09/03/2026
Today an update was released by Disability Support Services regarding the changes to flexible funding. These updates include:
From 1 April:
👉 Purchasing rules for flexible funding will be removed.
👉 People keep the same allocated budgets for flexible funding they have now.
👉 This gives more choice and control over disability-related supports, including respite options for carers
Read the most shared below for more details.
From 1 April 2026, people who use flexible funding through Disability Support Services (DSS) will have more flexibility in how they use their funding for disability-related supports.
The purchasing rules for flexible funding will be removed, while people’s allocated budgets stay the same as they are now. This means there will be no disruption to current supports.
These changes apply to people who use flexible funding. If you don’t receive flexible funding, nothing changes for you.
We know the last period of change has been hard for many disabled people, families, whānau and carers, and that it created uncertainty for many. Since then, work has been underway to improve the disability support system so it is fairer, more consistent, and easier to understand.
In February, DSS introduced a nationally consistent way of assessing needs and allocating funding. These April changes build on that work and reflect what the disability community told us through consultation.
From 1 April:
👉 Purchasing rules for flexible funding will be removed.
👉 People keep the same allocated budgets for flexible funding they have now.
👉 This gives more choice and control over disability-related supports, including respite options for carers
👉 You still need to keep your spending within your allocated budgets
👉 Flexible funding must still be used in line with people’s plans
👉 A small number of items will remain prohibited or require pre-approval
👉 There will be more support to help people to plan and manage their flexible funding.
These changes mean people can feel confident their supports will continue to reflect their assessed needs. You don’t need to do anything to get ready for these changes. Your Host, NASC or Enabling Good Lives site will continue to support you, and your current arrangements remain in place.
If you have questions about your own situation, your Host, NASC or Enabling Good Lives site is the best place to talk through what this means for you.
Thank you to the disability community for your feedback and patience as we begin to deliver these improvements.
You can find more information below 👇
https://www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/news/more-choice-control-and-certainty-for-disabled-people-with-flexible-funding
