Since the disruption caused by the restrictive purchasing guidelines introduced in April 2024—and the strong pushback from the disability community—the Disability Support Services (DSS) has shifted direction.
As of 1 April 2026, DSS has adopted a more collaborative and flexible approach. The restrictive rules have been removed, and new guidelines have been introduced to create a fairer, more consistent system for assessing and approving supports and purchases.
No Change to Funding Levels
It’s important to be clear:
there has been no increase or decrease in overall funding budgets.
However, the changes represent a meaningful shift in how funding can be used, improving autonomy and decision-making for the disability community.
A System Still Evolving
If you’ve been following recent updates, you may have seen discussions (such as the Manawanui webstream) where DSS representative Alistair Hill described the new system as a “starting point.”
This is important.
DSS has signalled that:
- The framework will continue evolving
- Community feedback will shape future refinements
- Not all details are finalised yet
The New “4 Tiers” of Guidance
A key new feature is the introduction of four tiers of guidance and oversight.
These tiers determine:
- How often your host provider checks in
- How much oversight or support you receive
- How decisions around spending are reviewed
For some people, this may mean minimal oversight and high autonomy.
For others, it may involve closer guidance and more structured approvals.
How is your tier decided?
Your tier will be based on your My DSS plan, which is created:
- At your next reassessment, or
- After your first NASC assessment (if completed after 1 February 2026)
Once assigned, your host provider will work with you to:
- Guide spending decisions
- Approve purchases where required
- Ensure alignment with your plan and budget
At this stage, exact differences between tiers are still not fully defined, particularly around how strict oversight will be.
The New Core Rule for Purchases
The most important change is the simplified primary requirement for funding approval:
Any purchase must address a barrier created by your disability.
This has been described by DSS as “pragmatic purchasing”—meaning you should be able to clearly explain how a product or service meets a disability-related need.
Old vs New Criteria (What’s Changed?)
Previous Criteria (2024–2026)
Purchases had to:
- Make life better
- Be reasonable and cost-effective
- Be a disability support
- Not fall under exclusions
New Approach (2026 onward)
- Focuses primarily on barrier reduction
- Simpler in structure
- Potentially more flexible in application
However, there’s a key shift:
Decision-making responsibility now sits more with your host provider, guided by your plan and tier level.
Repeat Purchases: What You Need to Know
DSS has clarified:
- Routine services (e.g. personal care, household support) do not require ongoing pre-approval
- However, if a recurring purchase appears unusual, you should be ready to justify it
What’s still unclear:
- Whether different tiers will affect autonomy over repeat purchases
Practical advice:
It’s safest to discuss repeat purchases with your host provider, especially while the system is still bedding in.
What Is the “My DSS” Plan?
Currently, there are two legacy funding models:
- Individual Service Plan
- Enabling Good Lives (EGL)
If you had your first NASC assessment after 1 February 2026, you will already be on the new:
My DSS Plan
Transition to the New System
DSS intends to move all users onto the My DSS system over time.
To support this transition:
- A reassessment freeze is in place until October 2026 for those on legacy plans
- This allows time to properly implement the new framework
Exceptions
Urgent reassessments can still occur if your circumstances change.
The Purpose of the My DSS Plan
DSS has outlined several key goals for the new system:
1. Person-Centred Support
You are placed at the centre of decision-making
→ Greater self-determination and control
2. Real-Life Relevance
Funding is linked directly to:
- Everyday challenges
- Practical barriers
- Meaningful outcomes
3. National Consistency
A more structured system aims to:
- Standardise assessments
- Reduce regional inconsistencies
4. Increased Flexibility
More freedom in how funding is used
—but still shaped by policy and approvals
5. Balanced Accountability
While flexibility increases, the system also:
- Requires clear justification
- Acts as a gatekeeping mechanism
- Ensures supports are reasonable and necessary
The Big Takeaway
The system is now simpler—but not looser.
While there are fewer rigid rules, success now depends on one critical factor:
Your ability to clearly justify purchases
For anything outside routine spending, you will need to show:
- How it addresses a disability-related barrier
- Why it is reasonable and necessary
Practical Tip: Strong Justification Is Everything
Under the new system:
- A well-written justification can unlock flexibility
- A weak or unclear one may lead to declines
READ HOW TO GET SENSORY PRODUCTS APPROVED:WRITING A JUSTIFICATION THAT WORKS
Getting Quotes for Funding Approval
If you need quotes or invoices for funding applications:
Sensory Sam provides:
- A wide range of sensory and neurodivergent-friendly products
- Trusted options used by disability service providers across New Zealand
You can:
- Use the “Add to Quote/Invoice” button feature (underneath add to cart)
- Build a wishlist
- Receive a ready-to-submit quote or invoice for your provider
Final Thoughts
This shift marks a significant cultural change:
- From rules-based restriction
- To justification-based flexibility
But with that flexibility comes responsibility.
The people who benefit most from the new system will be those who:
- Understand their needs clearly
- Can link purchases to real-life barriers
- Communicate their reasoning effectively