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Disability Support Services

Contract information for providers

DSS commissions and funds a range of services. This page provides information on the contracts we use, and the service specifications that apply across the service categories commissioned and funded by DSS.

DSS uses different contract models to commission and fund a range of disability support services. The contract model used depends on the type of service being delivered and how DSS works with providers. 

What makes up a DSS contract? 

A DSS contract is made up of several documents that work together: 

  • Outcome agreement or panel agreement: The main agreement between DSS and the provider. 
  • Terms and conditions: The general requirements that apply to the contract. 
  • Service specifications: The requirements for delivering a specific service. 
  • Standards and supporting documents: Additional standards or guidance that may apply to the service. 

Outcome agreements 

Outcome agreements are the most common contract model used by DSS.

Outcome agreements are typically used where DSS works with providers to deliver agreed outcomes for disabled people, whānau and carers. 

DSS has used the Government Outcome Agreement and Government Framework Terms and Conditions as the foundation for many of its Outcome Agreements, adapting them where required to reflect the specific needs of individual services and providers. 

We are currently developing a DSS Outcome Agreement and DSS Standard Terms and Conditions. More information on this will be provided soon.  

Panel agreements 

Panel agreements are generally used where DSS establishes a group (or panel) of approved providers who can deliver a particular service.

Providers must be appointed to the panel before services can be purchased under the agreement.

More information about the DSS panel agreement for residential support services can be found here. 

Service Specifications

The Tier One Service Specifications outline the requirements common to all services funded by DSS under the Streamlined Contract Framework.

  • Tier Two Service Specifications outline the service specific requirements for services funded by Disability Support Services under the Streamlined Contract Framework.
  • Tier Three Service Specifications should be read along with the related Tier Two Service Specifications.

You will find service specifications for different service types in the tiles below. 

Standards and other information

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