From 1 April 2026, people who use flexible funding through Disability Support Services (DSS) will benefit from increased choice, control, and certainty in how they use their funding for disability supports.
These changes are designed to make the system more flexible, empowering people to tailor their supports in ways that best meet their individual needs, goals, and lifestyles.
The updates apply to people receiving flexible funding, including Individualised Funding, Carer Support, and some hosted Enabling Good Lives personal budgets.
What’s changing?
A number of key updates are being introduced:
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Budgets will remain the same – there are no changes to the total amount of flexible funding people receive.
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Purchasing rules will be removed – giving people greater freedom in how they use their funding.
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Funding must still align with individual plans – supports purchased must continue to reflect the purpose outlined in each person’s plan.
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Some restrictions will remain – a small number of items will still not be permitted or may require approval before purchase.
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Increased support will be available – people will have access to more guidance to help them plan and manage their funding effectively.
What does this mean for you?
If you already receive flexible funding, there’s nothing you need to do to prepare for these changes. The transition will happen automatically, and your current funding will continue—now with greater flexibility in how it can be used.
Building on recent improvements
These updates build on earlier improvements within Disability Support Services, including the introduction of a nationally consistent assessment approach in February 2026.
Importantly, the April changes also reflect feedback from the disability community during consultation in 2025, helping to ensure the system continues to evolve in a way that better supports the people who use it.
Learn more
Disability Support Services have developed Easy Read and accessible fact sheets to help explain these changes clearly.
You can find more information by following the links below:
