Here are answers to commonly-asked questions, to assist NASCs, EGL sites and hosts.
Keep coming back to this page, because as we receive more questions they will be answered here.
On this page
Note these are in addition to general FAQ on our site at Questions and answers | Disability Support Services
When do hosts need to feedback to the NASC, particularly if the person is purchasing a high cost item?
For example, a ramp for someone who uses a wheelchair for their caravans, do hosts notify the NASC now or wait until the end of the year/allocation?
The general expectation is for hosts to provide feed back 4-6 weeks prior to the NASC review. However, if a high-cost purchase is going to affect the person's ability to purchase ongoing supports within their current allocation, it would be prudent to let the NASC know. Note that we expect that alternate funding options have been explored prior to the person's Flexible Funding being used for the purchase of a ramp.
If somebody is changing Tier during the year do you need to redo a service coordination?
If a tier change is required the NASC will need to complete a new service coordination to capture the new tier. If NASCs apply the tier override in the Tier Allocation Tool, please write this on the service authorisation, so that the hosts understand the rationale behind the override.
If the NASC thinks someone shouldn’t be on IF do they need to go through all the tiers first before escalation to no longer access IF?
The response would depend on the individual situation. It is not necessary to go through all the tiers to apply the Restrictions Policy.
What policy will be in place for hosts to guide purchasing decisions to support payment of claims?
The Purchasing Operational Policy will outline how the funding can be utilised, including purchases that are prohibited, or those that require prior approval.
Practice Guidelines will be available to support decision making for purchases requiring prior approval.
If there is suspected fraudulent use of funds do hosts contact DSS directly?
If you (host) receive notification of suspected fraudulent use or you suspect there may be fraudulent use of funding, you will need to notify the Audit and Assurance team at Health NZ. This can be done through email, or through The Health Integrity Line.
Once a referral to the HNZ Audit and Assurance team is made or an investigation is in progress, you may need to implement the Restrictions Policy, to minimise the risk of further potential fraud.
If you (host) are going to implement the Restrictions Policy for this reason, you need to notify the NASC/EGL site, so that the NASC or EGL site can advise DSS through a new Assurance Process – so that DSS can endorse the decision. This will include what tier the person should be on (if applicable).
Will there be a list of complementary therapies that would qualify for Flexible Funding?
There will not be a list, but a definition of what is and is not considered a complementary therapy can be found in the Purchasing Operational Policy.
Will IF hosts receive confirmation from NASC if a client has Carer Support, so hosts know to take this into account?
Hosts may ask the person or agent directly if they have Carer Support and if they are able to use it effectively. NASCs may not necessarily share Carer Support allocation information with the host.
Can the hosts ask for an immediate reassessment if they find out the tier level isn't appropriate after the initial discussion with the disabled person?
If the Tier level is not providing the right level of support for the person, please contact the NASC or EGL site. This may not require a reassessment, as a tier can be assigned at review or reassessment.
What services do not come out of someone’s indicative range?
All community services should be included in the My DSS Funding Plan (including CMS funded Facility Based Respite, and CMS family Whānau support), except for specialist services that are centrally funded by DSS, such as Explore behaviour and autism services, Child Development Services; and Equipment Modification Services.
Who uses the 'Budget Tracker' in the 'Office use -only' section of the MY DSS Funding Plan. Can Hosts use existing systems?
This section is filled in by the NASCs. Hosts may want to build the 'office use only' section into their own systems.
The 'Feedback Loop' will provide the mechanism for hosts to provide information to the NASCs/ EGL sites. There will be some additional requirements on hosts, regarding monitoring and reporting, which will be detailed in the Practice Guidelines.
Will NASCs assess people every year?
The assessment process occurs every 3-5 years, unless there is a change in disability need sooner. A NASC review of funded support occurs annually. A review is different from a reassessment.
What do hosts need to do if disabled people don't return their ISP?
There is an expectation that people engage appropriately with their host in accordance with their tier and their responsibilities, this includes completing any documentation that is required. If the person does not engage appropriately hosts may need to provide additional coaching and ensure they understand their responsibilities, before the host contacts the NASC.
Can Xbox, consoles, or Switch be a form of respite to give mum or dad a break?
If an item aligns with the purpose of the person's funding plan, is within their budget and helps address a challenge related to the person's disability, it may be able to be funded. In this case, if the Xbox or Switch provides mum or dad a short break from attending to their disabled child, it could possibly be funded.
If the Tier level is wrong can we approach the NASC?
The hosts can approach the NASC at any time if they feel the tier is not appropriate.
Can you confirm whether individuals can use their flexible funding allocation to purchase assistive technology?
It is possible the assisted technology may be funded through other government funding streams or agencies - and this needs to be explored first. However, if not appropriate, then flexible funding could be used – as long as it’s in line with the purpose of the