Flexible funding Q&A

Flexible funding, answered plainly.

Short answers about NZ disability funding under the rules that apply now. Every answer names its official source and the date it was last checked.

How this works

Current, sourced, dated.

The funding rules changed on 1 April 2026, and much of what search engines and AI tools serve up is older than that. Each answer here links to the current official source and shows the date it was last checked against it.

This is general information about how the funding system works, not advice about your specific situation. Your host is the right place for that. Got a question that isn't here? Email it to Jamie. General questions get answered on this page.

The basics

What is Individualised Funding? Government disability funding you control, with a host handling the payments. What changed with flexible funding from 1 April 2026? The purchasing rules were removed. No more approved-item lists. Who runs Individualised Funding now? Disability Support Services, within MSD. Older Whaikaha pages are out of date.

Approvals and buying

Do I need approval before buying a support service? Usually not under $1,500. On the highest support tier, the line is $500. What is the difference between a service and equipment? Equipment is things you keep. Services are people doing things with you. The rules differ. Can I buy an iPad or tablet with my funding? Maybe. It counts as equipment, so ask your host before you buy. What is Tier 4? The highest level of host guidance. Approval kicks in at $500 instead of $1,500.

Choosing your support

Do I have to use providers from an approved list? No. There is no approved-provider list. You choose who supports you. Can I pay an independent support worker with my funding? Yes. Your host can pay the person you choose, not just agencies. What is a host provider? The organisation that administers your funding and answers the buying questions.

More complicated than a general answer?

Talk it through with a person.

Jamie has worked inside the funding system for fifteen years. The Discovery Call is free, 15 to 30 minutes, no commitment. For working through your specific situation, a paid Support Session is NZ$40 for 15 minutes online, or NZ$80 for an hour in person in Christchurch. Or email jamie@neurosupport.co.nz.

Book the free call → Book a Support Session