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Whaikaha Ministry of Disabled People View our
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Fact sheet: for people receiving Disability Support Services

Download this fact sheet as a PDF:  Fact sheet for people receiving Disability Support Services (PDF 364KB)

Fact sheet updated: September 2024

This fact sheet has been updated with the following information:

  • Disability Support Services (DSS) and related functions were transferred from Whaikaha to MSD, as a branded business unit, from mid-September 2024.
  • Moving DSS to MSD will not change who can access personal information. Access is restricted only to those who have a direct role in providing DSS. 

The Minister for Disability Issues, Hon Louise Upston external URL , commissioned an Independent Review of the Disability Support System to strengthen its long-term sustainability. 

As the Ministry of Disabled People - Whaikaha was facing cost pressures, the Minister wanted a full picture of the situation before considering any changes to the system.  

The Independent Review included seven recommendations, which have been accepted by the Government.  This includes transferring DSS and related functions from Whaikaha to MSD, as a branded business unit, from mid-September 2024.

Work on implementing the findings of the Independent Review began in August 2024, with report backs due by the end of 2024.

You can find the details of each recommendation on our website. 

What does this mean now?

If you are a disabled person, family member, or carer of a disabled person, there is unlikely to be immediate change to the support you receive.  

For now, you will continue to get the funding, equipment, care and the other disability support you are eligible for.   

Your first point of contact will continue to be your provider, NASC, or Enabling Good Lives site.

People do not need to go into MSD’s Work and Income office for disability support services. 

The changes made to Flexible Funding in March 2024 will remain.  

The prioritisation for Equipment and Modification Services (EMS) put in place in March 2024 remains in place.  

What happens to my private information following the move of DSS to MSD? 


Moving DSS to MSD will not change who can access personal information.

Access is restricted only to those who have a direct role in providing DSS. 

What could this mean in the future? 

People will be consulted as we move through the process.

We will work with providers and disability organisations, as more details are confirmed.  

More information can be found on the Ministry of Disabled People - Whaikaha website.  

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