These changes apply to people who get flexible funding. From April 2026, we will make flexible funding easier to use.
People who get flexible funding will gain more choice and control over how they spend their funding on supports for their disability needs.
The purchasing rules will be removed.
People who get flexible funding will be given budgets so they know how much they can spend.
People are expected to stay within their budgets.
There will be support if people need help to manage their budgets.
Flexible funding cannot be used for items such as alcohol, tobacco and gambling.
A very limited number of purchases will require pre-approval – for example, international travel.
How budgets for flexible funding will be set
Budgets will be based on how much people were spending between June 2023 and June 2025.
No one will get less than what they have previously spent.
If a person’s assessed needs and funding have changed recently, that will be taken into account too.
People should contact their NASC or Enabling Good Lives site if their situation changes.
We will let people know about their budgets for flexible funding ahead of the April 2026 changes.
If you get flexible funding already, you don’t need to do anything now.
Your NASC, Enabling Good Lives site or Host will continue to support you to navigate the system.
Remember, the purchasing rules still apply until April 2026. This is the case even if you have just had an assessment.