NDIA Accountability Project

Challenges with NDIS Supported Independent Living approval processes and funding

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Joint Standing Committee on the National

Disability Insurance Scheme Inquiry into

Prepared by Samaritans Foundation

Date: September 2019

Contents

Introduction

Samaritans is an NDIS registered charity which has been operating disability

services for 35 years. In the 2018 financial year, Samaritans provided a

range of services to nearly 1000 people with disabilities in Newcastle, the

Hunter, Central Coast and Mid-North Coast of NSW. As such,

the organisation has extensive experience working with people at all stages of

their plans and with the delivery of services under those plans.

Approval Process

Participants are not often aware of the processes for having SIL funding

approved. Discussion during the development of a Participant ’s plan should

include:

 -   exploration of current and future housing needs,

 -   likely timeframe that needs will change (for example  if they have aging

  parents), and

 -  education around the SIL approval and placement processes and

   availability of properties.

Samaritans observes that Participants often come to us requiring SIL

urgently, but they do not have SIL in their plans and are unaware of the

process to access SIL. Samaritans can proceed through the vacancy

management process but is unable to move the person in until their SIL is

approved. The approval process often spans several months, creating issues

for the Participant around security, consistency and comfort.

  • Provide education to Participants around the approval process for SIL funding, including discussion during planning around current and future housing needs.

  • Include exploration of SIL during planning as standard for all Participants so those with possible need in the future can access the funding when they need it.

Funding

Implementing Mechanisms and Automation

  1. Implement suitable mechanisms and automation that allow f or streamlined approval and review, including collective review and approval of changes for multiple Participants of the same residence where appropriate.

Funding Considerations

Samaritans believes the funding is generally adequate and simple for Participants with standard to moderate support needs. Where there are more complex support needs, funding often doesn’t consider the implications of higher needs for the service provider. For example, ensuring the safety of employees under Work, Health and Safety legislation mea ns two staff are required to lift a Participant out of bed; but filling two roles is not possible under the funding.

Additional barriers are faced for people with disabilities around availability of suitable and affordable housing in their area. Changes to their needs as they age, and lack of suitable and affordable housing mean they are forced into unsuitable housing or to move further away, separating them from existing social and support networks and activities.

Authorised by: Brad Webb, CEO

Authored by: Emma Granger, Executive Officer

Contributors: Tammie Lawler, General Manager NDIS

For more information: ceo@samaritans.org.au