Tuesday 28 December 2021

Claiming COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests - NDIS SIL providers

Dear sector colleague,

The NDIS has advised that, from 23 December 2021, eligible supported independent living (SIL) participants and providers can claim up to $12.50 per rapid antigen test (RAT) when a support worker is required to undergo COVID-19 testing to safely deliver supports to a participant.

This temporary support has been introduced to ensure the ongoing safety and continuation of services to participants and in recognition of RATs as a useful tool in preventative screening whilst managing COVID-19 outbreaks.

This temporary measure is available nationally until 31 January 2022, while longer term support arrangements are being considered, consistent with health orders and advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC).

In order for this rebate to be able to be claimed by South Australian SIL providers, a recommendation must be made on behalf of the Government of South Australia for providers to use RATs.

Following consultation with the Chief Executive of the Department for Health and Wellbeing, I therefore recommend that SIL providers in South Australia, where RATs are able to be procured, should carry out regular surveillance testing of their workforce through the use of RATs (3 days per week).

Each provider within each industry, including the disability sector, is responsible for procuring their own RATs. Whilst there are currently supply issues generally for these tests in South Australia, it is expected this will be resolved in the near future.

Important information about the use of RATs can be found on the SA Health website.

For further information about eligibiliy and claiming for RATs through the NDIS, please visit the NDIS website.

Ngaityalya (Kaurna, thank you)

Lois Boswell
Chief Executive