Carer support and respite
If you care for someone with a disability there are services and subsidies available to support you too. Find out how to take a break while making sure the right level of care is in place.
On this page
Who is a carer?
If someone you love and care for everyday needs additional support to live their everyday lives because of a disability, then we consider you their Carer.
New Zealand Carers’ Strategy
The New Zealand Carers’ Strategy, introduced in 2008, is a partnership between the government and the Carers Alliance and is supported by action plans.
Carer Support
Carer Support provides reimbursement of some of the costs of using a support person to care and support a disabled person. This means your Carer can take some time out for themselves. Carer Support is subject to the same purchasing guidelines as individualised funding (IF).
- Find out more about carer support.
Respite explained: Options and services
Respite is taking a break from your caring responsibilities. There are a range of respite options and services nationwide and what is available can change based on the region you live in. Find out what's near you:
- Auckland region respite options
- Bay of Plenty and Lakes region respite options
- Canterbury, South Canterbury and West Coast respite options
- Wellington, Hutt Valley and Kāpiti Coast respite options
People can also use mainstream options for respite, in line with the purchasing guidelines.
Individualised Funding
Individualised Funding (IF) is self-directed funding from Disability Support Services where you can purchase your own disability supports.
- Find out more about Individualised Funding.
Purchasing Guidance
- Find guidance on how to apply the Purchasing Rules which govern disability funding.