I would like to share some information that was featured in a recent SIL publication:
Through a process of consultation with NDIS SIL providers, the NDIS have identified some areas of concern that have emerged in the provision of Supported Independent Living (SIL) services.
The issues identified are as follows:
- SIL funding is not always fair and equitable with current practices relying on a subjective approach to determine what is reasonable and necessary for a participant;
- The SIL process is administratively complex;
- SIL costs continue to escalate.
As an immediate reaction to these identified issues, NDIS are committed to:
- Providing stronger fairness and equity through the use of the price guide in the creation of SIL funding;
- Reduced administrative complexity. An example of how this will be done is through eliminating payment backlogs and offering auto-extend options;
- Reviewing ongoing costs of the scheme along with other long term measures.
You may find some of the following statistics interesting as identified in the NDIS sector and provider consultation paper for improved outcomes for SIL participants:
- SIL and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) provide funding for NDIS participants who have some of the highest disability support needs. Currently, over 24,000 participants receive SIL. [1]
- This means 6% of all NDIS participants receive funding for SIL supports, which is 30% of total NDIS funding ($8.3 billion annualised). [2]
- There are roughly 14,000 participants who receive both SIL and SDA funding. This is 58% of the total SIL participant cohort or 93% of the total SDA participant cohort.
2019/20 Q4 COAG Report (https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/publications/quarterly-reports)
[1]Data rounded. NDIA, Office of the Scheme Actuary analysis, data current as at 30 June 2020
[2] NDIA, Office of the Scheme Actuary analysis, data current as at 30 June 2020