MSD announcement re Flexible Funding Budgets as of 1 April 2026

From the Ministry of Social Development:

“The Minister for Disability Issues Louise Upston has announced some changes which mean more choice, control, and certainty for disabled people using flexible funding. 

What’s changing in April for people who use flexible funding

From April, people who use flexible funding through DSS will have more choice and control over how they use their funding.

From 1 April:

• People’s allocated budgets for flexible funding will stay the same as they are now. There will be no change.
• The purchasing rules for flexible funding will be removed.
• Flexible funding must still be used in line with people’s plans – but people will have more choice over what supports work for them, including respite options for carers.
• A small number of items will remain prohibited or require pre-approval before spending.
• There will be more support for people to plan and manage their flexible funding in line with their plan. People with Hosts can expect to hear about this support from April onwards.
• People don’t need to do anything to get ready for these changes.

These April changes build on earlier improvements to Disability Support Services, including a nationally consistent assessment approach introduced in February 2026, and reflect feedback from the disability community.

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.

Here are links to more information about the changes:

• DSS website information: Flexible funding changes | Disability Support Services
• Printable factsheet. March/April 2026 Fact sheet | Disability Support Services We have commissioned alt formats for the factsheet and these will be on the DSS website soon.

The DSS website is the best place to stay up to date over coming weeks. We will update it with new Q and As or additional details as needed.”