Create Your Supports

Whakaritea ō tautoko

Our team will be in touch to help start building your supports. Your support package is based on your primary disability-related needs and curent situation.

We’ll go over the types of disability support offered by DSS through the Ministry of Social Development, explain the responsibilities attached to each, and cover the skills needed to use certain supports. Then we’ll recommend those we think can best help you achieve your goals.

Your supports are about helping you achieve the outcomes that matter most. Prioritising your goals, managing budgets effectively, and exploring other support options can all help contribute to a good life.

There are two types of disability support

  • Flexible Support puts you in charge. You choose how you want to be supported, and who by. You’ll set up the agreement with your chosen support person yourself, making sure it’s tailored to your needs. You’ll also need to stay within budget to keep managing your supports your way. 

    Learn more about the types of Flexible Support

  • Contracted Support means your supports will come from providers contracted by DSS. We’ll contact your selected provider first to get things set up, then you’ll build the relationship from there. Providers have to follow certain rules to make sure they uphold quality standards of care. You can always let them know how they’re doing, and if you ever need a hand, we’re always available to help. 

    Learn more about the types of Contracted Support

Choosing Flexible or Contracted Support

Some disabled people and family caregivers enjoy the full control of Flexible Support, and have the skills and support it takes to manage them. While others prefer to keep the paperwork and admin to a minimum, and choose the convenience of Contracted Support instead.

We’ll talk to you about your options, and have an honest conversation about which we think is right for you.

What your supports could look like

Your supports usually include your natural supports, community options, and available government funding and services.

Sometimes the support you need – like education or housing assistance – falls outside of DSS. If this happens, we’ll find out where you can get funding. And if we can, we’ll make a referral to the right agency.

Approve your supports

You can take a few days to think about our recommended support package, and consider any changes you might like to make before approving it. If you have any questions at all, feel free to reach out.

An important document

Your plan will become an important government document. You’ll refer to it whenever you’re setting agreements with your chosen provider or support people. It will also provide clarity and accountability for your support arrangements.

Disability providers in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

The Ministry of Social Development contracts with many different organisations that offer a range of disability support services. Your provider (or someone else you choose to support you) is there to accompany you on your journey towards living your best life. You can talk to them about how you want to be supported, and plan backup support options.

  • Support for household tasks and personal care, so you can live independently at home.

    •   Access Community Health
    •   Aotea Family (Great Barrier Island only)
    •   Care On Call
    •   Counties Manukau Homecare (South Auckland only)
    •   Enliven (Presbyterian Support Northern)
    •   Geneva Healthcare Limited
    •   Health Vision
    •   Huakina Home Care
    •   LIFEWISE Trust
    •   NZCL
    •   Pacific Island Homecare
    •   Royal District Nursing Service
    •   Te Runanga O Ngati Whatua
    •   VisionWest Homecare
    •   Waiheke Health Trust (Waiheke Island only)
    •   Whaiora Home Care Services
    Learn more about community residence

  • Take the break you need with the help of respite providers.

    In-home

    •   NZCL
    •   Spectrum Care

    Out-of-home (for children)

    •   Open Home Foundation
    •   Spectrum Care
    •   Wilson Home (overnight respite for children and young people with high medical needs)

    Out-of-home (for adults)

    •   Eastgate Community Trust
    •   NZCL
    •   Spectrum Care
    •   Te Roopu Taurima

    Call us on 0800 824 5872 or webchat to learn more about your respite options.

    Learn more about respite

  • Residential care provides 24/7 specialised support for disabled people away from their home.

    • Agape
    • CCS Disability Action
    • Chequers
    • Creative Abilities
    • Emerge Aotearoa
    • Geneva
    • GIFT House
    • Harbour Lodge (Quality of Life Trust)
    • Hohepa Auckland
    • IDEA Services
    • Kotuku Trust (A Supported Life)
    • LIFE Homes
    • Matea Trust
    • Mt Tabor Trust
    • NZCL
    • Papaarangi Home
    • Puhinui House
    • Ranfurly Care Society
    • Rescare Homes Trust
    • Shore Trust
    • Solway Trust
    • Spectrum Care
    • Te Anua Nua
    • Te Roopu Taurima
    • Te Rori A Mua Trust
    • Totara Farm Trust
    More information about residential support services

  • An alternative to residential services for people with significant disabilities.

    •   CCS Disability Action
    •   IDEA Services
    •   NZCL
    •   Renaissance
    •   Spectrum Care
    •   Te Roopu Taurima

  • Support for disabled people to live independently.

    • CCS Disability Action
    • IDEA Services
    • NZCL
    • Renaissance
    • Spectrum Care
    • Vision Pacific Charitable Trust

  • If you’d like another listening ear, information advisory services can help. They offer free independent information and advice to disabled people, their whānau, caregivers, providers, and anyone else who needs to know more. There are several information services in Auckland. Explore the Whaikaha website and the Federation of Disability Information Services for more information.