Minister Robert announces NDIS response to COVID-19

NDIS Minister, Stuart Robert has just announced new measures to support providers and participants through COVID-19. The announcement noted that there will be more changes to come. Here's what we know so far:

PROVIDER SUPPORT 

• Registered NDIS providers may receive a one-month advance payment based on a monthly average supports delivered in the previous 3 month period to provide immediate cash flow relief.
• A 10% COVID-19 loading will be added to price limits for certain supports for up to six months:
  • Assistance with Daily Life (excluding Supported Independent Living) and Assistance with Social and Community Participation)
  • Improved Daily Living
• Cancellations can now be charged at 100% of cancelled service and definition of “short notice” will be broadened.
• Providers can also continue to claim for the increased use of cleaning and personal protective equipment associated with COVID-19.

PLANNING

• Participants can request to have their planning meetings over the phone
• People who are happy with their current plan can ask for it be renewed for up to 24 months
• The NDIA will allow some people to shift capacity building funding to funding for core supports in consultation with special teams of planners in the NDIA.
• The NDIA will be reaching out to "targeted higher risk NDIS participants" to ensure these people continue to receive the essential disability related supports they need.

There is clearly some detail to be filled in to these announcements, which we will share as soon as we have it. You can read the media release here: https://ministers.dss.gov.au/media-releases/5661