NDIS Transport FAQs

Published at 06-05-2025 10:41:47

Tags: #ForParticipants

If you're an NDIS participant with questions about transport funding, this FAQ covers key information on available supports, planning tips, and state and federal transport responsibilities.

1. What Transport Supports Does the NDIS Fund?

The NDIS provides funding for certain transport-related supports, including:

• Personal transport-related aids and equipment
• Training to help you use public transport independently
• Modifications to private vehicles to improve accessibility and safety
• Reasonable and necessary taxi or private transport costs if independent public transport use is not feasible

These supports are meant to enhance participants’ social and economic engagement, but they do not replace the role of state and federal governments in providing accessible public transport.

2. What Are ‘Reasonable and Necessary’ Supports?

For the NDIS to fund a transport support, it must meet the criteria of being “reasonable and necessary”:

• The support must align with an outcome you’ve outlined in your NDIS plan.
• It should assist with everyday living activities that foster greater social and economic engagement.
• The support might include resources or equipment like wheelchairs, assistive technology, or car modifications.
• It should aid in skill-building for improved independence and quality of life, such as pursuing employment, furthering education, volunteering, or other personal development opportunities.

3. How Can I Prepare for Transport Needs in My NDIS Plan?

To ensure transport needs are considered, be prepared to discuss them in detail during your NDIS planning meeting. Here are some points to consider:

• Current Travel Needs: Reflect on how you travel for work, school, medical appointments, and social events.
• Future Opportunities: Identify how access to transport would impact your life. For example, do you need training to use a bus service, or would increased mobility support help you participate in more activities?
• Vehicle Ownership: If you own a vehicle, consider whether modifications could increase its usability for you or someone who helps with transport. The NDIS may consider modifications such as specialized seating or accessibility features as reasonable and necessary.

4. What Happens to My Mobility Allowance?

If you currently receive the Mobility Allowance and then get an approved NDIS plan, your Mobility Allowance will cease. The NDIS will fund transport support if it is deemed reasonable and necessary within your plan.

5. How Do I Request Transport Funding in My NDIS Plan?

• Prepare Your Case: Before your planning meeting, gather information about your travel habits and needs, including how transport would impact your daily life. If you have specific destinations or activities in mind, mention these in your meeting.
• Link to Plan Goals: Explain how transport support aligns with your NDIS plan goals, whether they’re related to work, community access, education, or social involvement.
• Documentation: Bring any documentation that might support your request, such as medical or occupational therapy reports that highlight your transport needs.

6. What’s the Difference Between Core and Capacity Building Funding for Transport?

• Core Supports: Transport funding under Core Supports typically covers regular transport needs for essential travel, such as work, school, or medical appointments.
• Capacity Building Supports: This funding can be used to build independence in transport, like public transport training or developing driving skills with an adapted vehicle.

Understanding this difference helps you decide which supports are most appropriate for your transport needs.

7. Can I Use Transport Funding for a Support Worker to Drive Me?

• Yes, if you have support worker funding in your NDIS plan, you may be able to use it to have a support worker drive you. Make sure that this aligns with your plan goals and confirm with your NDIS planner to ensure compliance.
• For plan-managed and self-managed participants, using a support worker for transport is often an option, but always verify with the NDIS guidelines and your specific plan requirements.

8. What Transport Modifications Are Covered Under NDIS?

• Vehicle Modifications: NDIS may cover modifications like wheelchair lifts, special seating, or hand controls if you or someone else drives you.
• Assessment Requirement: You may need an assessment by an Occupational Therapist or other qualified professional to confirm that these modifications are reasonable and necessary.
• Additional Quotes: Generally, NDIS requires multiple quotes for these modifications, so be prepared to provide cost estimates.

9. Can Transport Funding Be Used for Interstate or Overseas Travel?

• Interstate Travel: NDIS transport funding may be used for travel within Australia if it aligns with your plan goals.
• Overseas Travel: Typically, transport funding does not extend to overseas trips. However, if traveling overseas is directly related to your goals or required supports, speak with your planner to see if any exceptions might apply.

10. What Are the Limitations of NDIS Transport Funding?

• Cap on Funds: The NDIS sets a cap on transport funding based on individual needs, which may not cover all costs. For instance, participants may need to contribute toward transport costs if their usage exceeds their funding cap.
• State and Federal Responsibilities: The NDIS supports your transport needs, but broader accessibility and public transport services remain the responsibility of state and federal government bodies.

11. Are There Options if My NDIS Transport Funding Is Exhausted?

• Budget Reallocation: Speak with your NDIS planner about possibly reallocating unused funds from other categories in your plan, if applicable.
• Change of Circumstances Review: If your transport needs have increased significantly, consider requesting a "Change of Circumstances Review" to adjust your funding to reflect these needs.