First stages of post-COVID-19 NDIS as temporary measures set to end

Minister for the NDIS, Stuart Robert, announced today the first stages of a post-coronavirus NDIS. The announcement follows a review of current temporary measures to support participants and disability providers during the pandemic.

The temporary measures were put in place in March and were designed to help ease the impact of COVID-19 on people with disability and NDIS providers.  

Minister Robert says that NDIS providers have risen to the challenge and continued to provide support to participants in a safe and appropriate manner during the pandemic.

“Since the announcement of these initiatives on 21 March, almost $600 million in one-month advance payments was paid to almost 5,000 providers to offer immediate cash flow relief and keep participant services going.

“At the height of the pandemic, close to $300 million was claimed in average weekly provider payments, indicating the majority of services have been continuing with participants accessing the disability supports they need.

“With NDIS provider claiming patterns showing most supports have returned to pre-coronavirus levels, we are moving to the next phase of the response.”

As community restrictions have eased across the country and Australia moves to a COVID-safe environment, the NDIS will move to a post-pandemic phase from 1 July.

From 1 July 2020, the following will apply as measures are suspended:

• The temporary 10 percent price loading on certain core and capacity building supports will be removed.

• The definition of the cancellation period will be reduced from 10 days back to levels under the previous policy.

• The Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) period will be returned to the original policy of 90 days, which is rolled back from 180 days.

Recovery of the advance payment to providers will also commence on 1 October 2020, via six equal monthly instalments. 

Participant focused measures, including alternatives to face-to-face meetings, plan extensions of up to 24 months and flexible use of funds to purchase low cost assistive technology, will remain in place until additional reviews are completed.

“We have worked to give participants and providers early notice on when things will gradually return [to normal], in light of our coronavirus response and recovery stages, and of course, we will continue to consult with participants and providers to ensure they have the support they need,” says Minister Robert.

The Federal Government will continue to monitor conditions in the disability sector and have said they will continue to make adjustments as required.

Further detail on the coronavirus response and recovery stages will be sent to providers and will also be available on the NDIS website. 

For the latest updates on how COVID-19 is impacting the disability sector visit our dedicated COVID-19 information page.

What has your experience been with COVID-19? Tell us in the comments below or send an email to [email protected].