If you can’t use public transport because of your disability, NDIS transport funding may be one of the most useful parts of your plan. It’s money specifically set aside to help you get to work, study, medical appointments, community activities and social events – the places you need and want to go.
But NDIS transport funding can be confusing. There are three levels, different rates, strict rules about how you can spend it, and it works alongside state-based taxi subsidy schemes. Get it wrong and you could be missing out on support you’re entitled to – or accidentally breaching NDIS rules.
In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about NDIS transport funding in 2026 – the three levels, exact dollar amounts, eligibility rules, how to claim, state-based taxi subsidies, and how to request higher funding if you need it.
What Is NDIS Transport Funding?
NDIS transport funding (also called transport allowance) is a specific type of funding in your plan that helps pay for travel related to your disability. It’s separate from the travel costs your providers charge — this is money for your travel, to get to appointments, work, study, and community activities.
Transport funding sits in your Core Supports budget under Support Category 02 (Transport). It’s typically paid fortnightly into your nominated bank account or managed through your plan manager or NDIS portal.
Key Facts About NDIS Transport Funding
- Part of your Core Supports budget
- Usually “stated” funding — quarantined for transport purposes only (cannot be used flexibly for other Core supports)
- Three levels with different dollar amounts
- Typically paid fortnightly to your bank account
- You can use state taxi subsidy schemes alongside NDIS transport funding
- Does NOT cover carers’ transport costs to transport you
Who Qualifies for NDIS Transport Funding?
To access NDIS transport funding, you generally need to meet this criteria from the official NDIS:
“A participant will generally be able to access funding through the NDIS for transport assistance if the participant cannot use public transport without substantial difficulty due to their disability.”
“Substantial difficulty” can mean a range of things — physical mobility limitations, sensory impairments, cognitive challenges, psychosocial conditions that make crowded public transport unsafe, or communication needs that make navigating transport systems impossible.
The NDIA also takes into account:
- Any relevant state taxi subsidy scheme you can use
- Informal supports from family and friends (but carers’ transport costs aren’t covered by NDIS)
- Your goals — especially work, study, and community participation
- Other services — like community transport options in your area
The Three Levels of NDIS Transport Funding
The NDIA has three standard levels of transport funding, each with a fixed annual amount. Your level depends on your work/study status and community access needs.
| Level | Annual Amount | Fortnightly (approx) | Who It’s For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $1,784/year | ~$69 | Participants not working, studying or attending day programs, but seeking to enhance community access |
| Level 2 | $2,676/year | ~$103 | Currently working or studying part-time (up to 15 hours/week), attending day programs, or social/recreational activities |
| Level 3 | $3,456/year | ~$133 | Currently working, looking for work, or studying at least 15 hours/week, and unable to use public transport |
All amounts verified directly from the official NDIS Transport Funding page.
Which Level Is Right for You?
Ask yourself these questions:
- Are you working or studying? If no to both, you’re likely Level 1.
- Are you working/studying less than 15 hours/week? Level 2.
- Working/studying 15+ hours/week (or actively looking for work)? Level 3.
If your situation changes during your plan — e.g., you start studying, get a job, or increase your hours — you can request a plan reassessment to move up a level. Your support coordinator can help document the evidence needed.
What You Can Spend NDIS Transport Funding On
Transport funding can be used for a range of disability-related travel:
- Taxi and rideshare fares (Uber, Didi, etc.)
- Specialised disability transport services
- Community transport services (if they charge a fee)
- Private vehicle expenses — fuel, parking (in limited cases)
- Public transport — if you need to pay for support to travel with you
What Transport Funding DOES NOT Cover
- Carers’ transport costs — when your family member or informal carer drives you
- Vehicle modifications — these come from Capital Supports, not transport funding
- Purchasing a vehicle — NDIS doesn’t pay for cars
- Vehicle registration or insurance
- Speeding fines or parking tickets
- Travel for family members (only your travel is covered)
- Transport outside Australia
Provider Travel vs Participant Transport Funding
This trips up a lot of people. There are two different types of transport in the NDIS, and they come from different budgets:
| Type | Who Pays | From Which Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Participant Transport (this article) | You pay for your own taxi/Uber/transport | Core — Transport (stated support) |
| Provider Travel | You pay the provider to travel to you | Comes out of the relevant service budget (e.g., therapy) |
So if your OT drives 30 minutes to your home, their travel comes from your Improved Daily Living (therapy) budget — not your transport allowance. Provider travel rates are set in the NDIS Price Guide 2025-26.
