The Victorian Government will provide free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) to eligible people with disability, supporting some of the most vulnerable of our community to be protected and live safely.

The Government will make two million RATs available to all National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants and disability support pensioners over the next three months.

Given the higher risks associated with contracting COVID-19 for people with disability, the free tests will be a significant measure to help protect vulnerable Victorians by ensuring earlier diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

RATs are now available at current testing sites and through Disability Liaisons Officers who have also helped more than 10,000 Victorians with disability access vaccines.

To help manage supply, those eligible – disability support pensioner and NDIS participants aged 16 and over – can collect up to 20 RATs per visit to a testing centre.

Evidence of eligibility, such as a NDIS statement, will be required.

The program will initially run for three months, with a review to determine whether it should be extended.

The Government prioritised the distribution of RATs to workers in sensitive settings and essential workforces in January – including essential workers in our health system, emergency services, and disability and aged care services.

Premier Daniel Andrews said the effects of the COVID-19 virus are felt more harshly by the most vulnerable among us – including Victorians living with disability.

“We’re providing millions of free Rapid Antigen Tests to those who need it most, helping keep Victorians with disability safe as we head into winter,” he said.

Australian of the Year 2022 Dylan Alcott said one of his priorities this year was making sure that people with disability could access as many RATs as they, their support workers, carers, and family need.

“They deserve this so they can safely live their lives and get back to doing the things we all might take for granted,” Mr. Alcott said.