Getting around is extremely important to carry out daily tasks. NDIS funding for transport needs allows individuals to move around easily without the financial burden of doing so. Getting around is vital for meeting friends, traveling to work, and around the city and so it is important you look into seeing if you qualify for this.
What Exactly is Transport Funding?
Whatever we do, we still have to get from one place to another, and it is essential that this is taken care of. Lucky for those who are NDIS participants with an NDIS plan, funding for transport is allocated by the NDIA. How much you get and the type of support you receive is considered by looking at your current situation and how much travel is normally performed by you.
What Type of Transport is Covered?
NDIS-supported transport only covers the participant’s individual travel, as opposed to their families, support providers, or carers. However, support providers may be able to claim some reasonable travel time if providing reasonable and necessary home support. Furthermore, they can be funded if they accompany participants to their community activities.
Some of the possible supports for transport include:
- Transporting students to and from school
- Private transport methods such as taxis
- Costs of public transport
- Public transport training
- Alterations to private vehicles to make them accessible
- Driver training and assessments
Supports must be accessed by the NDIA based on general support criteria. These must all be related to the participant’s disability and their general ability to perform everyday actions.
Modification of Cars
Regarding the alteration of cars, the NDIS may provide some funding under Category 5. You will not be compensated for the entire vehicle, but certainly will still be supported to an extent. Do keep in mind that this process must offer value for money. This means that if there is a cheaper and better solution, NDIS may not sponsor you.
Some of these modifications may include:
- Assistance to help you move in and out of the vehicle with/without the presence of a wheelchair
- Move your wheelchair around without having to lift it up
- Being moved around whilst in your wheelchair
- Controlling vehicle movements with specialised controls or other similar adaptions
Criteria for Accessing NDIS Funding for Transport Needs
If taking the train or metro is not something that is easy for you to do, NDIS is able to fund private transportation such as taxis or community transportation. However, there is a criterion that you must meet to access these transportation services.
- Is this support related directly to the disability?
- Is it worth the money?
- Does it allow you to pursue the goals set out in your NDIS Plan or be more involved with those in your community?
- Do you have any other sources of support separate from the NDIS?
- Is this unreasonable to request the informal support network for their support?
- Can this be anything else as opposed to a daily expense?
Levels of Transportation Allowance
In applying for funding, ensure that you state the reasons why you do not prefer public transportation. This will ensure that your needs are considered. Hence, your NDIS plan will be just how you like it.
There are three levels of support needs within the NDIS package of the category ‘transport support’
- Level 1: This is for if you are not working nor studying, or attending programs during the day. However, you still need transport to move around the community. NDIS provides up to $1,606 annually.
- Level 2: For those studying or in part-time work, or who have committed to social community groups. The NDIS provides up to $2,472 annually.
- Level 3: For those studying at least 15 hours a week, and looking for work. If you are unable to utilize public transport, the NDIS provides up to $3,456 annually.
These payments will be transferred to participants every 2 weeks. Since it is core support, it is included in the NDIS plan under the Support category 2, or ‘transport.’ Check this out if you are unsure what core supports really mean.
These payments are mainly used to pay drivers to move you around your commitments and locations. However, it is not expected to be inclusive of your gas fees, tips, or any other expenses such as toll. It also cannot be paid towards informal support like family or friends, to be your own personal driver.
Support Worker Compensation
However, although you cannot pay informal support, NDIS does provide funding to pay support workers. This is if their role is to transport you around, and accompany you so that you are safe during your day to day activities.
Gain Back Your Independence Now and Get onto a Plan!
Independence is one of the big goals within NDIS partiicpants, and being able to travel by oneself contributes to this greatly. Hence, if you have not already, look over the different plans and requirements and see if they are appropriate for you.