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.
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 Joannes 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.