Charging for travel as an independent support worker
How to charge travel as an independent NDIS support worker: provider travel time and per-km rules, agreeing it up front, what's claimable, and documenting it on invoices.
Two kinds of travel you can claim
The rules that limit what you can claim
Agree travel up front — always
What is claimable and what is not
Documenting travel on your invoice
Keeping travel efficient
Keep records and check the current rules
Travel and your tax return
Frequently asked questions
Can independent support workers charge for travel?
Yes, within NDIS rules. You can generally claim reasonable provider travel time against the support item and a separate per-kilometre travel cost, both up to the limits in the Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits document and where the participant has agreed. Always confirm the current limits and agree travel in…
How do I charge travel on an NDIS invoice?
Itemise it. List provider travel time as its own line against the correct support item, and per-km travel cost as a separate line showing kilometres and rate, kept apart from the support delivery line. Match each line to your service agreement and keep your own record of dates, distances and times in case a plan…
Is there a limit on how much travel I can claim?
Yes. The NDIS pricing rules cap travel — including how much travel time can be claimed for a support and the conditions under which travel is claimable at all. Claiming beyond the limits, or travel a participant hasn't agreed to, is a common cause of rejected invoices. Check the current pricing document before you…
Should travel be included in my hourly rate?
No. Rolling travel into an inflated hourly rate can push you over the NDIS price limit and get the claim rejected. Keep travel as separate, clearly itemised invoice lines — provider travel time and per-km cost — so it is transparent, within limits, and easy for a plan manager to approve.
Do I need to agree travel charges with the client first?
Yes, always in writing in your service agreement before you start. Travel draws on a participant's finite budget, so they need to know what to expect. Agreeing it up front — whether you charge travel time, per-km, or both, and roughly how much — prevents disputed invoices and awkward conversations later.