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BLACK FRIDAY SALE ON NOW - $200 All Holidays Booked in November - Use Code: BLKFRI200
BLACK FRIDAY SALE ON NOW - $200 All Holidays Booked in November - Use Code: BLKFRI200
BLACK FRIDAY SALE ON NOW - $200 All Holidays Booked in November - Use Code: BLKFRI200
BLACK FRIDAY SALE ON NOW - $200 All Holidays Booked in November - Use Code: BLKFRI200
BLACK FRIDAY SALE ON NOW - $200 All Holidays Booked in November - Use Code: BLKFRI200
BLACK FRIDAY SALE ON NOW - $200 All Holidays Booked in November - Use Code: BLKFRI200
BLACK FRIDAY SALE ON NOW - $200 All Holidays Booked in November - Use Code: BLKFRI200
BLACK FRIDAY SALE ON NOW - $200 All Holidays Booked in November - Use Code: BLKFRI200
BLACK FRIDAY SALE ON NOW - $200 All Holidays Booked in November - Use Code: BLKFRI200
BLACK FRIDAY SALE ON NOW - $200 All Holidays Booked in November - Use Code: BLKFRI200
BLACK FRIDAY SALE ON NOW - $200 All Holidays Booked in November - Use Code: BLKFRI200
BLACK FRIDAY SALE ON NOW - $200 All Holidays Booked in November - Use Code: BLKFRI200
BLACK FRIDAY SALE ON NOW - $200 All Holidays Booked in November - Use Code: BLKFRI200
BLACK FRIDAY SALE ON NOW - $200 All Holidays Booked in November - Use Code: BLKFRI200

Maximising Your NDIS-Funded Supports with Holiday Packages

A person placing money into a piggy bank. The text on the image reads: 'MAXIMISING YOUR NDIS-FUNDED SUPPORTS with Holiday Packages.

Take Full Advantage of Your NDIS Funds for Travel

There has been a lot of confusion around NDIS holiday packages and what can be claimed as part of your NDIS plan. Due to past rorts, funding cuts, and uncertainty, many disability travel providers have shut down, and some people have given up on the idea of travel altogether. But here’s the good news: travel is still possible—just not through STA, but rather by using your core supports. 

If you’ve ever wondered whether you can use your NDIS funding for a supported holiday, the answer is yes—when done legally and ethically. This guide will show you how to make the most of your funding while ensuring your trip is compliant and beneficial to your goals. 

Can the NDIS Cover Holidays? Understanding the Rules

The NDIS does not pay for holidays, but it does fund support services that can be used while you travel. This means you can claim assistance costs, such as:

  • Support workers who help with daily living activities. 
  • Personal care and mobility assistance while on a trip. 
  • Community participation supports that align with your goals. 
  • Transport costs related to supports if needed while travelling.  

 

Instead of claiming a holiday itself, you are subsidizing the required supports so you can travel with the assistance you need. 

A group of five people posing in front of a coastal view at the Twelve Apostles in Victoria, Australia, with the ocean and rock formations. One person is in a wheelchair. They are on an observation deck with a metal railing.

NDIS Travel Allowance: What You Need to Know

The NDIS travel allowance helps participants cover transport costs when public transport is not a viable option due to their disability. However, it is important to understand that this allowance is separate from the funding used to pay for support workers’ travel expenses. While the travel allowance can assist in covering personal transport, support worker costs must be paid with separate funding arrangements. Ensuring these funds are used ethically and within NDIS guidelines is crucial to maintaining compliance and avoiding issues with funding claims. 
 

STA is No Longer Covered for Travel

In the past, some providers incorrectly used Short-Term Accommodation (STA) funding for travel, which led to funding audits and restrictions. STA is no longer covered for holidays, and attempting to claim it may result in funding rejection. Instead, core supports remain a legal and ethical way to access necessary assistance while traveling. 
 
Additionally, the NDIA Payments and Integrity Commission is actively cracking down on fraudulent operators and conducting mini audits, demanding evidence for many invoices related to travel. However, all our invoices are being processed successfully, and we have been assured that we are one of the very few trusted supported travel providers for the NDIS. This gives you another reason to feel confident and safe traveling with us. 
 

How to Use Your NDIS Supports for Travel Legally & Effectively

1. Plan a Supported Holiday, Not Just a Vacation 
NDIS funding is designed to support your goals for independence, community participation, and skill-building. Travel needs to be structured in a way that aligns with these goals. 
2. Work with an Experienced Disability Travel Providers 
An NDIS-registered travel provider (like ClubMates) understands the guidelines and ensures that your trip is fully compliant. They help structure itineraries that: 
 
  • Focus on capacity-building activities (e.g. navigating new environments, engaging with the community, developing social skills).
  • Provide support ratios tailored to your needs, whether 1:1 or shared.
  • Offer accessible transport and accommodation to meet disability requirements. 
A camel extending its neck over a metal fence to eat from the hand of a person wearing a red shirt and hat. Another person in a wheelchair is nearby, observing the interaction. The background shows a grassy field with trees and other animals, including goats, behind the fence.
3. Understand What Can Be Claimed 
A key part of maximizing your NDIS funding for travel is knowing what can and can’t be included in claims. Common claimable expenses include: 
 
  • Core Supports – Assistance with daily tasks, personal care, and community participation.
  • Support Worker Costs – The wages, and transport of your required support workers.
  • Social & Community Participation Funding – Travel experiences that promote inclusion and personal development.
 
4. Know What is NOT Covered   
While supports can be funded, some aspects of travel remain out-of-pocket expenses, such as: 
 
  • Flights, hotels, and meals – These are considered standard holiday costs.
  • Entertainment and tourism activities – While some structured activities may be covered under community participation, general tourism experiences are not.
  • Any non-disability-related travel expenses. 

Debunking the Myths: Can People with Disabilities Still Travel?

With so much misinformation, it’s easy to believe that NDIS-funded travel is no longer possible—but that’s simply not true! Here’s what you need to know: 
  • STA (Short-Term Accommodation) is NOT a holiday fund – Many providers tried to claim holidays under STA, leading to funding audits and restrictions.
  • Core Supports are still claimable – If travel aligns with your support needs and goals, you can still utilize funding ethically.
  • Many providers have shut down, but ClubMates is still here – We’ve structured our trips legally and ethically so that you can travel without fear of funding rejection.  

How ClubMates Makes It Easy to Travel with NDIS Funding

At ClubMates Travel, we take care of everything so you can enjoy a stress-free, compliant, and exciting holiday. Here’s how we do it:
  1. Personalized Travel Planning – We design supported holidays that match your goals and funding eligibility.
  2. Expert NDIS Guidance – Our team helps navigate the funding rules so you know exactly what can be claimed.
  3. Fully Accessible & Supported Tours – Whether you want a group trip for socializing or a private adventure, we ensure everything is in place.
  4. Transparent Pricing & Invoicing – We provide two invoices: one for NDIS-funded supports and another for personal expenses, ensuring complete clarity. 
A group of people standing in front of a white van with an open sliding door. The van is parked outdoors, and there are trees and other vehicles in the background. The people are wearing casual clothing, with some wearing red shirts and hats.

For more detailed FAQs, fact sheets, and information tailored for participants, support coordinators, and plan managers, visit www.clubmatestravel.com/ndis. 

Ready to Plan Your Supported Holiday?

If you’re ready to experience the joy of travel without worrying about NDIS compliance, we’re here to help. Contact our team today to find out how you can legally and ethically use your NDIS travel allowance for an unforgettable supported holiday. 

📞 Call us today or browse supported trips our website to start planning! 

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