This page gives you a few examples to help you understand what flexible funding could be used from 1 April 2026, now that the March 2024 purchasing rules have been removed.
On this page
Everyone’s situation is different and these are just examples – not a list of approved or guaranteed purchases.
The key thing to remember is that your flexible funding spending must always:
- match the purposes in your funding plan
- relate to your disability and the support you need
- help you (or your carers) manage the impact of your disability
- be within your budget.
Respite
Marama is a single parent of Joseph and Cole - two disabled teenagers with high support needs. They have recently moved to Auckland from Wellington so her sons can attend a high school that meets their needs.
Marama’s parents used to provide frequent respite when she lived in Wellington but because of the move to Auckland, Marama now has limited whānau support.
Marama can use her sons’ Individualised Funding Respite or Carer Support to help cover the cost of her parents traveling to Auckland to provide respite, as outlined in their My DSS funding Plans.
This is an appropriate use of flexible funding that allows Marama to take a break and for her sons to be supported by people they know and trust.
Item for independence
John is a 22-year-old man who lives with his parents and has a Cerebral Palsy diagnosis. He has limited mobility and would like to be more independent when completing daily tasks, particularly interested in making his own meals.
John’s My DSS Funding Plan includes developing his independence in daily living skills. He is particularly interested in making his own simple meals at home.
John and his family decide to use his flexible funding to purchase accessible kitchen equipment and utensils that are easier for him to grip and use safely.
John has had an assessment through an Occupational Therapist, recommending the equipment, but it could only be partially funded through another government agency.
Funding the balance of this equipment is an appropriate use of John’s flexible funding. The purchase is reasonably attributable to his disability, supports his ability to prepare meals safely, and aligns with his My DSS Funding Plan goal of developing his independence.
Carer Wellbeing
Joanne’s teenage son, James, has intellectual and physical disabilities. He requires support with his personal care, including showering, toileting, and dressing. Along with paid support workers, Joanne provides some of this care for James. For Joanne,& this involves regular lifting, transferring, and handling of heavy equipment. ;
James’ My DSS Funding Plan includes funding for Joanne to maintain her wellbeing and physical capability so she can continue providing safe and effective support to James.
Joanne uses this flexible funding for a gym membership and an online yoga subscription to maintain her strength and flexibility. She also occasionally accesses sports massage to help prevent and manage minor injuries.
This is an appropriate use of James’ flexible funding. James relies on Joanne's wellbeing and she knows being proactive is important. For Joanne, respite is staying strong and well so she can be there for James.
Connection
Maggie and her husband Tim have three children. Their youngest child, Lily is eight years old and has an autism diagnosis and an intellectual disability. Lily also has high sensory needs.
The family lead very busy lives and find it challenging to engage Lily and her siblings in joint activities. They have started to notice Lily spending more time alone and not engaging with her siblings.
Lily’s My DSS Funding Plan includes spending quality time with her siblings to improve her social skills and family connection. The family have decided to use Lily’s flexible funding to purchase a trampoline so she can engage in a shared activity with her siblings and satisfy her sensory needs. This is included in Lily’s plan as a one-off purchase. They discuss this purchase with their host, and get the necessary prior approval for this equipment, before they buy it.
This is an appropriate use of Lily’s flexible funding. The purchase aligns with Lily’s My DSS Funding Plan and will strengthen Lily’s connection with her siblings and address her sensory needs. As a one-off purchase, this funding will not be repeated at their next NASC review.
Carer support
Joann and her husband have two Deaf children who are 12 and 9. The youngest child is also autistic. They have been on a waitlist for sign language tutoring for both children. They are currently allocated Carer Support by their NASC.
Joann and her husband speak to their NASC about funding a sign language tutor using their Carer Support allocation. Joann, as the full-time carer, needs the time to recharge. They identify the time their children will be attending private sign language tutoring as a good opportunity for Joann to have a break. Both children’s My DSS funding plan includes funding for Joann to have some respite.
Sign language tutoring is funded through another government agency (MoE). However, because of the long waitlist, they could use this flexible funding to purchase the support as it aligns with the purpose set out in their My DSS funding plan. Once funding becomes available through the other government agency, Carer Support funding for sign language tutoring will end. Joann will need to discuss this with her NASC to ensure that her costs remain within her carer support budget.
Increasing wellbeing and community participation
Maria has a physical disability that limits her mobility and balance. This has led to social isolation and reduced confidence when participating in community activities. As part of her My DSS funding plan, Maria wants to connect with her community and improve her overall wellbeing.
Maria could use her flexible funding to attend a community line dancing group, where movements can be adapted to suit her abilities. This support could enable her to safely participate in a community activity and build confidence, contributing directly to her goal of connection and improving her wellbeing.
Increasing community participation
Dyson has autism and is sensitive to loud noise. He loves rock music and would like to attend a large rock concert. He has attended many smaller concerts before and had used earplugs which helped control the noise. His My DSS Funding Plan includes increasing community participation and engaging in activities he enjoys.
The concert is larger than previous concerts Dyson has attended and he does not think earplugs will help him control the noise like they have for smaller concerts. He identifies a pair of noise cancelling headphones which will more effectively help him control the noise at this bigger concert. He could purchase these headphones with his flexible funding.
In addition, Dyson could use his flexible funding to help cover the cost of admission for his support person to ensure he has assistance to navigate the concert and regulate if needed. This support is related to Dyson’s disability and enables him to attend a larger rock concert, which supports his broader objectives in his My DSS Funding Plan.
Overseas travel to sport event for confidence and social connection
Aroha has an intellectual disability and is an active member of a community sports team. Her My DSS funding plan includes engaging in sports to build her confidence and make more social connections.
Aroha’s team have a tournament in Australia at the end of the year. The team run fundraisers to cover the cost of flights and accommodation for Aroha and her teammates. Aroha needs a support person to help her navigate the new surroundings. She could use her flexible funding to cover the cost of her support person’s flights, accommodation, and support hours with prior approval from her host.
Community participation and meaningful hobby
Ariel loves photography. Despite this, Ariel has a physical disability that impacts her fine motor skills and her ability to operate standard cameras. Her My DSS Funding Plan includes pursuing meaningful hobbies to support increased social connections and participation. She could use her flexible funding to purchase specialised equipment that makes handling the camera easier. This purchase is directly related to Ariel’s disability and aligns with her My DSS funding plan.
Meaningful work experience and employment
Jake loves to work on cars and has always wanted to work as a mechanic. He has an intellectual disability. He has approached several local businesses and has struggled to find meaningful work experience.
Jake identifies a trade course that will help him gain entry level experience, which will support him to find meaningful employment. The course is subsidised but not fully covered. His My DSS Funding Plan includes finding meaningful employment, so he could use his flexible funding to cover the difference between the course cost and the subsidy. This purchase directly relates to Jake’s disability and aligns with his My DSS Funding Plan.