Find Disability Support in New Zealand

Finding disability support can feel overwhelming, especially when you are new to the disability community or trying to navigate multiple services at the same time. Many disabled people, families, whānau and carers are unsure where to start, who to contact or what support may be available.

This page has been created to help people understand the disability support system in New Zealand and identify pathways to information, funding, services and community support. Whether you are looking for personal care, equipment, respite support, advocacy, housing assistance or community participation opportunities, knowing where to begin is often the most important first step.

Start With a Needs Assessment

For many people, accessing government-funded disability support begins with a Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) organisation or an Enabling Good Lives (EGL) site. These services help determine eligibility, identify support needs and connect people with available services and funding options.

The assessment process looks at your circumstances, goals, support requirements and everyday living needs. Family members, whānau and carers can often be involved in the process to help ensure a complete picture of support needs is considered.

Disability Support Services (DSS)

Disability Support Services provides funding and support for approximately 55,000 disabled people and their whānau each year. It also funds equipment, modifications and environmental support services that assist around 100,000 New Zealanders to live more independently.

Support may include personal care, household assistance, respite services, supported living, community participation, equipment funding, vehicle modifications and home modifications. The type of support available depends on individual circumstances, eligibility and assessed needs.

Equipment and Assistive Technology

Many disabled people require equipment or assistive technology to support communication, mobility, learning, employment and daily living. Funding may be available for wheelchairs, communication devices, hearing aids, vision aids, home modifications, vehicle modifications and other specialist equipment.

The right equipment can significantly improve independence and participation. An Equipment and Modification Services assessor can help identify suitable options and determine whether funding may be available.

Support for Families and Carers

Families and carers play an important role in supporting disabled people. A range of services and funding options are available to assist carers, including respite support, Carer Support funding, Individualised Funding and community-based support services.

Having access to reliable information and practical support can help reduce stress and improve outcomes for both disabled people and those who support them every day.

Community and Specialist Services

Beyond government-funded support, there are many community organisations and specialist providers that offer assistance throughout New Zealand. These services may focus on intellectual disability, autism, sensory disabilities, physical disabilities, mental health, supported living, employment support or community participation.

Every person's situation is different. Finding the right service often involves exploring a range of options and identifying the supports that best match individual goals and circumstances.

Choice and Control

Modern disability support increasingly focuses on giving disabled people greater choice and control over how support is delivered. Programmes such as Individualised Funding allow eligible people and their families greater flexibility in managing supports that meet their needs.

The goal is to place disabled people at the centre of decision-making and ensure support is built around individual goals, strengths and aspirations rather than fitting people into a standard model of service delivery.

Helping You Find the Right Support

This page will continue to grow with disability support news, service updates, funding information, advocacy resources and practical guidance. Our goal is to help disabled people, families, whānau, carers and professionals better understand the support system and connect with the services they need.

No two disability journeys are the same. By bringing information together in one place, we hope to make it easier for people to explore their options, make informed decisions and access the support that helps them live the life they choose.