Information for providers

Disability Support Services (DSS) has developed a simpler way to pay residential Community Group Home providers for the supports and services we fund.

This follows the work DSS has completed in response to Recommendation 2 of the 2024 Independent Review. The previous system for paying providers was complicated and not as fair as it should be. DSS is focusing on getting the basics right in how we pay for services.  

The Community Group Home Pricing Model will: 

• be more consistent, transparent, fair, and financially sustainable 
• help us better understand how much DSS needs to pay for residential care services
• involve less administration for providers and DSS

More information

• Find out about the approach to develop the new pricing model in the December 2024 Cabinet paper external
• Factsheet: Community Group Home Pricing Model

Ensuring disabled people in residential care continue to get the services and supports they need is our top priority.  DSS will work with providers, NASCs and Enabling Good Lives sites to support them to transition to this new model. 

The new pricing model will be in place from 1 July 2025. But new contracts and system changes to administer the pricing model will not come into effect until 1 December 2025.

This model will require a shift in the approach to how DSS, NASCs, Enabling Good Lives sites and providers work together to allocate funding.

DSS will work individually with providers to support this transition as part of the contracting process. 

DSS will be running information sessions for Community Group Home providers, NASCs and Enabling Good Lives sites in May.

Please get in touch with your Portfolio Manager to find out more.