Australia’s two major supermarket chains, Woolworths and Coles, are offering priority delivery services to vulnerable Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This will ensure that grocery items will be delivered first to those who need them the most. Vulnerable Australians include seniors, people with disability and those who are required to self-isolate due to illness or quarantine.

For both Coles and Woolworths delivery services, you must have an online account. If you don’t already have one and do not know how to set it up yourself, ask a family member or friend to help you or to do it on your behalf.

Coles priority delivery services

To access Coles’ Online Priority Services, known as COPS, you must be either:

• An existing Coles Online and flybuys customer over the age of 70
• Over 65 and registered with My Aged Care
• An Indigenous Australian over the age of 50 (and registered with My Aged Care)
• a NDIS participant
• an Aged Care, disability care or other business that supports vulnerable members of the community

Step 1

Set up a new Coles Online account, or log into your existing Online account if you have one.

If you are creating an account for this first time, you should be able to order your items straight away, though Coles have mentioned that during busy times there may be a 24-hour delay.

If you are still unable to access COPS services after 24 hours, contact the Coles Online Support Centre on 1800 455 400.

Step 2

Once you have set up your account and have logged in, there will be an “Apply Now” button to register for COPS. Click this button and have your My Aged Care or NDIS code ready to enter.

* NDIS participants should have received a unique code via SMS from the NDIA. If you did not receive this code, contact the NDIA directly.

Step 3

Select your grocery items online and add them to your cart. Then choose the delivery window that best suits you – currently, these are in 6 hours blocks to ensure that all vulnerable Australians can have their items delivered and their needs met.

Woolworths priority delivery services

Woolworths offer a Priority Assistance service to help vulnerable members of the community have access to grocery items through prioritised delivery.

This service is offered to seniors, people with disability and those with compromised immunity or those who are required to self-isolate.

Step 1

You must create an online Woolworths account, or log into your Woolworths online account if you already have one.

Step 2

Once your account is created and you’ve logged in, complete the Request for Priority Assistance Form. You will need supporting documentation, such as an Australian Concession card, a NDIS number, or your My Aged Care registration number.

Step 3

Woolworths staff will assess your request for Priority Assistance and inform you of their decision within 24 hours.

Step 4

Once your eligibilty has been confirmed, you can order your groceries online and select from the delivery options available.

All Woolworths deliveries are now contactless – though drivers will do their best to assist seniors and people with disability.

Rather than asking for your signature as proof of delivery, the driver will take a photo of the items once delivered.

Did you know that your carer can do the shopping for you?

Major supermarkets are offering special opening times for vulnerable Australians but this doesn’t mean that you need to go yourself. You can send your carer in your place! This can be a much better option, as you won’t have to stress and worry about crowds, or finding the items you need quickly.

It also keeps you safe at home and away from the risk of coronavirus contraction.