Individualised Funding for disability support in Aotearoa New Zealand

At Better Days, our kaupapa is simple: people with disability should have meaningful choice and control over the support they receive. Individualised Funding (IF) can give you and your whānau more flexibility to shape support around your goals, routines and everyday life.

We offer communication, skill-building and group programmes that can tautoko/support people through key life transitions. If a programme fits your funding plan, we can work alongside you, your whānau and your IF Host to shape support around what matters to you.

What Is Individualised Funding (IF)?

Individualised Funding for disability support in Aotearoa New Zealand is a government initiative that gives you, your family and/or whānau more choice over who provides their support, and how and when that support is delivered.

Working with an IF Host helps you manage the budget, understand the current funding rules and make choices that fit your plan, whether it’s communication development, group and skill-building programmes, mentoring, or respite. IF is all about giving you the freedom to choose the people and services that work best for you.

How IF can support you

Every person and whānau is unique, and that’s exactly why IF exists. Through IF, Better Days can help you explore practical support that connects with your goals and everyday life such as:

Getting around

Move around your kāinga/home, neighbourhood and community with greater confidence, safety and independence.

Walking, balance and strength
Wheelchair and seating assessments
Mobility equipment recommendations
Building confidence in the community

Communicating

Find more ways to connect with whānau and others, share your ideas and be understood.

Understanding and expressing information
Making choices and communicating preferences
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) assessments
Coaching for whānau and support workers

Study or work

Build practical skills, strategies and confidence for learning and mahi/work.

Planning, organisation and time management
Managing fatigue and energy
Helpful equipment or technology
Building confidence and independence

Managing daily life

Make daily routines easier with practical support that strengthens independence and wellbeing at home.

Dressing, showering and personal care
Cooking, shopping and household tasks
Managing sensory needs and strong emotions
Equipment and practical home strategies

Friends and community

Build whanaungatanga/connection, take part in activities that matter to you and feel more confident in your community.

Activities and groups that match your interests
Building confidence in social situations
Developing friendships and social skills
Meaningful respite and supported outings

Health and wellbeing

Support your hauora/health, including your physical, emotional and sensory wellbeing, so you can take part in everyday life.

Physical activity, strength and movement
Managing fatigue, pain or reduced endurance
Emotional and sensory regulation
Attending appointments and following health plans

How IF and Better Days can work together

Our clinicians and rehabilitation coaches work alongside clients and whānau to design practical programmes that support everyday goals. Your programme can be simple or detailed, depending on what works for you.

Better Days can help you tailor the right programme that support goals related to communication, daily living, community participation, mentoring or skill-building. Connect with us so our team can support you in exploring the pathway that works best for you.

Rehabilitation and coaching

A Better Days clinician can help you develop a practical rehabilitation, skills or exercise plan. Where it fits your funding plan, a rehabilitation coach can help you practise and stay consistent in everyday settings.

Communication development programme

Our Speech and Language Therapy team can work with you and your whānau to set communication goals, develop useful strategies and practise them in everyday situations.

Community support and mentoring programme

We can help you shape a programme that supports daily routines, builds everyday skills and creates meaningful opportunities in your community. Where appropriate, this may also give carers or whānau time for a break.

IF can work alongside therapy by helping you practise agreed goals in everyday life. We can kōrero with you and your whānau about a structured programme, then you can check with your IF Host whether it fits the purpose of your funding plan.

Private fees and pricing

We believe in clear communication about our pricing. These fees apply to private appointments and assessments with our team and include GST unless stated otherwise.

Reports, liaison, travel or specialised assessments may involve extra time and cost. We will explain the likely fees and ask for your agreement before we go ahead.

Complex Paediatric Assessment

This assessment may suit tamariki/children with more detailed developmental, disability, injury, sensory, equipment, behaviour or participation needs, including co-occurring developmental or neurodivergent needs. It allows extra time for observation, discussion with whānau, clinical reasoning, recommendations and a brief written summary. We will talk with you about which assessment is most appropriate for your child.

