In this update we go over the announcement from the Minister for Disability Issues about the new nationally consistent approach that will benefit disabled people, families, whānau and carers who use supports funded by Disability Support Services (DSS).
Community Update 10 February 2026
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Video transcript
This update is about delivering the first stage of improvements to the way Disability Support Services (DSS) funds supports for disabled people, families, whānau and carers.
In September, the Government announced improvements to disability support services.
The changes are informed by what the disability community told us. These changes are about:
- making the system fairer and more consistent
- giving disabled people more choice and control.
The first of these improvements begin during February.
They are about improving the way disabled people’s needs are assessed and funding is allocated for supports.
In February, all Needs Assessment Service Co-ordination organisations and Enabling Good Lives sites will begin to assess people’s needs and allocate funding in the same way.
This will make things fairer and more consistent across the country, no matter where you live.
Before an assessment, you will receive clear information on what to expect.
Families and carers’ needs may also be included in the assessment, if that support is important to the disabled person’s needs and wellbeing.
After your assessment, you will have a clear plan that is focused on your needs and explains the purpose of your funding.
You will notice these changes if you are applying for the first time – or if you have a reassessment.
These changes respond to feedback from the disability community that the process has been confusing and inconsistent.
There are more changes to come in April. These will give you more choice and control over how you use your flexible funding.
In April, the purchasing rules will be removed. If you get flexible funding, you will be given a budget to manage within.
Your budget will be based on what you were spending between June 2023 and June 2025.
If your assessed needs and funding have changed more recently, that will be taken into account too.
No one will get less than what they previously spent. There will be support available if you need it to help manage your budget.
We will tell you more about as soon as possible ahead of the April changes.
You don’t need to do anything for now. Your Needs Assessment Service Co-ordination organisation, EGL site or Hosts will continue to support you to navigate the system.
Thank you to the disability community for your feedback and patience as we begin to deliver these improvements.
For more information on all these changes, please go to the Disability Support Services website www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/dsschanges