How to access support

Important note: The Government is committed to providing certainty for disabled people about their supports. There are currently no plans to change eligibility criteria for Disability Support Services (DSS). 

Check if you are eligible for DSS-funded support

There are eligibility criteria to get DSS-funded support. The following information can help you understand if you could be eligible to receive support, and how to start the process. 

To be eligible for DSS-funded support you must:  

• Be a New Zealand citizen or an ordinarily resident eligible for publicly funded services.  
• Be a person who has been identified as having a physical, intellectual, sensory disability, or autism (or a combination of these) that is likely to continue for a minimum of six months and result in a reduction of independent function to the extent that ongoing support is required.  
• Generally, be under the age of 65 years. 

What this means in practice is that:  

• You will need to show confirmation of your eligibility for publicly funded services (e.g. your passport, birth certificate or work permit/visa). 
• You must have confirmation that you have at least one of the following:  
  • a physical disability   
  • an intellectual disability  
  • a sensory disability  
  • autism.  
• ‘Ongoing support’ means you are likely to continue to need support related to your disability for at least six months.  
• People over the age of 65 who have age related needs are generally funded by the Ministry of Health. 

The source of this definition is (which provides the Government definition of Disability) is CAB (94) M 3/5 (1a) then subsequent amendments of 2001; 2003; 2011; 2014. 

How to get started 

The first thing to do is identify a Needs Assessment Service Coordination organisation (NASC) or Enabling Good Lives (EGL) site that is local to you. You will then have a phone consultation with them about your potential eligibility.  

You can either call the NASC or EGL site yourself, or another person/organisation can make the call for you with your permission. For example, this could be your GP if you are more comfortable with them making the first step for you. 

After your consultation with a NASC or EGL site, they will review your eligibility for DSS-funded support.  

If you meet the eligibility criteria, they will make an appointment with you for a needs assessment. This can also include any family, whānau, aiga or carers you would like to support you during your assessment.  

Please note there is usually a waitlist for in-person appointments.  

If you don’t meet the eligibility criteria, the NASC will then work with you to find other services that may be able to assist. 

Find a Needs Assessment and Service Coordination provider near you to start the process. 

Who else offers support? 

If you are not eligible for DSS-funded support, there may be other agencies that can help. 

Disability support services for people with mental health needs or age-related needs are generally funded by the Ministry of Health external. 

Disability support services for people with impairments such as paraplegia and brain injury caused by accident or injury are generally funded by ACC. Find out more about what they fund at ACC - What we cover external.

Work and Income offers a range of income support assistance and health and disability related benefits. Find out more on the Work and Income website external.  

Other helpful services 

Click the following link for a list of other helpful social and disability-related services that might be able to support you.