If you have any questions about fees, funding or which service may be right for you, feel free to contact us. Our team is here to help.

Service

Cost (including GST)

Initial baseline assessment (60min)

$230

Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Physiotherapy, Dietetics or Social Work (60min)

$180

Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Physiotherapy, Dietetics or Social Work (30min)

$120

Rehabilitation coach session (60min)

$120

Complex paediatric assessment

$500

Accessing Individualised Funding

Accessing IF starts with an assessment through your local Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) provider.

Your NASC will kōrero/talk with you about your support needs and whether IF is an appropriate option. If IF is allocated, you will work with an IF Host, which helps you manage your budget, understand your responsibilities and use your funding in line with your plan.

Your NASC can explain the host options available in your rohe/area and what to do if your needs or preferences change.

Contact your local NASC service

They will explain eligibility, the assessment process and your next steps.

Choose an IF host

Compare the available hosts and the level of guidance they provide with budgets, employment and paperwork.

Create your funding plan

Set out your goals, the purpose of your funding and the support you plan to use.

Begin using your funding

Work with your host to use IF in a way that supports your plan and helps you live well.

If you are unsure how IF fits alongside therapy, allied health or other disability support, contact us. We can help you understand our services, and your IF Host can confirm what your funding can be used for.

Living life your way, with support that fits

Individualised Funding is about recognising that you know your life best. It can give you and your whānau more choice and flexibility to shape support around what matters to you.

Together, we can build practical support that strengthens confidence, connection and independence in your everyday life.

To learn more about Individualised Funding and how Better Days may be able to help, contact us today.

FAQs

What does IF cover?

Individualised Funding supports you in six main areas:

Getting Around – Improve walking, balance and mobility with equipment recommendations, wheelchair assessments, and support to get out and about with confidence.
Communicating – Build skills for understanding and sharing information, making choices, and using communication tools.
Study or Work – Develop practical strategies for planning, organisation, energy management, and success in study, training, or employment.
Managing Daily Life – Strengthen independence with help for personal care, household tasks, sensory needs, emotional regulation, and daily routines.
Friends and Community – Take part in activities you enjoy, build social confidence, develop friendships, and connect with your community.
Health and Wellbeing – Enhance your wellbeing through physical activity, fatigue and pain management, emotional support, sensory regulation, and healthcare planning.

It may also cover some of the behind-the-scenes costs involved in providing you support, such as:

Training for support workers
Travel and mileage when supporting you
Administration and coordination of your services

Individualised Funding is designed to help you live well and achieve what’s important to you, so any service should support your wellbeing, contribute to your goals, and provide good value for money.

What does IF not cover?

Because IF is designed for disability support, not healthcare, there are some things it can’t fund. It does not cover:

Medical sessions
Medical supplies or equipment
Home renovations or maintenance
Leisure, recreation, or personal family costs
Supported living or residential care

If you need help with these, your NASC or GP can guide you toward other disability funding or health funding options available through Te Whatu Ora or the Ministry of Health.

What is the role of IF Hosts?

Once you’re approved for IF, you’ll work with a Host Organisation. Your host will:

Help you set up your plan and budget
Provide payroll or admin support
Offer guidance on what purchases are allowed
Make sure your funding is used safely and effectively

Hosts are there to make things easier so you can focus on what matters, living your life.

Can I use IF alongside other disability supports?

Yes, you can. Individualised Funding is designed to work alongside other supports you may already receive.

Your NASC assessor or IF Host can help you plan how different funding streams fit together so your supports stay clear, complementary, and focused on your goals, not duplicated or complicated.

What if I’m not sure how to manage the funding?

Ka pai. You do not have to manage everything alone. Your IF Host can guide you through setting up your plan, managing payroll or payments, keeping records and meeting reporting requirements.

Many people build confidence over time. The right level of support is the one that helps you manage your responsibilities while keeping meaningful choice and control.