Below is some important information for parents, whānau and carers about changes coming to flexible funding through Disability Support Services (DSS).

What’s changing?

From 1 April 2026:

• The purchasing rules for flexible funding will be removed
• People’s allocated budgets for flexible funding will stay the same as they are now. This means there will be no disruption to current supports.
• There will be more support for people to plan and manage their flexible funding.

Why?

These changes aim to give people more choice and control over how they use their funding for disability-related supports (including respite options for carers) and reflect feedback from the disability community.

Will I be impacted?

These changes only apply people who receive flexible funding through Disability Support Services (DSS), including Individualised Funding, Enabling Good Lives Personal Budgets and Carer Support. They do not affect other supports from Work and Income, ACC, Education or Health.

If you don’t receive flexible funding, nothing changes for you.

What do I need to do?

People who already receive flexible funding don’t need to do anything to get ready for these changes.

Flexible funding must still be used in line with its purpose set out in people’s plans.

A small number of items will remain prohibited or require pre-approval.

Where can I go for more information?

For more information about the April flexible funding changes, please visit the DSS website.  

If your whānau’s situation or support needs change, talk with your Host, NASC or Enabling Good Lives site.

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