In what will be the first of changes to temporary measures taken to support NDIS participants and providers during coronavirus have been announced.

These include:

  • Removal of a temporary 10 per cent price loading on certain core and capacity building supports
  • Definition of cancellation period reduced from 10 days to levels under the previous policy
  • Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) period will be returned to the original policy of 90 days (rolled back from 180 days).

Recovery of the advance payment to providers will commence on October 1, 2020, via six equal monthly instalments, so providers can plan their return to usual services well ahead of its commencement.

Participant focused coronavirus response measures, including offering alternatives for face-to-face planning meetings to participants, plan extensions for up to 24 months following review and flexible use of funds to purchase low cost assistive technology, will remain in place until further reviews are completed.

NDIS Minister Stuart Robert said the government will continue to monitor conditions in the sector and make adjustments that may be required.

“NDIS providers have risen to the challenge and continued to provide support to participants in a safe and appropriate manner during the pandemic,” the minister said.

“With NDIS provider claiming patterns showing most supports have returned to pre-coronavirus levels, we are moving to the next phase of the response. We have worked to give participants and providers early notice on when things will gradually return, in light of our coronavirus response and recovery stages and will continue to consult with participants and providers to ensure they have the support they need.”

Further detail on the coronavirus response and recovery stages will be sent to providers in coming days and be available at www.ndis.gov.au.

The government previously announced a range of financial support measures for eligible businesses and sole traders affected by the coronavirus pandemic, such as JobKeeper. More information on these initiatives are available at: www.australia.gov.au.