Supervised Group Living Temporary Add-On for Direct Support Professionals Wage Increase

The Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services is pleased to share important changes for our Supervised Group Living program. ​

These changes are intended to support SGL programs in increasing wages for direct support professionals, consistent with the parameters established for the 14% rate increase recently implemented for the Community Integration and Habilitation and Family Supports waivers.

BDDS will provide a temporary 10% add-on to SGL rates for authorized providers effective July 1 through when the SGL provider’s rates are rebased on actual cost, which for some providers is Oct. 1, 2022 and the remainder on April 1, 2023.

Consistent with the waiver increase, the intent of these funds is to support the overall goal of increasing the statewide average DSP wage to $15 an hour.  Therefore, the rate increase requires an authorized service provider to use at least 95% of the amount of the increase in the reimbursement rate to pay payroll tax liabilities and to increase the wages and benefits paid to eligible direct care staff.

In order to be authorized to receive this temporary add-on rate, providers must:

• Click here to complete and submit to the Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services their Provider Plan for Implementation of Group Home Rate Increase no later than 5 p.m. EST on Friday, Dec. 3.
• Prepare the DSP Wage Verification Schedule Worksheet for their records and return any funds not spent in accordance with the guidelines.
• Please note – the Plan for Implementation, FAQ, DSP Wage Verification Schedule Worksheet, and DSP Wage Verification Schedule instructions are posted to the DDRS Announcements

​The following requirements must be met and adhered to by authorized providers to access the 10% add-on to their SGL rates:

• The authorized provider has previously submitted a plan to the Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services describing its plan to increase wages and benefits to eligible direct care staff providing waiver services.
• Services are provided to an individual who is authorized to receive services through the Supervised Group Living program
• The authorized provider shall use at least 95% of the 10% add-on rate to pay payroll tax liabilities and to increase the wages and benefits paid to direct care staff in comparison to payroll tax liabilities wages, and benefits paid to direct care staff as of the provider’s most recent fiscal year ended on or before Dec. 31, 2019, who are employed by the authorized provider to provide services in Indiana and provide Supervised Group Living program services, and are paid on an hourly basis.
• If a provider does not use at least 95% of the increase to pay payroll tax liabilities and to increase wages and benefits paid to direct care staff, FSSA shall recoup part of all of the increase in the reimbursement rate that the provider receives.
• An authorized provider shall maintain all books, documents, papers, accounting records, and other evidence required to support the reporting of payroll information for payment of payroll tax liabilities and for increased wages and benefits to eligible direct care staff. Authorized providers shall make these materials available at their respective offices at all reasonable times and for three years from the date of the final payment for the temporary add-on rate for inspection by the state or its authorized designees. Providers shall furnish copies at no cost to the state if requested.

 
The DDRS is a program of the Indiana Family & Social Services Administration. If you have questions about DDRS programs and services, visit us online at www.DDRS.In.gov.