Note: From 2025-26, therapists can only charge travel at 50% of their hourly rate. For example, an OT charging $193.99/hr can only bill $97.00/hr for travel. This change significantly reduces the cost of therapist home visits against your plan.
Taxi Subsidy Schemes by State
Every Australian state and territory has its own Taxi Subsidy Scheme — and you can use it alongside NDIS transport funding. The schemes subsidise a portion of your taxi fare, and you use your NDIS transport allowance to pay the rest.
| State | Scheme Name | Subsidy | Max per Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme (TTSS) | 50% of fare | $60/trip |
| VIC | Multi-Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP) | 50% of fare | $60/trip (annual cap $2,180) |
| QLD | Taxi Subsidy Scheme (TSS) | 50% of fare | $30/trip |
| SA | South Australian Transport Subsidy Scheme (SATSS) | 50% ambulant / 75% wheelchair | $20 ambulant / $30 wheelchair |
| WA | Taxi User Subsidy Scheme (TUSS) | Up to 75% of fare | Varies by category |
| TAS | Transport Access Scheme | 50% non-wheelchair / 60% wheelchair | $25 non-wheelchair / $30 wheelchair |
| ACT | Taxi Subsidy Scheme | 50% or 75% (depending on category) | $29 (50%) / $44.50 (75%) |
| NT | NT Taxi Subsidy Scheme (NTTS) | 75% of fare | Varies by category |
Important for Queensland participants: The Queensland Government has confirmed eligible NDIS participants can continue to access the TSS until appropriate transport support arrangements are in place — up to 31 December 2026.
How to Use Both Together (NSW Example)
Example: You take a $40 taxi to a medical appointment.
- You show your TTSS smartcard to the driver
- The state subsidy pays 50% = $20
- You pay the remaining $20 using your NDIS transport funding (from your fortnightly allocation)
This is the most cost-effective way to use both systems. If you don’t have a state taxi subsidy card yet, apply through your state transport authority — it’s free.
Exceptional Circumstances: Getting More Than Level 3
If your situation doesn’t fit the standard three levels, the NDIA may approve higher transport funding in exceptional circumstances. Official wording:
“Participants may receive higher funding if the participant has either general or funded supports in their plan to enable their participation in employment.”
In practice, this usually applies when:
- You’re working or studying in a remote area with no public transport options
- Your employment requires significant daily travel
- You have very specific transport needs due to complex disability
- Standard levels would prevent you from participating in employment or education
How to Request Higher Funding
- Document your circumstances thoroughly. Keep a transport log showing actual weekly travel costs.
- Gather evidence. Letters from your employer, educational institution, or allied health team supporting your need.
- Raise it at your planning meeting. Be specific: “I need more than $3,456 because [specific employment/education reason] requires [specific travel pattern].”
- Work with your support coordinator. They can help build the case and advocate on your behalf.
- Request a plan reassessment if your circumstances change mid-plan.
Higher transport funding is not common and requires explicit NDIA approval. But when the case is strong, it’s absolutely possible.
How NDIS Transport Funding Is Paid
There are three ways transport funding can be paid, depending on how your plan is managed:
NDIA-Managed
The NDIS pays your transport funding directly into your nominated bank account, usually fortnightly. You use these funds to pay for taxis, rideshare, or other disability-related transport. You don’t need to submit receipts — but you must keep records in case of audit.
Plan-Managed
Your plan manager handles the transport funding. You can either:
- Have the plan manager pay invoices for transport directly (e.g., for a specialist transport provider)
- Request funds be paid to you as reimbursement with receipts
Self-Managed
The NDIA deposits the funding, you manage it, and you keep records for audit purposes. You have the most flexibility but also the most responsibility.
