Information about changes to assessments and allocations.
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What is changing with assessments and allocations?
All NASCs around the country will start doing their assessments the same way. This is to support a fairer and more consistent approach, with more transparency about what to expect.
Support for carers will be considered as part of the assessment process, where the disabled person decides it is relevant to their needs.
NASCs will develop a personal plan with disabled people to:
- focus on what the person wants and needs
- address barriers linked to the person’s disability
- be clear on the purpose of the funding.
Can I get a reassessment?
Reassessments will be paused from February 2026 until October 2026. This will give NASCs time to implement these changes.
You can request an urgent reassessment if your circumstances change.
What happens if I am due for reassessment from February to October? Will my current package roll over until reassessments resume?
From 1 April 2026, you will receive a new flexible funding budget based on how much you have spent in the past. The rest of your package will stay in place until you have a reassessment, so there won’t be a gap in support.
We will continue to share updates so disabled people, whānau and carers know what to expect. If you’d like to talk through your own situation or you need an urgent reassessment, please reach out to your NASC who can give advice specific to your needs.
If I am due a reassessment before October 2026, will this still happen?
If you’ve previously used flexible funding, from 1 April 2026 you will be given a budget based on how much you have spent in the past. This will stay in place until you have a reassessment, so there won’t be a gap in support.
Regular reassessments will resume in October 2026. NASCs will still prioritise urgent reassessments. If your support needs or circumstances change, you can contact your NASC who can give advice specific to your needs.
DSS will continue to share updates so that disabled people, whānau and carers know what to expect.
Will there be changes for people who live in residential services or receive supported living services?
There will be no immediate changes for people who are living in residential services or who are receiving supported living services.