Carer Support and Individualised Funding - Ongoing flexibility for Family/Whānau/Aiga
On 18 March 2024 the purchasing rules governing what disability funding can be used for changed. Find more information on our Purchasing Rules and EMS update news item external URL .
Kia ora koutou,
As a response to COVID-19 and its challenges, changes were made so access to respite could be more flexible. The changes included people being able to use Carer Support and Individualised Funding (IF) to pay family/whānau/aiga to provide support, including those living in the same household.
Whaikaha is pleased to confirm that this more flexible approach to employing family/ whānau/aiga will continue until 28 February 2023 for those using Carer Support or IF through Whaikaha disability support services.
This means that tāngata whaikaha Māori and disabled people have extended choice as to who can provide support.
Feedback from tāngata whaikaha Māori and disabled people and their whānau, and carers has shown they value this more flexible approach to supports.
Going forward we are committed to incorporating this flexibility into our framework and guidelines for disability support services, which we are developing in line with the Enabling Good Lives approach.
In addition to extending the approach to employing family/whānau/aiga through to the end of February (noted above), this reconfirms that the flexibility to use Purchasing Guidelines for carer support allocations, was permanently put in place in 2021.
Tips for completing your Carer Support Forms
- Wherever possible please print clearly or type the information onto your claim form
- Make sure that you sign and date the form (this is verification)
- Ensure that you attach as much information as possible with regard to purchases including receipts or quotes
- Please remember to keep all receipts and store them away or save electronically
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