MSD Disability Support Services (DSS)
We are encouraging all family carers to have a say in the MSD Disability Support Services (DSS) public consultation that runs from 10 Feb – 24 March 2025, to shape future disability funding and service models. We know it’s frustrating, but it’s in our interest to find that bit of energy to move forward.
The consultation briefing material includes a proposal for carers to have their own assessment and supports. It is the first time that a government consultation has raised this as an option and it aligns with our strategic goal of carers being seen as a unique population with their own rights and needs. We think that it’s important to stop the habit of government treating family carers as an afterthought. You do matter. Your mostly unpaid Mahi Aroha has an annual value of at least $17.6 billion.
Our society would crumble without you. NZ must sustain and value and recognise you. Here is a chance to encourage more flexibility in how funding can be used for disabled people, and for family carers to be supported and valued.
Even if you send two sentences in an email to the submissions team, or attend an online meeting, or find time to go to one of the community meetings, or take the online survey (details to come), or join Carers NZ and friends for one of the four online meetings we’ll host at the end of Feb (details to come), or any of the above. Thank you, whānau, for helping to move the dial forward. None of us can do everything, but most of us can do something. Share far and wide, and help if you can. If you’d like to join one of our meetings or want to find out more, register now via centre@carers.net.nz
While everyone is welcome to participate, Disability Support Services especially want to hear from people receiving essential disability support after an assessment from a NASC or EGL site, and their whānau, carers, and advocates. The consultation does not include people who only receive supports from other agencies, such as Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Transport or Work and Income. They are seeking feedback on two specific issues:
- How assessment and allocation processes could be made clearer
- Options for changes to flexible funding
- Fact sheet – Assessments and allocation (DOCX 506 KB)
- Fact sheet – Assessments and allocation (PDF 305 KB)
- Fact sheet: accessing and using flexible funding (PDF 308 KB)
- Fact sheet: accessing and using flexible funding (DOCX 501 KB)
To register now for Disability Support Services’ upcoming community consultation workshops or find out more, go here and here.
There is a supporting discussion document here.
YouTube video with Chris Bunny, head of Disability Support Services.
The final decisions relate to Recommendations 5 & 6 from the Independent Review.
Some info on how to participate:
- attend an in person workshop
- attend an online briefing workshop
- make a submission – either in writing or by video
- complete a short survey (details to come)
While places are limited for in-person events due to venue capacities, DSS says all contributions, including submissions and survey responses, will be considered equally. All is for All external is managing the registration process for the in-person and online events on DSS’ behalf.
Carers NZ will keep this page updated as more information comes. If you have any questions, contact us at centre@carers.net.nz or join our Facebook page – we’ll update as info comes to hand. It is crucial that our community shares the impact of government changes to disability services and how it has impacted you. We know that you have already added your voices many times over. But it’s important to give feedback when we are given a small consultation opportunity such as this one, so please do.
