Media Release by Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC

Additional vaccination support for eligible NDIS workers in NSW LGAs of concern

Eligible National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) providers, with workers who live or work within 12 Sydney local government areas, can now claim a payment to support their disability workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

The LGAs included are: Bayside, Blacktown, Burwood, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Liverpool, Parramatta, Strathfield and some suburbs of Penrith.

Minister for the NDIS, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC, said the initiative supported a recent public health order from the NSW Government that all eligible disability support workers in the 12 LGAs would need one dose of the vaccine by 9 September 2021 – or evidence of an appointment to be vaccinated by 19 September.

The payment, of $100 per worker per dose, can be claimed retrospectively for any vaccinations that a worker has received since 23 August 2021.

The payment is available to registered NDIS providers, who can bill the NDIA directly.

“This payment will provide support to registered providers to cover any additional costs they incur in ensuring their disability support workers are able to access a COVID-19 vaccination,” Minister Reynolds said.

As of 6 September, 73.7 per cent of NSW NDIS screened disability workers had received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 47.7 per cent had received two doses.

Minister Reynolds said the NSW figures were encouraging.

“Registered NDIS providers in the 12 LGAs have responded extremely well, and quickly, but we want to see the number continue to rise,” Minister Reynolds said.

“This is not only to protect themselves but to protect the NDIS participants and families they work with,” Minister Reynolds said.

Registered providers delivering NDIS supports within the following registration groups will be able to claim vaccination support payments if they provide:

  • Daily personal activities; 
  • High intensity daily personal activities; 
  • Assistance with daily life tasks in a group or shared living arrangement; 
  • Participation in Community, Social and Civic Activities. 

Further information can be found at ndis.gov.au/coronavirus/providers-coronavirus-covid-19