Being an NDIS provider, it is easy to get tangled in the different claiming regulations. The NDIS travel allowance is one of the areas that can be confusing. It is important to know the right way to claim travel allowance to make sure that you are paid back for your time and costs, and also comply with the NDIS regulations.
This guide provides a straightforward overview of the NDIS travel allowance for providers in 2025, helping you navigate your claims with ease.
What is the NDIS Travel Allowance?
The NDIS travel allowance is a provision that enables the providers to claim for the expenses involved in travelling to the participant to provide face-to-face support services. It is made to include the travelling time of the support worker (labour costs) and other related costs (non-labour costs).
This should not be confused with participants’ transport funding, which is another assistance to allow the participant to reach the community, jobs, etc. To providers, it is an important aspect of your business to claim the travel allowance correctly.
Key Rules for Claiming Your NDIS Travel Allowance
In order to receive the NDIS travel allowance, the providers must fulfil a range of criteria. Here are the key rules to remember:
- Agreement with Participant: The participant must agree to the travel charges in advance, and these must be clearly outlined in the service agreement.
- Eligible Support Item: The support item must be mentioned as eligible for travel in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits to claim travel costs.
- Face-to-Face Support: The travel should be in connection with administering a face-to-face support session.
- Worker Payment: You can only claim for travel if you are required to pay your worker for their travel time.
- Justification: You should be capable of explaining to the participant the reason the travel is necessary, and how it represents value for money.
Provider Travel Costs: A Breakdown
The NDIS travel allowance is divided into two broad categories, namely labour costs (time) and non-labour costs. The amount you can claim for travel time depends on the location of the participant, as defined by the Modified Monash Model (MMM).
| Cost Category | Description | Claiming Limits |
| Labour Costs (Time) | Time spent by a support worker travelling to a participant. | Up to 30 minutes in MMM1–3 areas (major cities and regional centres).Up to 60 minutes in MMM4–5 areas (remote and very remote). |
| Non-Labour Costs | Other expenses incurred during travel. | Up to $0.99 per kilometre for a worker-owned vehicle. Full cost of road tolls, parking, and public transport fares. |
Streamlining Your Claims
To make sure that your claims regarding the NDIS travel allowance process go smoothly, it’s important to have efficient processes in place. Here are some tips:
- Keep Detailed Records: Maintain clear and accurate records of all travel, including time, distance, and any associated costs like tolls or parking.
- Switch to myID and RAM: As of November 10th 2025, the login system has changed. You must now use myID linked with the Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM) to access the provider portal for submitting claims, replacing the old login method.
- Be Transparent: Disclose all information regarding the travel charges to the participants and make sure that they are properly registered in the service agreements.
Conclusion
Understanding the NDIS travel allowance is essential for all NDIS providers. By following the guidelines and maintaining proper documentation, you can be confident that your travel claims are accurate and compliant.
Proper communication with the participants also assists in getting the travel expenses reimbursed accordingly. This enables you to concentrate on offering quality service to your participants.