Can NDIS Pay for Travel and Transport?

National Disability Insurance Scheme or NDIS aims to provide differently-abled citizens lead a normal life in society by providing them with necessary support and services. A person is eligible for NDIS travel allowance only if he/she is unable to access public transport.

In this article, you will get a brief idea about what type of allowances you can avail of, up to how much and how to apply.

Eligibility Criteria to Avail Travel and Transport Allowances

NDIS offers allowances for travelling and transportation services including but not limited to attending appointments or activities that are related to NDIS plan goals. 

Travel and transport allowances one is eligible for:

1. Transportation to and from medical appointments. This also includes therapy sessions and other supporting services.
2. Travelling to various community and social activities. These include visiting friends, attending events and recreational activities.
3. Using public or private commuting services like private taxis or specialised disability transport providers.

One is also eligible to get an allowance from the NDIS for vehicle modification provided it is needed for the individual’s disability.

Level of Support One Gets as NDIS Travel Allowance

There are 3 levels of support one person gets from the NDIS as their travelling and transportation expense. They are:

Level 1 

This is the basic level of NDIS travel allowance you can get. Individuals can get support from $0 to $1606. However, to be eligible for this level you must fulfil the following conditions:

1. You are neither a student nor work anywhere.
2. Do not attend any day programmes
3. Want to join in activities within the community? (also includes volunteering)

Level 2

An individual is entitled to get financial support from $1606 to $2472 if they fulfil the following criteria:

1. Work as a part-time employee for less than 15 hours a week
2. Study part-time for less than 15 hours a week
3. Attend certain day programmes
4. Join certain social or recreational activities like sports

Level 3

This is the highest level of travel allowance support you can get. In this level, an individual is entitled to allowances of $2472 up to $3456. However, to be eligible, an individual must fulfil the below mentioned criteria:

1. Working or studying full-time for more than 15 hours a week
2. Or is actively looking for employment

There are qualified plan managers for NDIS who can guide you on what level of allowance you are entitled to and how to apply.

4 Instances where You are Eligible for Travelling and Transportation Allowance

Some common instances where you can get a travel allowance:

1. Attend training and workshops
2. Attending Specialist Assessments like psychological or diagnostic evaluation
3. Rehabilitation after any kind of injury
4. Assistive technology training

Although NDIS provides substantial travelling allowances, you can claim them only on a disability priority basis. For instance, you cannot claim an NDIS travel allowance on your regular commute to school or work as NDIS considers them as ordinary living expenses.