Use Your Supports
Whakamahia ō tautoko
The way you use your plan depends on the support type: Flexible or Contracted. Each comes with its own unique set of responsibilities, and we’re here to help you understand them.
Flexible Support responsibilities
Flexible Support gives you full control over your disability support services. It’s a big responsibility, and it works best for those who can manage things like:
- securing the right support for many and complex needs
- handling budgets carefully and effectively
- balancing their responsibilities as a parent or caregiver professionally
- taking care of their own personal wellbeing while caregiving
- finding, hiring, training, managing, and paying support workers – including deducting taxes, contributing to
ACC and providing benefits like sick leave and annual leave - understanding the Ministry’s Purchasing Guidelines around Flexible Support.
Purchasing Guidelines
The Purchasing Guidelines explain how you can use your funding, like Carer Support and IF.
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Did you know that Te Whatu Ora is responsible for coordinating Carer Support? They have a dedicated team that can help confirm what you can use your Carer Support for, guide you on how to make a claim, and check how much Carer Support hours you have remaining.
Contact them on 0800 855 066 or email carer_support@health.govt.nz
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It’s really important to work closely with your IF host to ensure you stay within your budget. They’re there to help you manage your funding effectively and make the most of your resources. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them for guidance and support. Keep in mind that if you overspend, you’re not likely to receive additional funding, so it’s crucial to plan carefully.
Contracted Support responsibilities
With Contracted Support, your supports will come from a provider contracted by the Ministry of Social Development. We’ll help connect you with your chosen providers, then you’ll be responsible for managing your relationship from there. This includes being clear about the support you need from them, letting them know how they’re doing, and keeping the lines of communication open so that any potential issues can be quickly resolved.
Working things out with your provider
As an independent party, we can keep a close eye on providers and the care they offer. So if things are getting off track with one or more of your providers, let us know, and we can help you work things out.
Complete a provider feedback form or call us on 0800 824 5872.
Make the most of your plan
You can share your plan with your
Why your supports can change?
Supports change to reflect your current situation; ensure they’re being used as intended; and stay aligned with
Unused funding
Currently, your support or funding doesn’t carry over from year to year. This means, if you don’t use all of it within a year, any left over funds will expire. To make the most of your funding, plan and use it throughout the year. Keep track of your spending and review your needs regularly to ensure your supports are helping you reach your goals and live your best life.