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18 January 2022

​​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:

 

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.

 

Other helpful resources.

National Coronavirus Hotline – call 1800 020 090 – 27 hours a day, 7 days a week

Online COVID symptoms check – Health Direct

Strategies for dealing with needle phobia during injections – Queensland Health

Interpreting service for COVID-19 vaccinations – Australian Government

Coronavirus advice for Indigenous Australians – National Indigenous Australians Agency

Support for children – Australian Childhood Foundation

Information for parents and carers – Raising Children

 

Mental health support.

Children and mental health during COVID – Queensland Government,

Helpful tips and resources for managing anxiety – Leap in!

Looking after your mental health is a priority – Leap in!

Beyond Blue dedicated coronavirus support 1800 512 348

Lifeline crisis support 13 11 14

MensLine Australia 1300 789 978

Headspace – for young people, their friends and family 1800 650 890

Wellmob – for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

ReachOut – online mental health support for young people and their parents

White Ribbon Australia – sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling 1800 737 732

Kids Helpline – for young people aged 5-25 1800 551 800

Friendline – a friendly chat line for people experiencing loneliness or isolation.

 

Want more great resources?

Visit the resources page on our website for access to our ebooks, new eMag, checklists, stories and more!

Call us on 1300 05 78 78, to have your questions answered, book your free NDIS pre-planning session or sign up to Leap in! plan management today.

 

Further reading

Our top tips for managing COVID fatigue.

Building confidence to go out as COVID-19 restrictions are eased.

Looking after your mental health is a priority.