🚗 Provider Travel in MMM 1-5 Areas: Understanding Labour and Non-Labour Costs

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Today, we’re focusing on provider travel in MMM 1-5 areas. Whether you're an NDIS participant or a provider, understanding how travel time and associated costs are calculated for supports delivered in metropolitan and regional areas can help you plan more effectively. Let’s break down what these travel arrangements mean for you:

When delivering NDIS supports in areas classified as MMM 1-5, providers can claim travel time, but the maximum amount they can claim varies based on the remoteness of the location:

• MMM 1-3 (Metropolitan and Regional Centres): Providers can claim up to 30 minutes of travel time to reach a participant.

• MMM 4-5 (Regional Areas): Providers can claim up to 60 minutes of travel time to reach a participant.

The area’s MMM classification is based on the participant’s location when the support is delivered, not the provider's location.

In addition to travel time to the participant, providers can also claim for the return journey from the participant’s location back to their usual place of work. However, this is only claimable if the provider is paying the worker for this return travel time, with the same maximum travel times applying (30 minutes for MMM 1-3, and 60 minutes for MMM 4-5).

Apportioning Travel Time Between Participants

In cases where a provider is visiting multiple participants in a region, they can split the travel time (including return travel) between participants. This needs to be agreed upon with each participant in advance and should be included in the service agreement.

In addition to labour costs (travel time), providers may also incur non-labour costs such as road tolls, parking fees, and vehicle running costs. These costs can be negotiated with participants to ensure they make a reasonable contribution.

Here’s how these non-labour costs work:

• For a vehicle owned by the provider or worker, they may claim up to $0.99 per kilometre.

• For other costs, such as road tolls, parking fees, or public transport fares, the full amount can be claimed.

When claiming travel expenses in MMM 1-5 areas, it’s essential to follow these guidelines:

• Separate Claims: Travel costs must be claimed separately from the primary support provided. This includes both the time spent traveling and any non-labour costs incurred.

• Agreed Hourly Rate: Providers should use the same hourly rate agreed upon for the primary support when calculating claimable travel costs (unless a lower rate has been agreed upon for travel specifically).

• Use of NDIS Portal: Providers must submit travel claims using the “Provider Travel” option in the NDIS myplace portal, under the same line item as the primary support.

Scenario: Travel for Core Supports in MMM 2
Sarah, a support worker, is traveling to provide assistance to two NDIS participants in MMM 2 areas (classified as regional centres). She coordinates her appointments so she can visit both participants in one trip, reducing the total travel time. Sarah claims up to 30 minutes of travel time to reach her first participant, splits her travel costs between both participants, and claims for any additional costs like tolls and parking.

At ISM, we assist NDIS participants in understanding the complexities of their plans, including how travel costs are calculated in MMM 1-5 areas. We help ensure that your plan reflects the appropriate travel expenses, whether you’re receiving services in a metropolitan area or a regional town.

• Providers in MMM 1-3 can claim up to 30 minutes of travel time; providers in MMM 4-5 can claim up to 60 minutes.

• Non-labour costs (like tolls and parking) can also be claimed, with vehicle running costs may be capped at $0.99 per kilometre.

• Travel time and costs should be agreed upon in advance and claimed separately from the primary support.

We hope this guide helps clarify how provider travel works in MMM 1-5 areas! 😊 If you have any more questions or need help managing your NDIS plan, reach out to our friendly team at ISM. We're here to support you every step of the way! 💪