Understanding how NDIS transport support actually works, rather than just what it is called, makes it much easier to use your funding well. This guide focuses on the mechanics: how transport funding is calculated, the three funding levels it can sit under, what you can and cannot claim, and how to set it up in your plan.
What is NDIS transport support?
NDIS transport support, officially known as Assist Travel or Transport, helps participants get to and from places they need to go, recognising that some people face additional costs and challenges when travelling because of their disability. It is designed to help you participate in employment, education, social activities and other supports across Perth.
It sits apart from other supports in your plan because it specifically covers the cost of getting from one place to another, rather than the cost of the activity itself once you arrive. That distinction matters when you are working out your budget, since a single outing might draw on transport funding for the trip and a different funding category for the support you receive once you get there.
The three NDIS transport funding levels
Transport funding can sit in one of three different budget categories, depending on what it is for and how it is agreed in your plan.
Core Support budget. Most participants receive transport funding here. It is flexible funding you can put toward transport alongside other daily supports, whether that is taxi fares, ride share trips, or paying a support worker to drive you.
Capacity Building budget. Funding sits here when the travel is about building your independence skills, such as travel training that teaches you to use public transport confidently or navigate Perth’s transport system on your own.
Capital Support budget. This covers vehicle modifications or specialised equipment, such as changes to your own car or a contribution toward an adapted vehicle, where this is reasonable and necessary.
Which category your funding sits in affects how flexibly you can use it. Core budget transport funding is generally the easiest to draw on day to day, while Capacity Building and Capital funding are usually tied to a specific purpose agreed in your plan, so it is worth checking your plan documents to see exactly where your transport funding has been allocated.
What you can claim
Once transport funding is agreed in your plan, it can generally cover:
- Taxi, rideshare or petrol costs for trips related to your disability support needs and NDIS goals, such as getting to appointments, work, education or social activities
- A support worker’s time and travel rate if they drive you in their own vehicle, provided they have appropriate insurance and their provider has approved the arrangement
- Public transport assistance, including a support worker travelling with you on buses, trains and ferries while you learn routes and build confidence
- Travel training programs that build your confidence and independence using Perth’s transport network over time, rather than relying on one to one support indefinitely
- Vehicle modifications or a contribution to an adapted vehicle, where this is funded under your Capital Support budget and assessed as reasonable and necessary
Most participants find that a combination of these, rather than a single type of support, gives them the most practical coverage across a typical week.
What you cannot claim
NDIS transport funding is not intended to replace the everyday transport costs any Australian would have. To access it, you need to show your planner that your transport needs go beyond what the general community experiences because of your disability. In practice, this means funding is unlikely to cover:
- General everyday travel that is not connected to your disability support needs or NDIS goals
- The upfront cost of purchasing a standard, unmodified vehicle
- Transport costs that have not been discussed and agreed as part of your NDIS plan
If you are ever unsure whether a particular trip or cost is claimable, it is worth checking with your plan manager or the NDIS directly before booking, rather than after. Keeping a short record of what you have claimed and why also makes it much easier to answer any questions if your funding is reviewed.
Reviewing your transport funding over time
Your transport needs are unlikely to stay exactly the same for the life of your plan. You might start using public transport more independently after travel training, need less support worker assistance over time, or find your circumstances change in ways that increase your travel needs.
It is worth checking in on your transport budget every few months rather than only at your scheduled plan review. If you are consistently running low, or consistently have funding left over, both are useful signals to raise with your planner so your next plan reflects how you are actually using this support.
How to set up transport funding in your plan
Accessing transport support starts at your NDIS planning meeting. Explain clearly where you need to travel regularly, such as work, education, medical appointments, family visits and social activities, and the barriers you face using standard transport options.
Be specific about distances, frequency, and whether you need someone to accompany you or could travel independently with the right support in place. Your plan should clearly state your transport goals and the funding allocated, whether that is a weekly or fortnightly amount in your Core budget or specific funding for a particular purpose, such as travel training or vehicle modifications.
Once funding is approved, check how much you have available and whether there are any restrictions on how it can be used, so you can plan your claims with confidence rather than guessing.
Not every participant receives transport funding automatically. You need to show your planner that your transport needs relate to your disability and go beyond what other members of the community would typically experience. Bringing specific examples of trips, costs and barriers to your planning meeting makes this conversation much easier.
Claiming your transport funding
How you claim depends on how your plan is managed. If you are self-managed, you pay providers directly and claim reimbursement through the NDIS portal, keeping receipts for every trip. Plan-managed participants have a plan manager who pays providers on their behalf, while agency-managed participants use registered providers who submit claims to the NDIA directly. Whichever method applies to you, keep a simple record of trips and costs so you can track your budget through the NDIS myplace portal as the plan year goes on.
For the full picture of how our Assist Travel support services work day to day in Perth, visit our NDIS transport support services page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my NDIS transport funding for Uber or taxis in Perth?
Yes. If you have transport funding in your Core budget, you can use it to pay for taxis, Uber or other ride share services. Keep your receipts and make sure the trips relate to disability support needs or goals in your NDIS plan, since this is one of the most flexible ways participants use their transport allocation.
Do I automatically get transport funding in my NDIS plan?
No, not everyone receives transport funding automatically. You need to demonstrate to your planner that your transport needs relate to your disability and go beyond what other Australians typically experience, with clear examples of where you need to travel and why standard options do not work for you.
Can a support worker drive me in their own car?
Yes, provided they have appropriate insurance, a current driver’s licence, and their provider has approved the arrangement. The NDIS can fund both the support worker’s time and a per kilometre travel rate. Always confirm insurance is in place before travelling.
What is the difference between transport funding and community access funding?
Transport funding, or Assist Travel and Transport, covers the cost of getting from one place to another, including support worker time while travelling. Community access funding covers support worker time once you arrive to take part in an activity. Many outings use both, transport to get there and community access support during the activity itself.
Can I use NDIS transport funding to visit family and friends?
Yes. Transport funding can be used for social visits that support your goals around community participation and maintaining relationships, as long as the transport relates to your disability support needs and helps you take part in community life.
What happens if I need more transport funding than my plan currently allows?
If your transport needs increase, you can raise this at your next plan review and provide examples of the trips and costs involved. Keeping a simple record of your transport use throughout the plan period makes this conversation easier when the time comes.
Can I claim transport funding for trips outside the Perth metropolitan area?
Transport funding is not limited to metropolitan Perth, but any trip still needs to relate to your disability support needs and NDIS goals. If you regularly travel further afield, such as to see family or attend specific services, discuss this with your planner so it is clearly reflected in your plan.
Does unused transport funding roll over to my next plan?
Unused funding generally does not roll over automatically between plan periods. If you consistently have transport funding left over, it may suggest your current allocation is more than you need, which is worth discussing at your next plan review alongside any changes to your travel needs.
