NDIS and COVID-19

Find out about the support available through the NDIS and the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The information below was published on 22 August 2022 and it is still current.

Protecting yourself and others

You can now use NDIS funding to pay for personal protective equipment (PPE) if you receive an average of at least one hour a day of face-to-face daily living supports, and live in Victoria, New South Wales or restricted areas in Queensland.

If you need personal protective equipment (PPE) items like face masks, face shields or gloves, you can use your core supports budget in your NDIS plan to buy these items. Plan and self-managed participants can purchase PPE and claim their purchases in the usual way. Agency-managed participants must use registered providers.

If you need to buy face coverings or masks to use outside the home, this is an everyday expense and you cannot use your NDIS funds to pay for them.

As the COVID-19 situation evolves, the NDIA will continue to review how PPE is funded and provided in areas with significant outbreaks. For the latest information about Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) visit the NDIS website.

If you are concerned about your NDIS budget and your situation has changed you should contact the NDIA on 1800 800 110 so we can discuss your situation and make changes to your plan.

Making a complaint

If you are unhappy with the quality or safety of your supports and services you can speak to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission) about your concerns. Whether or not these issues relate to COVID-19, it is always ok to speak up.

You can complain to the NDIS Commission by:

calling 1800 035 544 (free call from landlines) or TTY 133 677. We can arrange an interpreter for you.
National Relay Service and ask for 1800 035 544.
completing a complaint contact form.

If you have questions or are worried about your NDIS plan or budget call the NDIS on 1800 800 110.

More information

The NDIS Commission has a dedicated COVID-19 webpage that has links to updates and resources for NDIS participants. There is also a COVID-19 information pack for NDIS participants. Fact sheets are available in Auslan and Easy English, as well as other languages.

The NDIS website has information about COVID-19 for NDIS participants. If you have questions or need advice, call the NDIS on 1800 800 110.

If you have a question or concerns about COVID-19, contact the Disability Information helpline on 1800 643 787.

The Australian Government Department of Health website has information about protecting yourself from COVID-19, managing your mental health, and getting access to important services like telehealth and prescription medications.