This announcement applies to people who are funded via Disability Support Services.

Carer Support

As a response to COVID-19 and its challenges, changes were made so access to respite could be more flexible, including using Carer Support and Individualised Funding (IF) to pay family/whānau/āiga to provide support, including those living in the same household.

We are pleased to confirm that this approach to employing family/ whānau/āiga will continue until 30 September 2022 for those eligible for Carer Support or IF currently through the Ministry of Health Disability Support Services.

We acknowledge that COVID-19 continues to be an issue for all New Zealanders, but in particular for tāngata whaikaha Māori and disabled people.

We have listened to the feedback that we have received from tāngata whaikaha Māori and disabled people and their whānau, which has shown they value this more flexible and person-centred approach to supports.

This approach has also made it easier for tāngata whaikaha Māori and disabled people to be able to maintain safe bubbles by engaging family, whānau and āiga members to provide support.

Extending the flexible approach to employing family/whānau/āiga until the end of September will take us through winter. It will also enable continued planning to implement the Enabling Good Lives approach to disability support services including paid family care policy changes.

In addition to extending the approach to employing family/whānau/āiga through to September (noted above), the flexibility to use purchasing guidelines for carer support allocations, was permanently put in place in 2021.

You will continue to be able to access the support that you currently receive when the new Ministry for Disabled People launches this Friday (1 July 2022). The contact details of providers you currently deal with, will remain the same and the processes that are currently in place will also remain the same to ensure that everyone, including providers, will receive their funding.

 

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