Increased COVID support for NDIS workers in the ACT and WA
Eligible NDIS providers in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Western Australia (WA) will join those in New South Wales, the Northern Territory and 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 retrospectively for any vaccinations that a worker has received since 20 October.
Minister for the NDIS Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the measure was being introduced in line with recent state and territory government mandates.
“We know one of the challenges for disability workers and providers is ensuring coverage of supports while workers get their vaccination, as part of their work requirement,” Minister Reynolds said.
“This payment will provide support to registered NDIS providers to cover additional costs they incur in ensuring their disability workers are able to access a COVID-19 vaccination.”
The ACT government has mandated that disability workers must have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by 1 November and be fully vaccinated by 29 November.
The WA government has mandated that disability workers must have their first dose by 1 December and be fully vaccinated by 30 December.
As at 18 October, 87.6 per cent of ACT NDIS screened disability workers have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 81.7 per cent have received two doses. Meanwhile 71.3 per cent of WA NDIS screened disability workers have received at least one dose and 59.7 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 made available directly to eligible NDIS providers.