Budgeting for Travel & Out-of-Session Costs in NDIS

What counts as travel & out-of-session costs?

In the NDIS, travel usually means the cost of getting a support worker to (or with) you for an NDIS-funded activity. This can include travel to your home, the location where support is delivered, or travel arranged as part of your support. Depending on your plan and how your supports are funded, travel costs may be included in the price of the support, billed separately, or handled as a specific travel allowance.

Out-of-session costs are costs related to getting support ready or helping you between scheduled sessions. Examples can include activities like preparing equipment, short check-ins that are part of the support plan, or reasonable expenses linked to delivering your agreed support. Some services can also include time for activities outside the face-to-face session (for example, attending appointments that are required for your NDIS support to work effectively). However, costs that are not directly connected to your agreed goals and supports should generally not be claimed as NDIS expenses.

When you budget, ask providers for a clear breakdown: what’s included in the session rate, what’s charged for travel, and what qualifies as out-of-session work. If you use plan management, check how these costs will be handled through MyMoney NDIS (www.planmanager.net.au) so you can track spending accurately. You can also use My Care Finders to compare providers’ pricing structures and what they include, so you’re not surprised by extra charges later.

Key takeaway: Only travel and between-session costs that are directly connected to your NDIS supports (and consistent with your plan and provider agreement) should be budgeted and claimed.

• Check whether travel is charged per trip, per kilometre, or as a set fee.
• Confirm if “waiting time” or “late travel” is billable and under what conditions.
• Ask for examples of what the provider considers out-of-session work (and what they don’t).
• Keep copies of quotes, invoices, and support agreements for easy plan reviews.