Increased COVID support for NDIS workers in NSW and NT

Eligible NDIS providers in New South Wales and the Northern Territory will join those in Victoria in being able to claim a one-off payment from the NDIA for support workers to receive their COVID-19 vaccination.

The payment, of $100 per worker per dose, can be claimed directly from the NDIA and retrospectively for a COVID-19 vaccination that a worker has received since 13 October for Northern Territory workers and 14 October for NSW workers.

Minister for the NDIS Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the measure was being introduced in line with recent state government mandates.

“One of the challenges for disability workers and providers is ensuring coverage of staff while other workers get vaccinated as part of their requirements,” Minister Reynolds said.

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

New South Wales has mandated that disability workers must have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by 25 October, while the Northern Territory has mandated that disability care workers must have had a first dose by 12 November 2021 – and have a booking for their second dose by 24 December 2021.

As of 17 October, 80.8 per cent of NDIS screened disability workers around the country had now received at least one dose of the vaccine and 70.9 per cent had received two doses.

In New South Wales, 87.3 per cent of NDIS screened disability workers had received at least one dose of the vaccine and 80.9 per cent had received two. Meanwhile, 78.1 per cent of Northern Territory NDIS screened disability workers had received at least one dose and 72.7 per cent had received two.

Minister Reynolds said the latest vaccination figures for NDIS participants and workers were encouraging but needed to continue to rise, as the country began returning to normal life.

“There are vaccines available through Commonwealth hubs, community pharmacies and GPs, so we encourage those who can get the vaccine to do so as soon as possible, to protect themselves and their families,” Minister Reynolds said.

Information on how to claim the payment will be directly available to eligible NDIS providers.