The three transport levels
When the NDIA includes recurring transport funding in your plan, it usually uses one of three levels, depending on what you need to travel for:
- Level 1, community access: $1,784 a year, if you are not working, studying or going to day programs but want to do more in the community
- Level 2, part time work or study: $2,676 a year, if you work or study part time up to 15 hours a week, go to day programs, or take part in other social, recreational or leisure activities
- Level 3, work or study: $3,456 a year, if you work or study, or both, at least 15 hours a week
Who gets transport funding
Transport funding is for people who cannot use public transport, or cannot use it without substantial difficulty, because of their disability. Like every NDIS support, it must be reasonable and necessary and help you pursue the goals in your plan.
The NDIA also considers what help your family, carers and community can reasonably give with transport. If someone already drives you most places, the funding may be lower or not included.
How recurring transport is paid
In plans made in the NDIA's newer computer system, known as PACE, recurring transport shows as its own category, Recurring Transport. If you self manage it, the NDIA pays it to your nominated bank account in fortnightly instalments, in advance, so you can pay for taxis, rideshare, fuel or other transport as you go.
Transport funding can also sit in your Core budget, under category 02 Transport, where you or your plan manager pay transport providers from it. Your plan shows which way your funding is set up.
Getting more than level 3
The levels are a starting point. In some situations the NDIA can fund more, particularly if you have supports in your plan that help you take part in employment. If your transport costs are much higher than your level, for example because you live far from work or need a wheelchair accessible taxi every day, gather evidence.
Keep a log of regular trips, distances and costs, and ask your occupational therapist or employer to explain why you cannot use public transport. Bring this to your planning meeting, or use it to ask for a plan variation if your circumstances change.
Transport and the 2026 changes
Transport is protected from the October 2026 funding reset. Personal mobility equipment and transport are on the government's list of supports that are not affected.
Activity based transport is different. When a support worker drives you to and from community activities, that cost is usually claimed from your community participation budget, which is reduced by 50% when your plan is created, reassessed or renewed from 1 October 2026.
Other help with transport
- State and territory taxi subsidy schemes can reduce the cost of taxi fares
- A Companion Card can let a carer travel or attend events without paying an extra fare or ticket, where accepted
- Travel training, funded from Capacity Building, can help you learn to use public transport safely
- Community transport services run in many areas at low cost