Transport Funding

Transport plays a significant role in promoting freedom and independence, particularly for individuals with impairments. It enables them to connect with friends, family, and their communities, facilitating social interactions that are essential for emotional well-being. Additionally, reliable transportation is crucial for accessing employment opportunities, healthcare services, and social activities, all of which contribute to a fulfilling life. Without viable transport options, individuals may feel isolated and limited in their daily activities, underscoring the importance of addressing transport needs within disability support frameworks.

 

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) recognises the vital role that transport plays in enhancing the lives of participants. As such, it provides funding for transport arrangements in four distinct ways. These arrangements can include the costs associated with using public transport, hiring taxis, or even purchasing modified vehicles when necessary. By offering financial support for transportation, the NDIS helps ensure that individuals with disabilities can navigate their environments, engage in social and community activities, and maintain their independence while managing transport-related challenges. This funding empowers NDIS participants to lead more active and integrated lives.

 

Getting around

If your level of your impairment makes it uncomfortable or impossible for you to use public transport, the NDIS may decide it’s reasonable and necessary to provide funding to access taxis, rideshares, community transport, and other suitable transport methods.

 

How much transport allowance the NDIS provides annually (yearly) will depend on your personal situation and how often you study or work.

 

There are three levels of funding that can be included in your NDIS plan as Transport Allowance under the core support:

• Level 1 – If you are not doing any work, study, or attending day programs but you want to increase your community access, the NDIS will provide you with roughly $1,784 per year for transport
• Level 2 – If you are doing work or study less than 15 hours per week, or even attending day programs, the NDIS can give you roughly up to $2,676 per year for transport
• Level 3 – If you spend more than 15 hours per week doing work, study, or looking for work, you can receive roughly up to $3,456 per year for transport

 

These funds must be used for transport only to drive you to an activity or appointment with another provider. This support isn’t intended to cover any tips to the driver, petrol, or any other expenses during the trip. These funds cannot be used to pay family members or friends to drive you around.

Travelling with support worker

The NDIS can also provide you with funding to pay support workers to drive you around or accompany you out into the community. This may include things like shopping trips, social events, or transport to your medical appointments.

 

This funding is included in your plan as Assistance with Social and Community Participation, which is also a core support. These trips are charged at an agreed hourly rate, which includes the total time your support worker attends the outings and can also cover the time it takes your support worker to travel to and from your residence.

 

Support workers may also charge participants for additional travel costs, such as road tolls, parking costs, or a ticket for public transport. It is always important to discuss these matters prior signing the service agreement.

Building your independence through transport

Building independence is a NDIS goal, and transport plans play a big role in that. If your impairment makes it hard for you to get around but you want to learn to overcome these challenge and travel independently, you might be eligible for funding for public transport training or even driving lessons.

 

This funding is included in your plan under Support Category 15 (Improved Daily Living), which is a Capacity Building support designed to build your independence, skills and confidence.

Intentions & Objectives

Our primary objective is to reach all Australians and make a positive difference through our services. We believe that everyone should have access to the resources and support they need to improve their lives. This commitment drives us to actively engage with diverse communities across the country, ensuring that our services are not only available but also tailored to meet the unique needs of different groups.

 

We recognise that this scheme has been implemented with the intention of helping individuals and families navigate challenges they may face. With this understanding, one of our key goals is to enhance the accessibility of our services. We want to break down barriers that might prevent eligible Australians getting the most out of the support available to them. This includes simplifying application processes, providing information in multiple languages, and leveraging technology to reach people in remote areas.

 

Furthermore, we are dedicated to raising awareness about our services through community outreach, partnerships, and information campaigns. By informing more Australians about what we offer and how they can benefit, we aim to foster a sense of inclusivity and empowerment.

 

Ultimately, we aspire to create a more equitable society where every eligible Australian can access our services and experience the positive impact we strive to deliver. Together, we can work towards enhancing the quality of life for individuals and contributing to the well-being of communities throughout the nation.

 

Our services are tailored to each NDIS participant’s specific needs. For more information about our services, contact our friendly team now at 1300 99 49 49 or email us at enquiries@primeas.org.