As a provider, it’s important to understand how travel costs work in a participant’s NDIS Plan.
Travel can be claimed through the NDIS when certain conditions are met and there’s a clear agreement with the participant. Using the right line items and invoicing correctly can help reduce the risk of delays or rejected claims.
When is provider travel claimable?
NDIS travel costs can be claimed by providers when:
The support is delivered face-to-face
The travel is directly related to the support
The participant agrees to the travel costs in advance (usually in the service agreement)
The NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits allow travel for the support item
The claim follows the NDIS rules for price limits, zones and time limits
The travel represents a reasonable and necessary use of the participant’s NDIS funds.
Claiming provider travel.
Travel and transport costs can be claimed in different ways under the NDIS, depending on how the support is delivered. These claims fall into four main types.
Provider travel – labour costs (time travelling).
Covers the time a support worker or therapist spends travelling to or from a participant to deliver face-to-face support, when the worker is paid for their travel time.
Claimed under: The same line item as the primary support being delivered, using the “Provider Travel” claim type
Time limits apply depending on the location:
Up to 30 minutes each way in MMM1–3 (major cities)
Up to 60 minutes each way in MMM4–5 (regional areas)
As agreed in MMM6–7 (remove and very remote areas)
There are some limitations based on provider type and location so it’s important to check the latest NDIS Pricing Arrangements Guide for details.
Important note for providers.
When charging for hourly or part-hourly travel, the claim must be made under the same line item as the support being delivered using the “Provider Travel” claim type.Line items 799 or 590 should only be used for non-labour travel costs (for example, kilometres or transport expenses), not for paid travel time.
Provider travel – non-labour costs (additional related expenses).
Refers to reasonable vehicle-related costs when delivering face-to-face supports. It may include up to $0.99 per kilometre for a standard provider or worker-owned vehicle, tolls and parking fees.
Claimed under: A separate “Provider Travel – Non-Labour” line item, that must match the registration group of the support delivered
Examples – Community access:
Individual support: Use line item 04_799_0125_6_1
Group-based supports: Use line item 04_799_0136_6_1
Top tip: These line items look similar but vary by support type. Double check the registration group (e.g. 0104, 0115, 0125, 0128, 0136) before submitting a claim.
Activity-based transport – labour and travel costs.
Applies when a support worker transports or accompanies the participant as part of delivering a support. Providers of Core – Assistance with social, economic and community participation and some Capacity Building supports can claim these transport costs.
Claimed under:
Labour (the worker’s time): Use the primary support item.
Non-labour (vehicle costs): Use the relevant activity-based transport line item
Examples:
Individual support: Use line item 04_590_0125_6_1
Group-based supports: Use line item 04_591_0136_6_1
Important: Do not use standard “Provider Travel” line items for activity-based transport.
Funded from the participant’s Transport budget.
This covers regular transport where the participant travels independently – such as to work, education or appointments – without receiving support during the trip. Can only be used when the travel is regular and funded from the participant’s Transport budget. It must not be used for provider travel or activity-based transport.
- Claimed under: Line Item: 02_051_0108_1_1
Final tips for the correct transport line item.
Match line items to the support delivered. Always use the non-labour travel line item that matches the support’s registration group.
Even small differences in codes can affect claim acceptance. Check the registration group carefully.
Do not use the participant’s transport budget for provider travel or activity-based transport.
Not all Capacity Building supports can charge activity-based transport. Check the rules before you claim.
Accurate line item use is essential for NDIS compliance and timely payments. Each type of travel or transport support must be claimed under the correct item and matched to the support provided.
