Registered providers in Victoria, New South Wales and restricted parts of Queensland may now claim Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) used in delivering supports from 29 July 2020 by invoicing the NDIA on a fortnightly or monthly basis. Claims may be backdated to 29 July 2020.

Providers may claim for PPE at a rate of $1.70 per hour of support delivered under the Activities of Daily Life Support Category.

The NDIA has emailed detailed instructions to eligible providers for lodging PPE invoices through the provider portal. If you have not received the email please contact provider.support@ndis.gov.au

Alternatively, providers can continue claiming PPE costs through the Price Guide, in agreement with participants, as announced on 29 July 2020

The new support items have been introduced in the following registration groups:

• 0104 High Intensity Daily Personal Activities (line item 01_797_0104_1_1)
• 0107 Daily Personal Activities (line item 01_797_0107_1_1)
• 0115 Assistance with Daily Life Tasks in a Group or Shared Living Arrangement (line item 01_797_0115_1_1)

Service providers must include the following on their invoice:

• NDIS participant numbers
• Supports start and end date
• One of the three support line items:
  • 01_797_0104_1_1
  • 01_797_0107_1_1
  • 01_797_0115_1_1
• Total number of ‘activities of daily life’ support hours per participant

In this situation, the NDIA will accept one invoice with multiple participant numbers.

Accessing PPE

Registered providers experiencing difficulties in accessing PPE through their usual channels may request PPE through the National Medical Stockpile (NMS) by emailing NDISCOVIDPPE@health.gov.au

Victorian providers unable to access PPE from their usual channels or via the NMS can request PPE through the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). All requests will be triaged with priority given to facilities and programs where there has been a confirmed case of COVID-19. Requests can be made by emailing CSPPE@dhhs.vic.gov.au

DHHS Victorian announced the distribution of 2.1 million reusable face masks to vulnerable Victorians, including people with disability. Service providers can order these for their clients via the online form.

NDS members may also access PPE stock at member-only rates through the member-only section of NDS's Coronavirus hub. 

NDS would like to hear from providers having issues accessing PPE, please send feedback to your relevant State Manager.