From next year there will be some changes to DSS-funded supports. These changes will make flexible funding easier to use. They follow on from very clear feedback received from the disability community earlier in the year.
About the changes
These changes will apply to people who get their supports through a Needs Assessment Coordination organisation (NASC).
The main changes are:
- People will get more choice and control in their use of flexible funding.
- The purchasing guidelines will be removed.
- If you get flexible funding, you will be provided with a budget for you to manage within.
- You will get guidance to help manage your budget. This will make flexible funding easier to use.
- All NASCs around the country will do their assessments the same way. This is so their decisions on support are fairer and more consistent.
- Families, whānau and carers will also be considered in assessments
This will make flexible funding easier to use.
The changes apply to supports allocated by NASCs. At this stage, no changes are confirmed for Enabling Good Lives (EGL) sites. We are working with EGL Regional Leadership Groups to explore how these apply to the different regions EGL sites serve.