Understanding NDIS Transport Funding: Your Essential Guide -

Quick answer: The NDIS funds transport at three levels based on how much you work or study. If not working or studying, up to

Understanding NDIS Transport Funding: Your Essential Guide

,606 per year. Under 15 hours per week, up to $2,472. At 15 hours or more per week, up to $3,456. These funds pay transport providers directly — they cannot be used for personal vehicle costs.

Transport can make or break independence. For many NDIS participants, getting to work, a therapy session, or a community activity isn’t just a logistics question — it’s directly tied to how much they can participate in everyday life.

What NDIS transport funding covers — at a glance

Transport type	NDIS budget category	Notes
Support worker drives you	Core — Assistance with Transport	Includes provider mileage costs
Your own vehicle costs	Core — Transport	Requires formal approval in your plan
Accessible taxi or rideshare	Core — Transport	Must be a disability-related trip
Vehicle modifications	Capital — Assistive Technology	Hand controls, hoists, swivel seats
Travel training	Capacity Building — Daily Activities	Learning to use public transport independently

Transport funding must be stated in your NDIS plan. If it is not there, it generally cannot be claimed — raise it with your planner at your next review.

The NDIS provides transport funding to address exactly this. Here’s how it works.

When does the NDIS fund transport?

The NDIS considers your individual situation to determine what transport support is appropriate. If your disability makes it difficult or impossible to use public transport independently, the NDIS may fund taxis, rideshares, and other suitable options. The amount available depends on how often you work or study.

The three levels of NDIS Transport Allowance

Transport funding is divided into three levels based on work and study participation. These figures are reviewed annually — check the NDIS transport funding page for current rates.

Level	Who it applies to	Annual amount (2024-25)
Level 1	Not working, studying, or attending regular programs	Up to $1,606
Level 2	Working or studying under 15 hours per week	Up to $2,472
Level 3	Working or studying 15 hours or more per week	Up to $3,456

These funds can only be used to pay transport providers — they can’t be used for petrol, tips, or personal vehicle expenses.

What transport funding does not cover

Transport funding is not for journeys where you’re travelling alongside a support worker. When you travel with a support worker, the NDIS covers their transport costs separately — for example, under Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation. There are also separate line items for transport to specific therapies or services.

Building transport independence

Beyond getting from A to B, the NDIS can fund supports that help you travel independently over time. This includes public transport training and, in some cases, driving lessons, where your disability makes independent travel difficult. These are funded under Support Category 15 (Improved Daily Living) and are aimed at building confidence and reducing reliance on funded transport.

Vehicle modifications

If a standard vehicle isn’t accessible for you, the NDIS may fund modifications under Assistive Technology. This can include adaptations for easier vehicle access, equipment for safe wheelchair transport, or specialised driving controls.

Working out what you’re entitled to

Transport funding can feel like one of the more complicated parts of an NDIS plan because it intersects with work, study, therapy, and community participation in different ways. The best starting point is the NDIS transport funding page, which outlines current rates and eligibility requirements.

If you want help working through how transport might fit into your plan, we’re happy to talk it through. Our team supports participants across Southern Adelaide and can help clarify what to request at your next plan review.