NDIS Transport Funding & Assistance Services
Transport is vital for freedom and independence and allows you to visit with friends, go to work, go shopping and keep appointments.
Building independence is a common NDIS goal, and transport is a key ingredient needed to achieve this.
There are four ways the NDIS can fund transport arrangements for participants.
What are the funding levels for transport for NDIS participants?
If your disability makes it uncomfortable or prevents you from using public transport, the NDIS may determine it is reasonable and necessary to provide funding for you to access taxis, rideshares (such as UBER), community transport and other identified suitable transport methods.
The amount of Transport Allowance provided depends on your personal situation. The three levels of funding that can be included in your plans as Transport Allowance, a core support is:
- Level 1. If you don’t work, study, or attend day programs but want to increase your community access
- Level 2. If you do work or study for less that 15 hours a week or attend day programs
- Level 3. If you spend more that 15 hours per week at work, studying or seeking employment.
IS TRAVELLING WITH A SUPPORT WORKER INCLUDED AS AN NDIS SUPPORT?
The NDIS can also provide funding to pay a Healthcare Request support worker to drive you or accompany you out. This can include things like medical appointments, shopping trips or social events. This funding is included in your plan as Assistance with Social and Community Participation which is also a core support.
This type of travel support is charged at an agreed hourly rate which includes the total time the Healthcare Request support worker is with you on the outing as well as the time it takes for the worker to travel to and from your residence.
You will also need to cover additional travel costs such as fuel, parking costs, road tolls or tickets to use public transport.
HOW DO NDIS PARTICIPANTS ACCESS SPECIALISED VEHICLES?
If your disability requires you to access a specialised or modified vehicle, the NDIS may be able to help pay for modifications. Funding will only be provided when it is seen as value for money – i.e., if there is a less costly but equally effective alternative available. The NDIS will not pay for the vehicle itself, but may cover needed modifications that help you to:
- Get in and out of the vehicle (with or without a wheelchair)
- Carry your wheelchair in or on the vehicle without lifting it
- Be transported safely while remaining seated in your wheelchair
- Drive the vehicle with specialised controls or other adaptions
There are so many transport options available!
Healthcare Request are passionate about helping participants lead a fulfilled and rich life. Please contact our team today to discuss your transport needs and ask how we can help you become more independent.