National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) providers in Sydney COVID-19 hotspots will be supported by temporary financial assistance measures to ensure people with disability continue to receive the supports they need.
Minister for the NDIS, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC today announced payments for registered NDIS providers delivering Assistance with Daily Life supports to NDIS participants in affected areas.
“Eligible providers can receive a payment from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to provide immediate cash flow relief,” Minister Reynolds said.
“This financial assistance will help providers cover additional costs, such as overtime hours when a worker is forced to undergo a mandatory COVID test and they need to call on another worker at late notice.
“The temporary measure aims to ensure the disability workforce continues to meet the needs of all NDIS participants.
“In light of the public health orders in place in parts of Sydney, many disability workers are facing additional requirements to move across the city.
“I’ve heard from the sector that following these requirements can lead to increased costs for providers and in turn could present challenges for some providers to continue to ensure they have appropriate workforce available to support NDIS participants.
“This payment will assist NDIS providers to continue to operate as usual, and NDIS participants can feel safe in the knowledge they will continue to have their disability-related supports met.”
The payment will be eligible to registered NDIS providers delivering Assisted Daily Life supports to Agency-managed participants in areas of Sydney which have specific COVID testing requirements for disability workers.
In addition to this payment, the NDIA has also refined the funding available to NDIS participants receiving Supported Independent Living (SIL) support who need additional support from an NDIS Provider to isolate in their home due to a COVID infection or close contact.
This funding is now $1200 per day, per eligible participant for those receiving SIL supports, regardless of the isolation requirements of these participants.
“When the pandemic emerged last year the NDIA put several measures in place to ensure the continuity of supports for participants affected by COVID,” Minister Reynolds said.
“As COVID continues to impact our lives, NDIS participants can feel assured that the Australian Government and the Agency will continue to take whatever action is necessary to make them feel safe and ensure they continue to receive their essential, everyday supports.”