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Accessing support

Accessing support

A gentle guide to the NASC and EGL processes, funding and referrals, and how we can help along the way.

  • Free to askTalking with a NASC, or with us, costs nothing.
  • Your choiceOnce support is funded, you can choose your provider.
  • Here to helpWith forms, funding, the tenancy and rent, if you would like.
NASC process

Four steps to support

How the path to Disability Support Services (DSS) funding through a NASC usually looks. In Auckland, the NASC is Kaikaranga.

  1. 1

    Refer

    You, your whānau or a professional gets in touch with your local NASC.

  2. 2

    Assess

    The NASC gets to know your strengths, needs and goals.

  3. 3

    Fund

    Support is allocated, for example supported living hours.

  4. Choose

    You can then choose a provider. This is where we can help.

You are welcome to talk with us at any stage, even before step 1.

NASC

What is a NASC?

Needs Assessment and Service Coordination. NASCs are usually the first step towards DSS-funded support.

What they do

  • Check eligibility
  • Get to know your needs and goals
  • Allocate funding
  • Connect you with providers

Who may be eligible

  • A physical, intellectual or sensory disability, or autism
  • Likely to last 6 months or more
  • Generally under 65
  • NZ citizens and residents

Good to know

  • It is free
  • Anyone can refer, with consent
  • A diagnosis letter can help
  • You can ask for a review
Auckland's NASC

Kaikaranga

Formerly known as Taikura Trust.

Kaikaranga supports Aucklanders under 65 who have a physical, intellectual or sensory disability, or autism. Their service is free.

  • Needs assessments
  • DSS-funded services
  • Individualised Funding
  • Carer Support for respite
  • Way Finders for ACC questions
Phone
0800 824 5872or 09 278 6314
Email
info@kaikaranga.org.nz
Hours
Mon to Fri, 8:30am to 5pm

Working alongside Kaikaranga

Enable Living works alongside Kaikaranga. If you have a Kaikaranga service coordinator, we can keep them in the loop, with your permission, so everyone is working towards the same goals.

Outside Auckland? Every region has its own NASC. You can find yours on the Disability Support Services website, or we would be happy to point you in the right direction.

EGL process

How EGL works

In some regions, support is accessed through an Enabling Good Lives (EGL) site rather than a NASC.

  1. 1

    Connect

    Get in touch with your local EGL site. In MidCentral it is called Mana Whaikaha.

  2. 2

    Plan

    A connector gets to know you and what a good life looks like for you.

  3. 3

    Budget

    A flexible personal budget is agreed, with options for how it is managed.

  4. Choose

    You choose the supports that suit you, which can include a provider like us.

Where EGL is available

  • Christchurch
  • Waikato
  • MidCentral (Mana Whaikaha)

Living in Auckland? Support here is usually accessed through Kaikaranga, the local NASC. If you already have an EGL budget, or are moving to Auckland, you are very welcome to talk with us.

Funding

Who pays for what

Supported living usually has two parts, and each is paid for differently.

Support Usually paid by funding

Support workers and day-to-day support, funded through DSS, IF, EGL, ACC or privately.

Rent and living costs Usually paid by the person

Often from a benefit such as the Supported Living Payment. If it helps, we can set up a redirection so rent is paid automatically.

Types of funding

FundingWhat it isUsually for
DSS via NASCMost commonThe NASC allocates support, and your chosen provider is paid directly.Under 65
Individualised FundingA budget you manage yourself, with help from a host organisation.NASC approved
Enabling Good LivesA flexible personal budget, with a connector to help you plan.Christchurch, Waikato, MidCentral
ACCMay fund support when a disability is the result of an injury.Injury
Health NZUsually funds support for older people and for mental health.65+ or mental health
PrivatePaying for support yourself, or topping up funded hours.Anyone
Getting started

Where to start

Choose the option that sounds most like your situation.

