A turning point for Disability Support Services – and a moment for cautious hope
Date published: 3 September 2025
Today’s announcement from Disability Support Services (DSS) outlines upcoming changes to how assessments, allocations, and flexible funding will work for disabled people who access support through Needs Assessment Service Coordination (NASC) organisations. These changes will begin rolling out from February 2026, with reassessments paused until October 2026 to allow for implementation.
We welcome the move toward greater flexibility and consistency. The changes to assessments and flexible funding reflect what disabled people and whānau have been asking for – more choice, more clarity, and a fairer process across the country.
But it’s important to understand these changes in their full historical and practical context.
What’s changing
Flexible funding guidelines removed – From April 2026, the restrictive purchasing guidelines introduced in March 2024 will be removed. Disabled people will receive a budget and be trusted to manage it in ways that best meet their needs.
Consistent assessments nationwide – All NASCs will use the same assessment approach, aiming to make decisions fairer and more transparent.
Support for carers recognised – Carers’ roles will be considered during assessments, acknowledging their contribution to disabled people’s wellbeing.
Personal plans formalised – While some NASCs already develop support plans with disabled people, this change introduces a consistent national approach. From October 2026, personal plans will be a formal part of reassessments, focused on goals, needs, and the purpose of funding.
Reassessment pause – From February to October 2026, reassessments will be paused (unless urgent), giving time for smoother implementation.
Context: A course correction
In March 2024, DSS introduced new purchasing guidelines that significantly restricted how flexible funding could be used. These changes were met with widespread concern and distress across the disability community. Many disabled people and families felt they were no longer trusted to make decisions about their own lives. The guidelines created confusion, reduced autonomy, and in some cases, led to underutilisation of available support.
The community consultation held in early 2025 confirmed this. Over 1,800 people – including disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori, Pacific families, carers, and sector workers – shared their experiences. They described the assessment process as stressful, confusing, and lacking transparency. They called for more support, clearer communication, and a return to person-centred approaches.
Today’s announcement responds to that feedback. But it’s important to be honest about what it represents.
“These changes reflect a long-overdue course correction. They respond to community feedback and restore some of the flexibility and fairness that was lost. While they’re welcome, they’re not new — they’re a reinstatement of rights and trust that should never have been taken away,” says Mel Smith, Chief Executive.
What’s still missing
The current level of funding is not enough. Without additional investment, these changes will mean some people have their support reduced. That’s not reform – that’s redistribution. We need to ensure no one loses out simply because the system is being updated.
Budgets based on past spend. From April 2026, budgets will be set based on how much flexible funding was used between June 2023 and June 2025. This may disadvantage those who underspent due to fear or confusion under the previous rules.
EGL sites excluded (for now). These changes do not yet apply to Enabling Good Lives sites, though discussions are underway.
Measures to address current inequities are not discussed: It’s not yet clear how these changes will address disparities for Māori, Pasifika, and other groups who face systemic barriers.
Many people still fall through the cracks. Thousands of people and families with clear support needs aren’t eligible for any support under the current system. These reforms don’t address that gap – and we’re calling for urgent action to ensure no one is left behind.
No formal apology. There is no acknowledgment of the harm caused by the 2024 changes, nor any commitment to restoring lost supports.
What this means for disabled people and whānau
We welcome the direction of these changes. They reflect a return to values our organisation has long championed – autonomy, trust, and person-centred support. But we also recognise that many disabled people and families are fatigued by constant change, and wary of announcements that promise more than they deliver.
We will continue to advocate for:
Transparent communication about how budgets will be set.
Equity in access and outcomes for all communities.
Urgent action to include those currently excluded from support.
A commitment to restoring trust – not just flexibility.
We encourage anyone with questions or concerns to reach out to their NASC or Host, and to stay engaged as these changes roll out.
You can find more information on the Disability Support Services website.