Self-managed support

This service option gives individuals in the Disability Support Program or the Long-Term Care Program flexibility and greater independence by allowing them to manage their own services.

Overview

Clients receive a lump sum payment at the beginning of every month to cover the cost of the services they receive. The program is open to people in the Long-term Care and Disability Support Programs.

Through these programs, you are assessed, a plan is developed between you, a social worker and other people who support you, and services are coordinated that are tailored to your needs. With the self-managed support option, you are responsible for overseeing your care needs by coordinating, managing and directing services identified in this plan.

Self-managed support may make sense if you or someone who supports you:

  • is looking for more flexibility in accessing services
  • enjoys making decisions and directing services
  • is interested in recruiting and hiring your service providers
  • is organized and used to coordinating activities

Key details:

  • you have the option to hire family members not living in the residence
  • you are permitted to carry over unused funding within the same calendar year
  • at the end of the year your social worker will review your plan and expenditures and any necessary changes will be made to your plan for the next year

You may hire support services through a private arrangement. You are responsible for:

  • arranging appropriate services as identified in your support plan
  • hiring and training staff to meet your circumstances
  • ensuring that the skills and qualifications of the service are meeting your requirements

Application process

If you are interested in the Self-Managed Support option, discuss this with your social worker. They will guide you through the process. It is recommended that you keep a separate bank account to manage funds from this option and you will have to keep detailed records of how you spent the funds.