Disability Support Services: Looking Ahead After a Year of Change
Anne Shaw, Associate Deputy Chief Executive of the DSS, recently provided an update on the DSS consultation process and next steps, which we have summarised here.
Background
In response to growing demand, rising costs, and long-standing concerns about equity and transparency, Disability Support Services (DSS) has undergone a major review—driven by both financial necessity and community feedback. Since 2019, the number of people accessing Disability support funding has grown by 43%, significantly outpacing general population growth. At the same time, DSS spending has doubled, reaching $2.6 billion, and has consistently outstripped the allocated Budget.
This pressure came to a head in late 2023, when Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People – warned it would run out of funds. Emergency changes were made in March 2024 to flexible funding and equipment services, but these were abrupt, and left many disabled people and families confused and distressed.
What steps were taken?
An Independent Review was launched in April 2024 and confirmed what many already knew: the system is inconsistent, hard to navigate, and not well designed to meet people’s needs. Flexible funding and residential care were identified as the biggest cost pressures, and it became clear that Whaikaha wasn’t adequately set up to manage such a large and complex system. Since then, the Government has committed an additional $1.1 billion over five years to stabilise the service.
Where to from here?
Now, DSS is moving into a crucial next phase, focusing on redesigning the system to be fairer, simpler, and easier to understand. Four major priorities are in the spotlight:
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Joined-up Government: Different agencies like ACC, MoH, MSD, and Education will work more closely together, so disabled people don’t fall through the cracks or get bounced between departments.
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System Redesign: A clearer, more transparent structure will be developed, with defined roles, responsibilities, and better decision-making pathways.
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New Legislation: Work is starting to define exactly what DSS should deliver and who it should serve—so everyone can understand their entitlements.
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Fairer Funding: New funding approaches will aim to match support with actual need in each region, closing long-standing equity gaps.
The vision is a DSS that reflects the diversity of the community, aligns with Enabling Good Lives (EGL) principles, and provides the clarity and consistency people have been asking for. Whaikaha is committed to engaging with the disability community throughout this next phase—and building a system that genuinely works for everyone.
Want to know more?
Independent Living will keep you informed when DSS announce how these recommendations will be implemented.
In the meantime, you can sign up to receive regular updates from DSS here: https://mailchi.mp/comms.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/um4rpdsxc1
And if you are unsure how the review affects you, feel free to contact our advisory team on 0800 625 100 or at info@ilsnz.org.