10/02/2026
Here is todays announcement from the Ministry of Social Development NZ in regard to upcoming changes in the way disabled people’s needs are assessed and funding is allocated for supports.
Please read the original post as it has all of the information released today. MSD are advising that you don’t need to do anything now. Your NASC, EGL site or host will continue to support you, and your current arrangements remain in place.
MSD are also actively answering any questions you may have in the comments.
For more information on the changes – please check out the DSS website: https://www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/news/first-stage-of-improvements-begin-for-dss-funded-supports
Graphic titled “Disability Support Services”. Light green background with a darker green koru-style pattern in the top right corner. Large heading text reads “Disability Support Services”. Below, text states: “Changes from February 2026 will mean a more consistent experience for:” followed by two points. First point: people applying for disability support services for the first time. Second point: people getting a reassessment.
From mid-February 2026, we will be improving the way disabled people’s needs are assessed and supports are allocated. This will make assessments more consistent across New Zealand. Families’ and carers’ needs may also be included where their support is important to the disabled person’s needs and wellbeing.
We know this has been a challenging period for many disabled people, families, whānau and carers, and that earlier changes created uncertainty for many. We’ll share more information ahead of the upcoming changes about how flexible funding budgets will be set in April. You don’t need to do anything right now, your current services and supports continue.
In September last year, we shared that improvements to Disability Support Services (DSS) were coming. These changes were informed by what the disability community told us through consultation, including that the system has felt confusing and inconsistent.
These February changes are the first stage of those improvements, focused on making the assessment and allocation system fairer and more consistent.
You’ll experience these February changes if you are applying for DSS for the first time, or when you have your next reassessment. If you’re already receiving support, nothing changes for you right now.
From mid-February:
👉 Needs Assessment Service Coordination organisations (NASCs) and Enabling Good Lives (EGL) sites will begin assessing needs and allocating supports in the same way, no matter where you live
👉 You’ll receive clearer information before your assessment, so you know what to expect
👉 Families, whānau and carers can be included in assessments where their support is important to the disabled person’s needs and wellbeing
👉 After your assessment, you’ll have a clear plan focused on your needs and the purpose of your package of supports
From April, there will be changes to flexible funding. This includes more choice and control, the removal of purchasing rules, and a clear budget so people know how much they can spend. There will be support if people need help to manage their budget. We will share more information soon on how budgets will be set and communicated ahead of April.
Again, you don’t need to do anything now. Your NASC, EGL site or host will continue to support you, and your current arrangements remain in place.
Thank you to the disability community for your feedback and patience as we begin to deliver these improvements 💚
You can find out more below 👇
https://www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/news/first-stage-of-improvements-begin-for-dss-funded-supports