Ready to choose a provider

  1. You might let your NASC know you would like Enable Living to provide your support.
  2. Or, if it is easier, send us an enquiry and we can connect with your NASC for you.
Make an enquiry

Starting with your NASC

  1. The first step is usually a referral to your local NASC (Kaikaranga in Auckland).
  2. You are welcome to contact us at the same time, and we can talk you through it.
Make an enquiry Kaikaranga details

Referring on someone's behalf

  1. Our form lets you tick that you are referring on someone's behalf.
  2. For urgent placements or hospital discharges, just mention it in the form and we will prioritise it.
Make a referral

Choosing us directly

  1. You can choose Enable Living using your budget.
  2. We will work with you and your host or connector.
Make an enquiry

Talking with your case manager

  1. Your ACC case manager can tell you more about supported living options.
  2. They are welcome to contact us, or you can get in touch yourself.
Make an enquiry

Happy to help

  1. Feel free to email us, or send an enquiry marked "just exploring".
  2. There is no pressure and no obligation.
Make an enquiry
Our role

Where we fit

Your NASC looks after the assessment and funding. We provide the home and day-to-day support. The choice stays with you.

How we can help

  • Help with NASC forms
  • Working alongside Kaikaranga
  • Liaising with hosts and ACC
  • Tenancy agreement and bond
  • Rent redirection set-up
  • Visits before moving in
Our approach

Enabling Good Lives principles

Choice and control, with as much independence as possible. Here is how we aim to live each principle.

Self-determinationSupport to make your own choices about routines and who supports you.
Beginning earlyWe like to plan moves early, so nothing feels rushed.
Person-centredYour own support plan, reviewed as your goals change.
Ordinary life outcomesSupport towards work, learning, friendships and interests.
Mainstream firstUsing everyday places like your local GP, buses, shops and gyms.
Mana enhancingBuilding on strengths, and respecting culture, language and faith.
Easy to usePlain language and one main contact person.
Relationship buildingStaying close to whānau, friends and community.

With you, not for you

Support gently steps back as confidence grows.

  1. Do it togetherWe show how and help throughout.
  2. Prompt and guideYou lead, with gentle reminders.
  3. Check inYou do it, and we check in afterwards.
  4. IndependentYou manage it, with support close by if needed.

For example: cooking a meal, catching the bus, budgeting or booking a GP visit.

Your rights

Your rights matter

Everyone using a disability service in Aotearoa is protected by the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights.

  1. 1Respect
  2. 2Fair treatment
  3. 3Dignity and independence
  4. 4Proper standards
  5. 5Good communication
  6. 6Information
  7. 7Decision making
  8. 8Support
  9. 9Teaching and research
  10. 10To complain

If something does not feel right

We always want to hear from you, whether it is a compliment, a concern or a complaint. You can also talk with someone independent, free of charge.

Health and Disability Advocacy Service
0800 555 050advocacy@hdc.org.nz
Health and Disability Commissioner
0800 11 22 33hdc@hdc.org.nz
Questions

Common questions

Answers to some of the things whānau often ask us.

No. Both are free, and there is no obligation.

Yes. Once support is allocated, you are welcome to let your NASC know you would like Enable Living.

Of course. We can talk you through the process and be ready when funding is confirmed.

Yes, as long as they know about it and agree, or you have legal authority such as an EPOA or welfare guardianship.

This support is usually funded through Health New Zealand rather than DSS. We are still happy to talk and help you find the right place to go.

You can ask the NASC for a review. If needs change later on, a reassessment can be arranged.

Yes, always. You are welcome to meet the team and see the home before making any decisions.

Yes. Your support belongs to you, and your NASC can help if you would like to make a change.

Glossary

Jargon buster

Common terms, in a sentence each.

DSS
Disability Support Services, the government funder. Part of MSD.
NASC
Assesses needs and allocates funding in your area.
Kaikaranga
The NASC for Auckland, formerly Taikura Trust.
EGL
Enabling Good Lives. Principles for support, and flexible budgets in some regions.
IF
Individualised Funding. A budget you manage yourself.
Host
An organisation that helps you manage IF.
Connector
Helps you plan and use an EGL budget.
Provider
The organisation that delivers support, like us.
Respite
A short break for full-time carers.
SLP
Supported Living Payment, a Work and Income benefit.
Redirection
Part of a benefit, such as rent, paid straight to someone else.
EPOA
Enduring Power of Attorney. Someone legally appointed to make decisions for another person.
Code of Rights
The rights everyone has when using a health or disability service.
Whānau
Family, in the wider sense.

Still not sure where to start?

That is completely okay. Email us at info@enableliving.co.nz or send an enquiry, and we can talk it through together.

Make an enquiry

A general guide, current as of October 2026. Funding rules can change, so it is always worth checking the details with your NASC.