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Individualised Funding for Disability Support in New Zealand
At Better Days, we believe everyone deserves the chance to live life on their own terms. Individualised Funding (IF) is a way for people living with disability, and their whānau, to have greater choice and control over how their support looks and feels every day. IF we can help you bring your goals to life through flexible, person-directed support.
We offer developmental communication programmes and other group engagement programmes that help people develop skills that support them through key life transitions. With IF we can help you bring your goals to life through flexible, person-directed support.
What Is Individualised Funding (IF)?
Individualised Funding for disability support in New Zealand is a government initiative that gives you and your family more choice in the type of support you receive. Whether it’s communication development, group programmes, mentoring, respite or skill-building programmes, working with an IF host will help you receive the support you need to live a good life.
With IF you can build a plan that truly reflects your goals, preferences, and lifestyle. IF is all about giving you the freedom to choose the people and services that work best for you.
How individualised funding can help you
Every person’s situation is unique, and that’s exactly why IF exists. It allows you to personalise your support, including which support worker you’d like to work with, how and when you will be supported so they fit naturally into your daily life. IF can be used for programmes that:
Support your independence at home
Help with morning routines, personal care, or household tasks.
Make daily life easier
Assistance with cooking, cleaning, or shopping.
Give carers a break
Flexible respite options, at home or in the community.
Build confidence and connection
Engaging support workers who help you participate in community activities and reach your goals.
IF and Better Days services work together
Many of our clients work with our expert staff us to design programmes to help them achieve their goals. Your programme can be as simple or as detailed as you like.
Whether you’re looking for disability support and respite for carers, communications development programmes, group engagement programmes, or skill building programmes, Better Days can help you tailor the right programme for you to live well and do more of what matters most.
Examples:
Rehabilitation and coaching
Our expert staff can help you create a rehab skills and exercise plan and arrange for a support worker to help you stay consistent with it.
Communication development programme
Our expert staff can work with you to develop communication goals and design a programme where you can develop strategies to aid communications and practise those skills with you in everyday situations.
Community support mentoring programmes
Our expert staff can help you design a tailored programme that sets up daily routines and develop everyday skills that help make those routines part of your real life, while providing respite for carers
In this way, Individualised Funding complements other therapy you may be undertaking by making it easier to live out your therapy goals day-to-day. Our expert staff can work with you to create programme packages that provide structured, cost-effective support for families and support you through key life transitions.
How to access Individualised Funding
Accessing IF begins with a Needs Assessment Service Coordination (NASC) assessment.
Your NASC will help identify your support needs and check if IF is right for you. Once approved, you’ll be connected with an IF Host organisation, a service that helps you manage your budget, stay within funding rules, and make the most of your plan.
You can choose the host that feels right for you and change at any time if your needs or preferences evolve.
Contact your local NASC service
They'll guide you through eligibility and next steps.
Choose an IF host
Pick one that matches your comfort level with managing finances and paperwork.
Create your support plan
Outline your goals, supports, and how you want to use your funding.
Start your journey
Begin using your IF to shape the supports that help you live well.
If you’d like help understanding where Individualised Funding fits alongside your therapy or allied health services, we’re here to help you explore the best options for your situation.
Living life your way
Individualised Funding is all about you. It’s about recognising that you know your life best, and giving you the tools, flexibility, and freedom to shape your supports around what truly matters.
If you’d like to learn more about Individualised Funding for disability support in New Zealand, reach out to us today.
Together, we can design disability support programmes that help you move forward with confidence, connection, and independence.
FAQs
What IF Covers
Individualised Funding supports you in three main areas:
- Personal Care – Support with tasks such as showering, dressing, grooming, or mobility.
- Household Management – Assistance with everyday household activities like cleaning, cooking, and laundry.
- Respite – Short-term breaks for carers, either through in-home help or time away from home.
It can also cover related costs such as:
- Training for support workers (for example, first aid certificates)
- Mileage and travel costs while supporting you
- Advertising or administration related to managing your supports
Everything funded must meet the IF purchasing rules—it needs to directly support your wellbeing, be cost-effective, and help you live your life.
What IF Doesn’t Cover
Because IF is designed for disability support, not healthcare, there are some things it can’t fund.
It does not cover:
- Medical or clinical therapy 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.
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 Individualised Funding if I already have 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 myself?
That’s completely okay. You don’t have to do it alone. Your chosen IF Host can guide you through setting up your plan, managing payroll, and staying on top of reporting. Many people start small and build confidence over time, it’s about finding the balance of support and independence that feels right for you.
