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Disability Support Services

Individualised Funding

Individualised Funding (IF) is person-directed funding from Disability Support Services where you can purchase your own disability supports. Find out more here.

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What is Individualised Funding (IF)?

IF is a type of person-directed funding from Disability Support Services which gives disabled people and their family/whānau more choice in how they are supported to live their lives. It is available throughout New Zealand for eligible people who have been assessed to receive either:

IF increases your choice and control about who provides this support, and how and when you use it. Your options range from engaging support workers to directly work with you and the person in your care, or choosing purchases which support you living a good life.

What you can use IF for

Working with a host, we want to make sure you feel confident to use your funding in the best way, so here are some guidelines to help.

You can use IF to:

  • Get help with household management and the personal care of the disabled person by engaging a support worker (these can include family members, contracted people or organisations) and pay costs relating to engaging support workers.
  • Take a break through engaging a support worker or other suitable alternatives so that the full-time carer can have time out, and the disabled person can enjoy doing something away from the full-time carer while they take a break.

It's worth noting your funding cannot be used for illegal activities, gambling or alcohol.

For more information on using your Individualised Funding from 1 April 2026, go to: Flexible funding from 1 April | Disability Support Services.

Who can get IF?

IF is something you need to have an assessment for, so contact the Needs Assessment and Service Coordination provider nearest you to talk about this funding.

You can get IF when you:

  • Are eligible for Disability Support Services
  • have talked to a NASC to see whether IF is suitable for you
  • have been allocated a support that you are allowed to manage using IF.

What does your host do?

Everyone with hosted flexible funding gets some sort of guidance from their host, to help manage their funding confidently and responsibly, and in line with their funding plan.

Some people need only light-touch contact. Others need more regular guidance and support with planning, budgeting, claims, record keeping, prior approvals, or employer responsibilities.

A tier describes the level of guidance, coaching and contact your host provides. There are four tiers. A higher tier means more contact, guidance and support guidance from the host. It does not change the amount of funding you get.

Find out more about tiered host guidance and what it means for you

IF is all about flexibility and support that works for you, so when you talk to your host organisation, make sure you talk to them about how they can support you. 

IF Host Directory

Please find a list below of all the Hosts who have contracts with us at Disability Support Services.

Access Community Health

Explore (formally Geneva Healthcare’s disability services)

NZCL Limited

Manawanui Support Limited

Home Support North

Enliven

The Lifewise Trust

Vision West

Florence Nightingale Agency

Care on Call

Where to go for help

If you have any questions about IF specific to your funding allocation please talk to your host. They have all the information on your funding and are there to provide guidance and advice.

If you have questions about whether or not you are eligible, you need to contact your local Needs Assessment and Service Coordination provider.

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