18 September 2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Accessing, using and claiming for PPE in Victoria

Key points 

• Providers should make sure that they are up to date with the latest advice on personal protective equipment (PPE) use.
• Some providers in Victoria can claim the costs of PPE from the NDIA.
• The Victorian Government has published directories for local PPE suppliers, and suppliers of other medical equipment to assist you in sourcing the supplies you need.

Reminder on using masks and personal protective equipment (PPE)

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, some states and territories have updated their advice about when you should use PPE when providing supports and services for people with disability.

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) have issued factsheets on PPE for community services* providers (updated 4 September 2020) and FAQs: Face covering advice for community services workers (updated 14 September 2020). 

The Australian Government Department of Health has issued resources for people with disability, and their workers, about wearing masks.

For participants, the Department of Health website has general advice on wearing a mask and other ways to protect themselves during the pandemic. An Easy Read resource on wearing a mask is also available.

For providers, the Department of Health has issued a Guide to PPE for disability care providers. In addition, we have issued a fact sheet for providers on the use of PPE.

Claiming for PPE costs

On 21 August the NDIS announced temporary changes to allow certain providers in Victoria to claim the costs of personal protective equipment (PPE) from the NDIA directly.
With evidence of community transmission of coronavirus, and in line with current health advice, the changes apply to providers who use PPE to deliver essential daily life services to participants.

The changes allow providers to claim $1.70 per hour to cover the cost of PPE for support delivered in the following Assistance with Daily Life supports:

• 0104 High Intensity Daily Personal Activities
• 0107 Daily Personal Activities
• 0115 Assistance with Daily Life Tasks in a Group or Shared Living Arrangement.

Providers in Victoria are able to directly invoice the NDIA for PPE costs they have incurred for delivering essential daily living supports from 29 July to 30 September.

Alternatively, providers can claim for PPE costs through the Price Guide, in agreement with participants.

If a participant has a support worker attending their home who later tests positive, then the participant will also be able to access a one-off professional deep clean through their NDIS funding.

See details in the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response section of the NDIS Price Guide 2020-21.

PPE and medical equipment supplier directories

The Victorian Government has published directories for local suppliers of PPE and other medical equipment.  The directories cover products which have been more difficult to source during the COVID-19 pandemic due to increases in demand for medical equipment and PPE.

NDIS providers and self-managing participants in Victoria are encouraged to use these suppliers.

NDIS providers and self-managing participants who can no longer access PPE supplies through usual means can contact the National Medical Stockpile (NMS) by emailing NDISCOVIDPPE@health.gov.au.

Further information, alerts and resources

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) information webpage on the NDIS Commission website contains links to updates, training, alerts and other resources.

We also have a COVID-19 webpage containing information for people with disability, and a webpage of frequently asked questions about COVID-19 for all stakeholders.

Contact Us

• Call: 1800 035 544 (free call from landlines). Our contact centre is open 9.00am to 4.30pm in the NT, 9.00am to 5.00pm in the ACT, NSW, QLD, SA, TAS and VIC Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.
• Email: contactcentre@ndiscommission.gov.au
• Website: www.ndiscommission.gov.au

Links to previous COVID-19 provider alerts 

Visit the NDIS Commission website to see our previous COVID-19 provider alerts.