We are improving the way disabled people’s needs are assessed and supports are allocated. This will make things fairer and more consistent across the country, no matter where you live.
On this page
With changes implemented during February and March 2026, all NASCs (Needs Assessment Service Co-ordination organisations) and Enabling Good Lives sites across the country now use a consistent approach to assess people’s needs and allocate supports.
People will experience these changes when they:
- seek DSS-funded support for the first time
- have a reassessment in the future.
What to expect at an assessment or reassessment
Before their assessment, people will receive consistent information on what to expect and how to prepare.
Information from the assessment conversation is used to build clear, personal funding plans.
After their assessment people will have a My DSS Funding Plan, focused on their needs and the purpose of their funding.
More information on your needs assessment or reassessment and My DSS Funding Plan
What to expect and how to prepare for a needs assessment or reassessment
Operational Policy Assessment and Allocation of flexible funding
Carers
Family, whānau and carers’ needs may now be part of the assessment when their support is important to the disabled person’s needs and wellbeing.
Assessments will include questions about caring, options for respite or wellbeing breaks, and supports to reduce stress for carers and those they support.
Information from these assessment conversations feeds into the My DSS Funding Plan, which can include specific support for carers where appropriate.
This means funding can be used to help carers take a break, manage their own wellbeing, and have back-up options they trust if they are unavailable.
Every situation is different. Sometimes a disabled person may not want their family, whānau or carer involved in their assessment (they may not require family support, for example). They can say this to their NASC before an assessment or review.
Reassessments
Non-urgent reassessments are temporarily paused to give NASCs and EGL sites time to put in place the changes.
People can still request an urgent reassessment if their circumstances change. They should talk with their NASC or Enabling Good Lives site.
DSS, NASCs and Enabling Good Lives sites are working to restart non-urgent or routine reassessments soon. We will keep the community updated.