Top 5 Reasons Your NDIS Travel Funding May Be Denied

Travel support is a lifeline for many NDIS participants. But what happens when your NDIS travel funding gets denied?

We understand the importance of travel support for participants’ lives. Lots of participants face this, and often it’s not clear why it happened or what to do next.

Mike, an NDIS participant from Preston living with physical disability. He’s struggling from the funding deniel issue like you and many other participants.

He requested for Level 3 travel funding but National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) disapprove it.

Support workers at Sunshine Social Community Centre helped him secure the Level 3 NDIS travel funding. More about Mike later!

In this blog, we’ll break down the 5 main reasons NDIS travel funding gets denied and show how Sunshine Social Community Centre, a registered provider in Preston, can help you get the support you need.

5 Reasons Your NDIS Travel Funding May Be Denied
Knowing why requests get denied can save you time, frustration, and unnecessary paperwork. Here are the five most common reasons your travel funding might not be approved, and what you can do to avoid them.

1.Travel Not Directly Related to Your Disability

NDIS funding is intended to support needs that arise directly from your disability. If the travel you’re requesting isn’t clearly linked to your disability-related requirements.

Like attending therapy, medical appointments, or essential community participation, it’s more likely to be denied. Make sure the purpose of travel is clearly documented.

2. Overlap with Mainstream Transport Services

NDIS isn’t designed to replace mainstream transport options that are already available. If you can reasonably use public transport, community shuttles, or taxis, your travel request may be refused.

Demonstrating why these options aren’t suitable due to your disability can strengthen your application significantly.

3. Insufficient Evidence from Health Professionals

One of the most common reasons for denial is lack of supporting evidence. Simply stating that you need travel isn’t enough.

Letters or reports from your GP (General Practitioner), occupational therapist, or other allied health professionals explaining why travel support is necessary can make a big difference in getting approval.

4. Travel Not Linked to Your NDIS Goals

Your NDIS plan revolves around goals that help improve independence and participation. If the travel request doesn’t clearly connect to these goals, the funding may be denied.

Clearly explain how attending appointments, therapy, or community programs directly supports your personal goals in your plan.

This is where Mike’s NDIS travel funding was denied; he struggled to explain why more travel funds are necessary for him. Our support workers helped him secure the Level 3 Funding.

5. Provider Travel Costs Not Justified

NDIS will cover provider travel, but only when it’s reasonable and clearly explained. If your support worker charges for travel without showing why it’s necessary, your request can be denied.

The NDIS wants transparency: how far they’re traveling, why the trip is essential, and how it directly benefits you. Vague or unexplained charges simply won’t fly.

NDIS Travel Funding
How to Appeal if NDIS Travel Funding Is Denied
Being told your travel funding is denied can be frustrating—but you can appeal. Here’s how to do it effectively:

1. Request a Review:

Contact your NDIS planner, Local Area Coordinator (LAC), or plan manager to formally request a review of the decision. Make sure you do this within the timeframe mentioned in your NDIS notice.

2. Collect Supporting Evidence:

Gather documents that show why travel support is essential. This could include letters from your GP, allied health professionals, medical reports, or anything linking travel to your disability and NDIS goals.

3. Explain the Impact:

Clearly describe how not having travel funding affects your participation, independence, or ability to meet your NDIS goals. Concrete examples, like missing appointments or community activities, strengthen your case.

4. Get Help from a Registered Provider:

Connect with us; our support team can assist in preparing documents, justifying costs, and even advocating on your behalf to give your appeal a better chance.

5. Submit the Appeal:

Lodge your review request with the NDIS, keeping copies of all documentation. Be clear and organised when explaining why your travel funding should be approved.

6. Follow Up:

Stay in touch with your NDIS contact or LAC. Be ready to provide additional information if requested. Persistence and clarity can make a big difference in getting your funding approved.

Or you can fill out the application form for review at Administrative Review Tribunal (ART)

NDIS Travel Funding
How Registered Providers Help You Approve The Funding
We know the system inside out and can guide you every step of the way.

From helping you gather the right evidence to clearly linking travel to your NDIS goals, providers make sure your application is strong and complete.

They can also justify travel costs, provide detailed quotes, and explain why each trip is essential.

With a registered provider by your side, you’re not just submitting paperwork, you’re giving your application the best chance of approval while reducing stress and confusion.

We guided Mike, and his approval for NDIS travel funding stamped “Approved” by NDIS.

Conclusion
Mike went from “Denied NDIS Travel Funding” to “Approved NDIS Travel Funding” with our support and guided direction. Because we understand how much the right funding is important to living life on your terms.

If you are seeking for help or NDIS support in Preston, feel free to reach out to us. Read more