Advice About Your Transport Budget
Consult your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or Support Coordinator for guidance on making the best use of your NDIS transport budget. Understanding the different levels of funding support can help you make the best use of your NDIS transport budget. They can help you understand your options and ensure you receive adequate funding.
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