Can Support at Home pay for taxis or rideshare?
Yes, in some circumstances. Support at Home funding may be used for transport services, including taxis or rideshare services, where transport support has been assessed as necessary to help you remain independent and participate in everyday activities. However, transport funding is not unlimited and must align with your approved support needs and budget.
Key points
Support at Home may fund transport where it supports your independence and assessed care goals.
Taxis and rideshare services may be used in some circumstances.
Transport is not an unlimited allowance and must fit within your available budget.
Lower-cost community transport options may sometimes be preferred.
Participant contributions may apply depending on your financial circumstances.
Transport costs can reduce the funding available for other services.
Yes. Transport is one of the services that may be funded under Support at Home if it has been identified during your assessment as being necessary to support your independence and wellbeing.
This may include assistance to travel to:
medical appointments
allied health appointments
shopping trips
community activities
social engagements
essential services.
Depending on your circumstances and local provider arrangements, transport support may be delivered through:
provider-operated transport services
community transport programs
taxis
rideshare services such as Uber
reimbursement arrangements in limited circumstances.
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01Guide sectionIs taxi or rideshare automatically funded?
No.
Support at Home does not provide a separate transport allowance or guarantee payment for taxi or rideshare costs.
Transport needs must:
be identified during your assessment
be included within your support plan
fit within your available Support at Home budget
represent value for money compared with other transport options.
For example, if community transport is available and can meet your needs at a lower cost, this may be considered before funding regular taxi use.
02Guide sectionWhat transport costs may be covered?
Depending on your circumstances, Support at Home may contribute toward:
transport to essential medical appointments
transport to maintain community participation and reduce social isolation
transport required to access approved services.
However, Support at Home is generally not intended to fund:
holidays
regular family visits outside assessed needs
discretionary travel unrelated to your care goals
extensive private transport costs that would significantly impact your budget.
03Guide sectionWill I have to contribute?
Possibly.
Under Support at Home, transport services are considered an Independence support service.
From 1 November 2025, participants may be required to make a contribution toward these services depending on their means assessment and pension status.
People receiving the full Age Pension generally contribute less than self-funded retirees.
Contribution arrangements may change over time and should always be confirmed with your provider and My Aged Care.
04Guide sectionWhat if I already receive transport assistance elsewhere?
You should tell your assessor and provider if you already access:
state government transport schemes
community transport services
companion card programs
disability transport programs
Department of Veterans' Affairs transport assistance.
Government-funded programs generally try to avoid paying twice for the same support.
05Guide sectionWhat should I do next?
If transport is becoming difficult:
Write down the trips you can no longer manage independently.
Consider how often you require transport and for what purpose.
Discuss these needs during your assessment or care plan review.
Ask your provider:
Can transport be funded under my plan?
Are taxis or rideshare services available?
Is community transport available in my area?
What contribution may apply?
How will transport costs affect my overall budget?
Remember that regular transport costs can accumulate quickly and may reduce the funding available for other supports.
06Guide sectionHelpful Local Home Help resources
07Guide sectionCheck the official guidance
Transport arrangements and participant contributions may vary depending on your circumstances, location and final program settings.
Official guidance:
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