PSN welcomes changes to DSS funding

Presbyterian Support Northern (PSN) is pleased with changes to the funding of Disability Support Services (DSS) announced by the Government today (03 September 2025).

The changes are in response to the Government’s consultation with the disability sector earlier in the year on the needs assessment and allocation processes for people accessing DSS-funded supports and on flexible funding.

PSN’s Enliven health & disability service was one of many groups calling for greater clarity on funding rules and improved access to information.

Enliven GM Wendy Hoskin says PSN’s feedback was based around managing the expectations of what people can get and when.

“We are pleased that the review has taken into account the needs and requests of disabled people to have more flexibility restored into the way their funding is structured,” she says.

“Even when families have secured disability support funding, it can be challenging to understand exactly how it can be used due to unclear definition of criteria.

 “This is adding to people’s distress. We need to have a simple, straight forward and easy to understand system.

“We are pleased that the feedback given around consistency of approach across the country has been heard.”

Hoskin says she is also encouraged by the timeframe between today’s announcement and when the changes come into effect.

“We think that it is clear that a transition period is needed that will allow systems and processes to be properly put in place to run with the changes, as well as giving people the chance to familiarise themselves with the changes.”

Hoskin says it’s important that families get on top of the funding changes as soon as they can.

“We strongly advice that families reach out to organisations such as PSN’s Enliven Individual Funding service in the coming months. We encourage people to sit with us and learn about how they can use their funding and use it in a way that best meets their needs.”

More information about the changes is on the DSS website: https://www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/disabled-people/changes-to-disability-support-services.