NDIS Travel Funding: A Simple Guide
The most important rule: The NDIS does not fund holidays, as these are everyday living expenses. However, the NDIS can and does fund the reasonable and necessary disability supports you need to take that trip.
Cost Breakdown: What's Funded vs. Out-of-Pocket?
✅ NDIS Fundable Supports
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Support Worker's Time: The hourly rate for assistance with personal care, community participation, and other daily tasks during the trip.
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Support Worker's Travel Costs: Travel time, tolls, parking, and vehicle running costs incurred while providing support at the destination.
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Assistive Technology (AT) Rental: Cost to rent essential equipment like a portable hoist, shower commode, or specialised bed.
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Specialised Transport at Destination: Cost of accessible taxis or other specialised transport if already in the plan.
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Capacity Building: Funding for training (e.g., to use public transport) if it aligns with NDIS goals.
❌ Participant's Personal Responsibility
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Travel to/from Destination: Cost of flights, trains, or fuel for both the participant and their support worker.
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Accommodation: The full cost of hotels or lodging for both the participant and their support worker.
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Food and Meals: All costs for groceries and meals for both the participant and their support worker.
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Entertainment and Activities: Entry fees for attractions, tours, and other leisure activities.
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Travel Insurance: The cost of purchasing travel insurance.
How is Travel Support Funded?
From Your Core Supports Budget: Funding is drawn from the flexible Core Supports budget in your NDIS plan, usually from the 'Assistance with Social and Community Participation' category.
Careful Budgeting is Essential: Any trip must be carefully budgeted to ensure you don't use up funds needed for your regular, at-home support for the rest of your plan period.
Aligning with Your NDIS Goals
For travel supports to be "reasonable and necessary," the trip must help you achieve specific goals in your NDIS plan. Examples include:
- Building independence and confidence.
- Developing and enhancing social skills.
- Improving mental health and wellbeing.
- Maintaining family connections.