The NDIS and COVID 19 getting the support you need.

In times of uncertainty, it’s more important than ever to reach out for help if you need it and to look after your mental health.

Help is available. Today, we’re covering the latest NDIS information about vaccinations, testing and accessing supports. We’re also sharing some helpful resources for you and your family.

Everyone on the NDIS aged 5 and over, their carers and support workers are eligible to receive a free COVID-19 vaccination.

You are now also eligible for a COVID-19 booster dose if:

You are 18 years and older and
Had your second dose of COVID-19 vaccination at least 4 months ago.

You can check local availability and book for your vaccine or booster shot on the Vaccine Clinic Finder, contact your GP, local pharmacy or attend a vaccination clinic. Many clinics require you to book in advance so be sure to check first.

Note: Immunocompromised people who have received three primary doses are eligible to have a booster dose in line with the timing for the general population.

Accessible vaccine clinics.

Disability vaccination hubs in each state help people with a disability, their families and carers and disability service providers to get vaccinated.

Here are links to the relevant information for each state and territory:

Some states also have pop-up clinics for people who require additional support. For booking assistance, call the Disability Gateway on 1800 643 787.

Need help to get your vaccine or booster?

Support workers may be able to access a special payment for helping you to arrange and obtain your COVID-19 vaccinations.

Payments of $150 for the first two vaccinations and $75 for a booster vaccination can be claimed by eligible providers direct from the NDIA. The money doesn’t come from your NDIS Plan.

For people living in disability accommodation.

If you live in disability accommodation with at least one other person, someone may be able to visit your home to give you the vaccine. Email COVID19VacTFDisabilityServices1A@Health.gov.au for more information.

Using your NDIS Plan to buy face masks and other PPE.

You may be able to use your NDIS Plan to buy personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks, shields and gloves, in certain circumstances.

You must:

Have a reasonable and necessary need
Be using PPE when a disability worker is providing supports
Receive at least one hour a day of face-to-face daily living supports on average.

Use the Low Cost Disability-Related Health Consumables line item in your Core supports budget to purchase PPE to a maximum $50 total per week.

Top tip: You cannot use NDIS funds to purchase masks or other PPE for use outside of the home.

Can providers charge for PPE?

From 1 January 2022, providers can no longer claim the cost of PPE for support workers from a participant’s plan. The NDIA has applied a temporary increase in some NDIS price limits to cover these costs.

Getting the supports you need.

If you’re in an area with a lot of COVID-19 cases, the NDIS recommends limiting face-to-face supports to critical supports only.

Stagger rostered supports throughout the day
Share support workers with others in your home
Move supports that can be delivered remotely to telehealth appointments
Consider pausing non-essential community-based activities.

If your usual support worker is unavailable, your provider should contact you to arrange a replacement.

If a family member who usually cares for you is unavailable or sick, you can use your Core supports budget to pay for a support worker to help with daily living tasks or grocery shopping. If you’re short on budget, contact the NDIS on 1800 800 110 to move funds from Capacity Building to your Core budget.

If a support worker tests positive.

If a support worker who attends your home later tests positive to COVID-19, you can pay for a one-off professional deep clean of your house with your NDIS funds.

Support if you get COVID-19.

If you test positive for COVID-19 you must immediately isolate. Call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080 for information about what you should do.

If you or a family member test positive, the following resources may be helpful:

If you have COVID or are a close contact – Federal Government.
Managing COVID-19 at home – Health Direct
What to do if you have COVID-19 and managing your symptoms at home – ABC

Support in your state or territory:

The NDIS may be able to provide additional funding for care and deep cleaning of a residence if you live in supported independent living. For more information, contact the NDIS on 1800 800 110 and select option 5.

Claiming rapid antigen (RAT) tests.

Eligible people on the NDIS living in supported independent living (SIL) and providers can claim up to $12.50 per rapid antigen test (RAT) when a support worker is required to undergo testing to deliver supports. This support is temporarily available until 31 January 2022.

Participants in SIL can also claim for a RAT when it is needed in order to safely live in their residence. It should be claimed under the Low Cost Disability-Related Health Consumables line item in your Core budget.

More information available on the NDIS RAT page.