We implemented the following changes from 19 April 2022.

• a simplified weeklyclaiming process  making it easier for participants to negotiate directly with providers about how their supports are delivered and reduce administrative burden
• payments in limited circumstances where a participant unexpectedly leaves  shared accommodation, and
• clear and transparent processes when SIL support needs and funding levels change significantly. To provide certainty on transition periods , we will introduce a period of time so a participant can safety transition and standards of care can be met when new support arrangements are put in place
• published a timeliness metric specific to home and living decisions in the NDIA Quarterly Reports
• ensured continuity of SIL funding levels where circumstances haven’t changed providing greater certainty over available supports, and
• improved our decision letters to better explain the reason for our decisions.

These improvements don’t change the SIL operational guidelines or the fundamentals of SIL decision making however they address:

•  a number of the practical and administrative concerns participants and providers have raised with us
• provide participants and providers with certainty over timeframes where transition to new support arrangements are required, and
• provide a period of continuity of shared supports where a participant unexpectedly exits/leaves a service. 

We know there is still more work to do to ensure better outcomes for participants receiving SIL supports, and also address the issues of SIL providers.