Assistance with Transport referrals in Dandenong, VIC

Support to get to activities, work, study and appointments where disability affects independent travel — distinct from a worker’s provider travel.

Assistance with Transport is NDIS-funded support that helps a participant get to and from the places they need to reach - community and social activities, work, study, day programs and appointments - when their disability means they cannot travel independently or use public transport without substantial difficulty. It generally sits in the participant's Core supports budget under the Transport category.

It can take more than one form: recurring transport funding that helps cover the cost of travel (such as taxis, rideshare, community transport and vehicle running costs), and provider-delivered support where a worker drives or accompanies the participant. The funding is for reasonable and necessary transport related to the participant's disability and goals; it is not intended to cover ordinary travel costs that any person would incur.

Assistance with Transport is distinct from 'provider travel', which is the time and costs a provider claims for travelling to deliver a support to a participant. It is also separate from vehicle purchase and vehicle modifications, which are funded under different pathways. Public transport is generally expected where a participant can reasonably use it, sometimes alongside travel training to build independence over time.

Coordinator FAQs

Does Assistance with Transport pay for the support worker's time while they drive the participant?
No - the worker's face-to-face time is usually claimed against the relevant support, such as social and community participation, not against transport funding. Transport funding covers the travel cost itself, including fares, community transport and vehicle running costs the participant is charged. Ask the provider how they intend to…
What's the difference between transport funding and provider travel?
Transport funding helps the participant get where they need to go. Provider travel is the time and cost a provider claims for travelling to reach the participant, or between participants, to deliver a support. They come from different parts of the plan and are claimed differently, so confirm which one you are actually arranging before you…
Does a transport provider have to be NDIS registered?
Not necessarily. Assistance with Transport is not a support that legally requires registration, unlike specialist behaviour support or Specialist Disability Accommodation. Agency-managed participants must use registered providers, while self-managed and plan-managed participants can use registered or unregistered options, including taxis,…
Can transport funding be used for a taxi or rideshare?
Yes. Transport funding can go toward taxis, rideshare, community transport and similar options where the participant cannot use public transport without substantial difficulty due to their disability. Self-managed and plan-managed participants have the most flexibility. Records or receipts are needed for claiming, so check the available…
What if the participant can use some public transport?
The NDIS generally expects public transport to be used where a participant reasonably can. Assistance with Transport then fills the gap - accompanied travel, or funding for the trips public transport cannot cover. Many plans also include travel training to build independence over time, so check the plan's goals and any stated expectations…
How much transport funding is in the plan?
I can't give figures. Transport funding varies with the participant's circumstances and goals, and the NDIS has used tiered levels linked to work, study and community participation. Check the plan itself and the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, and confirm the available amount with the participant or plan manager before…
Does Assistance with Transport cover buying or modifying a vehicle?
No. Vehicle purchase is not funded, and vehicle modifications are funded separately as assistive technology with their own assessment and evidence requirements. Assistance with Transport covers getting the participant to and from activities, not the vehicle itself. If a modified vehicle is the underlying need, that is a different referral…
Can the same worker provide transport and support during an activity?
Often yes. A support worker can drive the participant and deliver the activity support, but the time and the transport are usually claimed separately - activity time against the relevant support, and vehicle running costs against transport under the pricing rules. Ask the provider to confirm how they claim so the budget is used correctly.
What should I include in a transport referral?
Include consent, the participant's NDIS number, plan management type, and the line item or budget the transport will be claimed against. Add the practical detail: where they travel, how often, timing, any mobility or accessibility needs, and vehicle requirements such as wheelchair access. The clearer the brief, the faster a provider can…