What is the carer support package?
It is a package of financial and practical support that is being developed to better recognise and support family carers.
Will this replace current supports?
No. There are no changes to current supports or arrangements.
Will there be a carer payment?
A carer payment is one option being considered, along with respite and other support.
When will changes happen?
This work is still being developed. It will take time and we will share updates as it progresses.
Who is a paid family carer?
Currently, some disabled people use flexible funding to formally employ a family or whānau member to provide care. In some cases, that family or whānau member might be employed through a contracted service provider.
If a person receives Carer Support does this mean they are paid family carers?
No. Being a paid family carer is not the same as receiving Carer Support. Carer Support funding helps carers take a break from providing care and support. It is only available for respite purposes. Carer Support funding cannot be used to seek payment, like a wage or a salary, for providing care.
More information on Carer Support is available here: How to access Carer Support
Does the work to develop a carer support payment connect to the DSS Bill?
On 18 May, the Government introduced the DSS Bill. The Bill sets a foundational legal framework for how Disability Support Services operates – so there is more clarity, consistency, transparency and certainty about what DSS does and the support it provides.
The Bill does three things:
- Creates a clear legal foundation for DSS.
- Sets out what it means when a disabled person employs someone, including a paid family member, to provide care.
- Responds to the Supreme Court’s decision last December regarding paid family care. This decision was that
Court cases have highlighted issues with DSS and the way it supports family carers. The Bill makes it clear that the Crown is not and was never intended to be the employer of family carers.
The Bill keeps current family care arrangements while the carers support package is developed to provide better ways to support carers financially and practically.
More information on the Bill is available here: Disability Support Services Bill
How does the development of the carer support package respond to the Supreme Court decision relating to family carers?
DSS currently supports disabled people to formally employ a family or whānau member using flexible funding. In some cases, that family or whānau member might be employed through a contracted service provider.
In December 2025, the Supreme Court released its decision relating to the employment status of two parents who were paid to care for their adult disabled family members in their family homes. The Court ruled that these two carers are employees of MSD.
Treating family members as government employees is not the best way to support family care. It can create complexity and uncertainty and does not always work well for the people involved.
The goal of the new carer support payment is to find a better way to recognise and support carers while making sure disabled people receive the care they need.
What else is DSS doing to make care more sustainable?
Changes earlier this year mean that carers’ support needs - such as options for breaks and supports to reduce stress for carers - are now part of a disabled person’s needs assessment and funding allocation.
Find out more here: Changes to Disability support services - Information for carers
DSS is committed to further work to strengthen the system for carers – including financial support, respite and other support.