People living with disabilities have different and unique needs. The NDIS funding is here to offer the support you need to enable you to work towards your goals, with a disability. The funding is usually based on the ‘necessary’ or ‘reasonable’ to work toward goals in addition to the support offered by family, friends, and the community. Generally, NDIS plans cover three significant types of support budgets. Find out more about these below and how you can use the transport budget to complement your life.
Core Budgets of NDIS
The core budget is flexible and includes the following four categories of support:
- Consumables: These include everyday items needed for survival, like continence aids.
- Daily activities: They include support for self-care activities.
- Assistance with Social and Community Participation: These supports enable people to engage in recreational and social activities.
- Transport: If your disability limits you from using public transport, this support ensures you can easily move from one place to another.
Equally important, you can use the Core budget fund in one category to get support under another type depending on your needs. At Adairs Bus & Van Hire, we focus on offering you the most seamless transport service you require. The following section focuses on NDIS funding for transport and how you can make the most out of it.
NDIS Funding for Transport
Transport is an important part of human life and necessary for independence and freedom. With seamless access to transport service, you can visit and meet friends, get to work, and travel around town. The following are the ways NDIS fund transport arrangements and some transport tips to ensure you get the most out of it.
Getting Yourself Around
If you have a disability that makes it physically hard to move around easily or with public transport, NDIS can determine whether it is necessary or reasonable to offer funds for accessing rideshares, taxis, community transport, or other available transport methods.
The amount offered yearly for transport depends on the personal situation. The transport allowance generally has three levels:
- Level 1: For individuals who don’t work, study, or attend day programs, they’re put in this level to enhance their community access. The NDIS offers $1,606 annually for transport services.
- Level 2: For those working and studying less than 15 hours per week, NDIS offers up to $2,472 yearly for transport.
- Level 3: For those who spend over 15 hours commuting weekly for work, study, or looking for a job, NDIS provides up to $3,456 annually.
These funds should only be used for transport and will not cover other areas like filling gas, offering driver tips, or other expenses during the trip.
Travelling With a Support Worker
NDIS also offers to fund support workers who can drive you around and accompany you in attending community activities. These include activities like social events, shopping trips, or medical appointments.
The support workers usually charge the trips on an hourly basis. It is essential to discuss the charges beforehand and sign a service agreement to determine the service’s total cost.
Increasing Independence through Transport
Independence is one of the major goals of NDIS support. The transport plans aim to build independence even if your disability makes it challenging to move around. You are eligible for funding for various amenities like driving lessons and public transport training.
Specialised Vehicles
If you need specialised or modified movements, NDIS can pay for the modifications under the ‘Assistive Technology‘ plan. They won’t pay for the vehicle but will pay for the modifications that ease movements. These include:
- Getting in and out of the vehicle without the use of a wheelchair
- Driving vehicles with specialised controls and adaptations
- Carry wheelchair in and out of the vehicles without physical assistance
- Transport easily while sitting in a wheelchair
Need Some Support?
Planning and support management are fundamental when it comes to transport. At Adairs Mini Bus & Van Hire, we have an impressive fleet of 30 quality vehicles and a large qualified team of professional drivers and staff. Our fleets are wheelchair-accessible to make movements seamless. Contact us today to discuss your requirements or book a service.