Flexible Support in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

Flexible Support is an option for some individuals, giving them control over how to use their allocated support within DSS guidelines. Those who qualify can decide who, when, and how they are supported. They are in charge of creating an agreement with their chosen support provider, and it’s up to them to ensure their needs are being met and that they’re managing their budget well.

We all play a part in ensuring the sustainability of DSS, so people can continue to rely on the support they need. Remember to use your Flexible Support funding responsibly. Once your Flexible Support funds are used up, we likely won’t be able to add more. Let us know if budgeting becomes an issue — a provider may need to step in to help manage your supports.

  • If you’re caring for a disabled loved one full-time and unpaid, we want to help make sure you’re taking care of yourself, too. Carer Support funding is here to help give you a little ‘you-time’. It can cover some of the cost of respite care – either someone to look after your loved one, or an activity for them to safely enjoy while you take a break.

    Key things to remember:

    • Carer Support is a government contribution, paid at a rate of $80 per Carer Support Day. While it may not cover all expenses, it’s designed to help ease some of the financial load of caregiving.
    • Your chosen carer must be 18 years and above, and capable of providing care.
    • Carer Support days will expire at the end of the allocation period and will not roll over to the next.
    • You decide when to use it and can claim it as you go. To make a claim, fill in a Carer Support form and email to csclaims@health.govt.nz or post it. You can be reimbursed directly into your bank account or your carer’s account.

    Find out how to use Carer Support:

    Visit the DSS website for more info about Carer Support

  • If living more independently is the goal, this support can help you achieve it. CICL is an option to help people with complex disabilities make the move from residential care or the family home into a place of their own.

    Key things to remember:

    • You can use CICL in any place you call home—whether it’s your own house, a rental or social housing—just as long as you don’t live with your parents.
    • Your CICL budget might go further if you share your space with others who also have CICL, like living in a flat.
    • Talk to your CICL provider if you want to explore this.
    • We’d love to hear if your CICL provider is doing great or if you think they can do better.
    Visit the DSS website for more info about CICL

  • IF gives you more control over how you use your funding. It gives you a yearly budget, which you can use to cover some of the cost of disability services. You can use IF to pay for Household Management, Personal Care, or so you can have respite.

    If you have IF, you need to have an IF Host. They can help you make sure you’re putting your budget to the best possible use. They’ll talk to you about your responsibilities as an employer of your supporter workers.

    Key things to remember:

    • Some family members decide to be the paid support worker. However, this can make it harder for them to take breaks if they are also the main caregiver.
    • The disabled person or parent must have a Community Services Card (CSC) to receive Household Management.
    • Help around the house does not include lawns maintenance or gardening.

    Two ways you can have respite using IF

    Out-of-Home Respite
    Take an overnight break from caring with Out-of-Home. You can pay a friend or family member to look after your disabled loved one in their home, whether it’s just for one night or a bit longer.
    In-Home Respite
    Take a break while your disabled loved is matched with a dedicated support worker or ‘buddy’. Their buddy supports them in achieving their goals at their own pace, whether it’s learning life skills at home or in the community. They can help your disabled loved one build independence, gain confidence and form new relationships outside the family. Meanwhile, you can take time to recharge, knowing they’re in good hands.
    Visit the DSS website for more info about IF and IF Hosts

Staying on track with your Flexible Supports budget

We want you to live as independently as possible. Keeping track of your budget makes sure you have the resources you need to live the life you choose.

Your Flexible Supports are tailored to the needs you identified during your needs assessment. If you need guidance to stay within your budget, reach out sooner rather than later. If you have an IF host, they can assist you.

We can help you find government or community support for other needs, so you can focus your disability budget for what matters most.

 

Other places you can get support