The Government has introduced the Disability Support Services Bill to Parliament, with Disability Issues Minister, Louise Upston, saying it will provide clarity and stability to the system which supports thousands of disabled New Zealanders.
“Disability Support Services (DSS) plays a vital role in people’s lives, but it’s been operating without a clear legislative foundation,” said Ms Upston.
“This has made it harder for people to understand what support is available, who qualifies, and how decisions are made.”
The Bill establishes foundations and sets a clear framework for how DSS operates. It sets out what the disability support system does, its purpose and how public funding can be used, the Minister said.
“It will improve consistency, fairness, transparency and sustainability, building on our work to stabilise support after the 2024 Independent Review,” she said.
“Over the past two years we have taken urgent action to introduce a nationally consistent assessment process and more choice over flexible funding. This legislation is the next step.”
Significant features include:
- The introduction of the Bill does not change existing services, funding allocations, or who can receive disability support services.
- Eligible disabled people, their whānau and carers will continue to receive the support they rely on.
- The Bill makes it clearer what DSS provides and how it fits with other supports. It confirms family and whānau remain an important source of support, alongside publicly funded services.
“I know how much disabled people rely on support from DSS, and how important it is that they and their families have certainty that support will continue to be available,” said Minister Upston.
“That’s why the work the Government has done to stabilise DSS is so important.”
This Bill also responds to issues highlighted by the Supreme Court in December, which found two people being paid to provide care to a family member were employees of the state.
“This Bill doesn’t affect those two successful claims however I believe there are better ways to recognise and support carers than treating family members as state employees. I have commissioned further work in this space and will be consulting on a package for carers. I expect to make further announcements soon to better recognise support for carers,” said Ms Upston.
“This Bill also builds on our previous work for carers. For the first time, support for families’ and carers’ needs, including respite options for carers, are now part of the assessment. From 1 April 2026, disabled people with flexible funding gained more choice and control over their supports.
“DSS support is one part of a wider system, alongside support from families, whānau, communities, and other public services.”
The Bill clarifies that DSS funding is a contribution toward disabled people being able to live an everyday life, the Minister said.
“It makes clear that families and whānau have responsibility for the wellbeing of their members in the first instance and where appropriate.”
“This reflects the way that DSS already works. It doesn’t mean that DSS won’t help where disabled people’s families support them.
“My priority is making sure we are fixing the basics of disability support and building a sustainable future which disabled people, their families and carers can rely on.”
Following its first reading, the Disability Support Services Bill is expected to be referred to the Social Services and Community Committee for consideration.
DSS currently supports around 55,000 disabled people in the community and residential care, and around 100,000 people who access environmental support services products to live safely and independently.
It funds Child Development Services for around 26,000 disabled children each year to support them in reaching developmental milestones.
