NDIS Transport Funding: The Three Levels, Who Qualifies and What You Can Claim
By FindMyHelp Editorial Team · Reviewed against official sources on
NDIS transport funding is a yearly amount in the core supports part of your plan, set at one of three levels: $1,784, $2,676 or $3,456 a year (NDIS: Transport funding). You generally qualify if you cannot use public transport without substantial difficulty because of your disability.
The level follows what you do in a typical week. Below are the levels, what the money can and cannot pay for, and how providers charge for travel.
The three transport levels
| Level | Per year | Who it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $1,784 | Participants who are not working, studying or attending day programs but want to improve their access to the community |
| Level 2 | $2,676 | Participants who work or study part time (up to 15 hours a week), attend day programs, or take part in social, recreational or leisure activities |
| Level 3 | $3,456 | Participants who work, look for work, or study at least 15 hours a week and cannot use public transport because of their disability |
These amounts are indexed each year, so check the NDIS page for the current figures before you rely on them. The NDIS page does not give fortnightly amounts.
Higher funding is possible in exceptional circumstances, for example where your plan includes supports that let you take part in employment. The published guidance names no higher figure.
Who qualifies for transport funding
For adults, the test is whether you can use public transport without substantial difficulty because of your disability. Any taxi subsidy scheme you can use in your state or territory is taken into account when the NDIA sets your amount.
Transport funding has some firm limits:
- It must relate to your disability and be an extra cost you have only because of your support needs.
- It does not pay for a carer or family member to drive you to everyday activities.
- It does not cover travel for families, carers or providers as such.
- Ordinary day-to-day living costs are not funded, and general transport is usually treated as one.
Children and school travel
Parents are responsible for a child's daily transport, so the NDIS generally does not fund day-to-day transport for children. It may fund specialist transport to and from school, but only when no other suitable option exists and the funding would not replace what a parent is expected to provide (NDIA operational guidance).
What transport funding can pay for
Transport supports can include the reasonable and necessary cost of taxis or other private transport if you cannot travel independently. Typical uses are rides to work, study, a day program or community activities.
The NDIS says it is not responsible for making public transport accessible, including funding concessions, and that it will not make up for a lack of public transport where you live.
How providers charge for transport and travel
When a support worker takes you out, the provider claims the worker's time at the relevant community participation hourly rate. On top of that, providers can claim some non-labour costs so you can get to community participation, employment or higher education:
- public transport fares
- road tolls and parking fees
- reasonable vehicle running costs
- taxi or ride-share fares
Providers may also claim reasonable travel time when they deliver supports in your home or go with you into the community. The exact limits sit in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, and our NDIS price guide summarises them.
Ask for these costs in writing before you start. A service agreement checklist helps you spot charges that are not clear.
How the money is paid in newer plans
For plans approved after 9 October 2024, the NDIA's guidance says core funding uses funding periods set at the funding component level, and the default funding period for core transport is 3 months. Transport funding held as a recurring budget is paid in regular instalments over 12-month funding periods. Check how your own plan shows transport, because it can differ from this default.
Worked example: choosing the right level
Maya works two days a week and cannot use buses because of her disability. If she works or studies at least 15 hours a week, her situation fits Level 3. If she works under 15 hours and also goes to a day program, Level 2 is the closer fit. Which level the NDIA applies is its decision, so bring evidence of your weekly routine and how your disability affects public transport to your planning meeting or plan reassessment.
What to bring to your planning meeting
- A weekly routine showing where you travel, how often and how you get there now.
- A letter from your doctor or therapist explaining why you cannot use public transport without substantial difficulty.
- Quotes or past receipts for taxis, rides or vehicle costs.
- Details of any state or territory taxi subsidy you receive.
- If you want more than Level 3, evidence of the employment supports in your plan.
If you disagree with the amount in your plan, you can ask for a review. Our plan reassessment guide sets out the review steps and time limits.
Find NDIS providers near you
Send one free request and get matched with local providers who have availability. Free for families and carers.
Frequently asked questions
How much transport funding can I get under the NDIS?
The three standard levels are $1,784, $2,676 and $3,456 a year. Higher amounts are possible in exceptional circumstances.
Does the NDIS pay for taxis?
It can. Transport supports may include the reasonable and necessary cost of taxis or other private transport if you cannot travel independently, and any taxi subsidy you can use is taken into account.
Can I use transport funding to pay a family member to drive me?
No. The NDIS does not fund carers or family members to drive a person with disability to everyday activities.
Does the NDIS fund transport for children?
Generally not for day-to-day travel, because parents are responsible for it. Specialist transport to and from school may be funded only when no other suitable option exists.
Where does transport funding sit in my plan?
It sits in the core supports part of your plan. Check your plan to see whether your transport amount is held as a core budget or a recurring budget.