Not sure which option is right for you? Read our guide on NDIS management options.
How to Maximise Your NDIS Transport Funding
1. Apply for Your State Taxi Subsidy Scheme
Free to apply, stackable with NDIS funding. Halves your taxi costs immediately.
2. Use Rideshare Apps for Better Value
Uber, Didi, and Ola are often cheaper than taxis and easier to book. You can use NDIS transport funding for these.
3. Plan Weekly Travel in Advance
Your fortnightly transport allocation covers 2 weeks. Plan your travel so your funding stretches across the full period — don’t blow it in the first 3 days.
4. Use Community Transport Where Available
Many local councils run subsidised community transport. Check with your council — these services are often cheaper than taxis and you can still pay with NDIS transport funding.
5. Request a Higher Level at Plan Reassessment
If you’ve started working, studying, or your circumstances have changed, request a higher transport level. Bring evidence.
6. Talk to Your Support Coordinator
A good support coordinator can help you identify the right level, apply for state subsidy schemes, and advocate for exceptional circumstances funding.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using transport funding for carers’ costs — not covered, and claiming it is considered misuse
- Ignoring state taxi subsidies — you could be halving your taxi costs and aren’t
- Assuming it rolls over — transport funding is part of your quarterly NDIS funding period — rollover rules apply
- Claiming vehicle modifications — that’s Capital Supports, not transport funding
- Using it for travel that’s not disability-related — holidays, etc. are not covered
Frequently Asked Questions
How much NDIS transport funding can I get?
Three levels: Level 1 ($1,784/year) for community access, Level 2 ($2,676/year) for part-time work/study, Level 3 ($3,456/year) for full-time work/study. In exceptional circumstances related to employment, you may receive higher funding.
How often is NDIS transport funding paid?
Typically fortnightly into your nominated bank account. Level 1 is ~$69/fortnight, Level 2 is ~$103/fortnight, Level 3 is ~$133/fortnight.
Can I use NDIS transport funding for Uber?
Yes — rideshare services like Uber, Didi, and Ola are allowed uses of NDIS transport funding, as long as the travel is disability-related.
Can I use a state Taxi Subsidy Scheme together with NDIS transport funding?
Yes — and you should. Apply for your state’s scheme (TTSS in NSW, MPTP in VIC, TSS in QLD, etc.) and use the subsidised portion alongside your NDIS funding. It’s the most cost-effective approach.
Can my family member be paid to drive me places under NDIS transport funding?
No. Carers’ transport costs (including family members driving you) are not covered by NDIS transport funding. However, some programs like Capacity Building Supports may cover paid support workers who travel with you.
What if my transport needs change?
Request a plan reassessment. If you’ve started studying, got a job, or lost access to informal transport, this warrants moving up a level. Your support coordinator can help prepare the request.
Is NDIS transport funding the same as provider travel?
No. Transport funding is for your travel. Provider travel is what you pay when a provider (like an OT or support worker) travels to you — that comes out of the relevant service budget. See our NDIS Price Guide for provider travel rates.
What happens to unused transport funding?
Under the new NDIS funding periods system, unused funds roll over to the next period within your plan. Any funding unused at plan end returns to the NDIS.
How Centre of Hope Can Help
Understanding NDIS transport funding is just the start — getting the right level and using it strategically is where a good support coordinator makes a real difference. At Centre of Hope, we help participants across Western Sydney and NSW:
- Identify the right transport level based on your situation and goals
- Apply for state taxi subsidy schemes (TTSS for NSW participants)
- Stack NDIS funding with state subsidies for maximum value
- Request higher funding where exceptional circumstances apply
- Plan your travel budget across fortnightly and quarterly periods
- Advocate at plan reassessments when your circumstances change
Your goals. Your plan. Our support.
📞 Call us: 0432 250 900
🌐 Visit: centreofhope.com.au
📝 Refer: Submit a referral
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Rates verified from the official NDIS Transport Funding page as at April 2026. NDIS policies may change. State taxi subsidy schemes have their own eligibility rules and may be updated. Refer to the official NDIS website for the most current information.
