The information on this page is regularly updated.
You can phone the NDIS Contact Centre on 1800 800 110 if your situation has changed due to COVID-19.
COVID-19 accessible resources
You can access a range of information about COVID-19 in accessible formats.
The Australian Department of Health and Aged Care (DoHAC) has created easy read resources about COVID-19, including:
- Easy Read – How to do a rapid antigen test from your nose
- Easy Read – COVID-19 vaccination – What is the COVID-19 vaccine?
- Easy Read – COVID-19 vaccination – What to expect when you have your vaccination
- Easy Read – COVID-19 vaccination – Giving your consent
You can access a full range of easy read resources at the Department of Health and Aged Cared website .
Inclusion Australia and its members have also produced a range of easy read resources to support people with disability.
If you have a visual impairment, and you’re an NDIS participant, you can use your plan funding to get help reading RAT instructions and results.
There is a visual interpreter service that offers free 30 minute interpreter sessions, to provide COVID-19 assistance, including help with RATs.
You can also ask your support worker, family, or carer to help you take and read the results of a RAT test.
For added protection, yourself, your support worker, family, or carer can wear a mask, personal protective equipment and follow COVID-19 safe behaviours when assisting with taking RATs.
Distribution of Rapid Antigen Test (RATs) to Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers
In July 2022 the Australian Government delivered more than 6.8 million Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) to Supported Independent Living (SIL) settings in line with AHPCC guidance .
From 1 August 2022, SIL providers should purchase RATs commercially.
COVID-19 vaccination
The Department of Health and Aged Care website (external) has information about COVID-19 vaccinations. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) (external) recommends all adults with disability and significant or complex health needs to get a COVID-19 vaccine in 2023. An additional COVID-19 vaccine in 2023 is recommended for all adults aged 75 years and over. Adults aged 65 to 74 years and those with severe immunocompromise are encouraged to speak to their healthcare professional to ask about an additional 2023 COVID-19 vaccine.
There are many ways that people with disability, their families and carers, and disability workers can get vaccinated, including through Commonwealth COVID-19 vaccination services.
The easiest way to book your COVID-19 vaccination is by visiting the Health Direct Service Finder (external).
If you have any questions, talk to your GP, doctor or healthcare professional.
Vaccine enablement payments
Some providers can claima COVID-19 vaccination payment for assisting NDIS participants to access any COVID-19 vaccination. This includes through their local pharmacy, GP or other health care service location.
Learn more about vaccine enabling payment conditions and eligibility on the for providers - coronavirus (COVID-19) page.
Support
The Department of Health and Aged Care (external) and the Disability Gateway (external) can help answer general questions about the COVID-19 vaccinations. You can contact the Disability Gateway by:
- Calling 1800 343 787 (available Monday to Friday, 8am – 8pm AEST)
If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can also call the National Relay Service on 133 677.
The National Coronavirus Helpline can also help you locate a vaccination clinic and provide contact information. All bookings are made through the Health Direct Service Finder (external). You can contact them by:
- Calling (free call): 1800 020 080 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can also call the National Relay Service on 133 677.
State and territory COVID-19 resources
Each state and territory have further information about COVID-19 in your state
Australian Capital Territory
New South Wales
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia
Improving airflow in indoor spaces
COVID-19 can spread quickly in crowded indoor spaces with limited or no airflow.
The Australian Department of Health and Aged Care recommends improving airflow when you’re indoors to reduce transmission of COVID-19.
To improve airflow, you could open a window or door, use a fan or air purifier.
You may be able to use your existing Core Supports budget, - consumables category to purchase a portable air purifier (or other ventilation device such as a portable extraction fan or pedestal fan) to improve air flow and ensure safe access to NDIS funded supports in your home.
Find out more on the Flexible low cost AT for support continuity page .
Visit the Department of Health and Aged Care website (external) to find out more about the role of ventilation in reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
COVID-19 temporary support measures
The NDIA offers a range of support measures to help participants and providers safely receive and deliver supports, including:
- disability worker COVID-19 Leave Grant - national
- participant vaccine enabling payments
- flexibility to help participants impacted by COVID-19 access meal preparation and delivery support
- access to low-cost assistive technology
- one-off deep cleaning for support worker related COVID-19 diagnosis
- direct claiming for cleaning services and additional self-isolation and COVID-19 cleaning services in supported independent living (SIL)
- temporary price limit increases to recognise the ongoing cost of personal protective equipment
- participant claiming for rapid antigen tests (RAT) through NDIS plans using Core Supports budget
The NDIA will continue to review COVID-19 arrangements and advise of any future updates as needed.