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Get away: using NDIS funding for a holiday

A woman with a prosthetic leg relaxes on a bed whilst scrolling her iPad.

Did you know that requesting National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding to support respite, travel and holidays can be considered reasonable and necessary if the plans you make support you to work towards achieving your NDIS goals?

You can’t claim the type of expenses that everyone must pay when they take a break – expenses that don’t relate to your disability and support needs – but when it comes to things like hiring assistive technology or engaging a support worker, there are options you can explore.

In this article, we talk about using your NDIS funding to support travel and unpack what can and can’t be claimed.

What can I claim?

Support workers

You may need to bring along one or more support workers to assist you while you’re taking a break – and their invoices for direct support time can be claimed as they normally would be from your NDIS plan.

If you need intermittent direct support during travel time, you may want to try negotiating a reduced rate with your regular provider (especially in the event of long haul travel, as this could add up to a very large invoice!).

Alternatively, you may wish to explore hiring a local support worker who lives in your holiday destination, a move that could prove more economical than paying for someone to travel with you. It’s best to work this out with your support coordinator, plan manager, or the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) before you lock in your plans.

Assistive technology

You may need to hire assistive technology for use at your accommodation – e.g., transfer aids, shower chairs, portable mobility access ramps etc. Again, it’s best to speak with your support coordinator, plan manager or NDIA partner about your individual circumstances and NDIS goals to determine what you can and can’t claim from your funding.

Transport

Public transport can be an inexpensive, eco-friendly way of getting out and about – with the added bonus of travelling like a local in a new destination.

Here’s a great guide to accessible public transport in Australia.

However, if public transport isn’t an option because of your disability, you may be able to claim some of the costs associated with transport options like accessible taxis.

It’s always best to check with your support coordinator, plan manager or NDIA partner first.

Accessible accommodation

If your accommodation is more expensive due to your disability, you may be able to claim the difference between your room and a standard room from the funding in your NDIS plan.

Be sure to investigate accommodation early and lock in a hotel room, cruise cabin or campsite spot as soon as you can, because most providers have a limited numbers of accessible accommodation options and they book out early – especially during peak travel times.

For more information about respite, which could help you and your informal supports to take a break – with the aim of maintaining current living arrangements – click here.

A note about travelling overseas

You might be able to use your NDIS plan for up to six weeks outside of Australia, and the NDIA may extend this, but it’s best to speak with your support coordinator, plan manager or NDIA partner before making any plans or incurring expenses.

According to the NDIA, you’ll probably need to have your funding plan managed or self managed if you plan to use it overseas. This is because NDIS registered providers usually don’t support people in other countries, and Agency managed participants can’t use unregistered providers.

You’ll also need to claim reimbursements by providing invoices presented in Australian dollars. Be sure to keep all your receipts to make any claims easier to manage.

For more information about planning a holiday, click here.

If you want to find out more about how My Plan Manager can help you to manage your NDIS funding and spend it on the supports you need, click here.

We’re here to help

If you need any help or a second opinion about what’s possible with your NDIS plan, you can contact us via email at [email protected] or by calling 1800 861 272 from 8am-6pm (SA time), Monday to Friday.

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My Plan Manager acknowledges the objectives of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

My Plan Manager acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to Elders both past and present.
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