Disability Employment Continuity of Support (DECoS)

Overview

As an existing provider of the Disability Employment Assistance (DEA) program – Australian Disability Enterprises (which ceases on 30 June 2020), you are being invited to apply to become a provider under the Disability Employment Continuity of Support (DECoS) program. In the 2018-19 Budget, the Australian Government announced the commitment to support existing clients of Commonwealth funded disability programs who are ineligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).  DECoS is one of a number of continuity of support programs delivered by Commonwealth, state and territory governments aimed at supporting clients who are confirmed to be ineligible for the NDIS to achieve similar outcomes and are not disadvantaged in the transition to the NDIS. From 1 July 2020, DECoS will provide funding for supports and services that enable people with disability to participate in and retain paid employment. Supported employees funded through the DEA program who do not meet the NDIS eligibility requirements for age or residency or who have been confirmed ineligible for the NDIS (due to their age, residency, citizenship or disability type), will be eligible for DECoS. There is no option for NDIS eligible supported employees to continue receiving funded employment supports through the DEA program after 30 June 2020. The Department of Social Services and the National Disability Insurance Agency are working closely together to ensure all eligible supported employees have their NDIS plans in place by 30 June 2020. DECoS grant agreements will be established for three years, from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2023. Provider requirements and  accountabilities under DECoS have been designed to closely mirror those of the DEA program.