Disability funding MidCentral roll out of the new system

Monday 1 October marks the transition into the new disability funding model created by the System Transformation. Currently available in the MidCentral region, this funding model will change the way in which people with disabilities access support funding.

These changes mean that you will have your support budget directly deposited into your account, providing greater flexibility to be able to purchase the support you require.

This could take various forms including hiring support workers or purchasing activities and items that will enhance your life. 

This new model enables you and your family/whānau to have full control over how, when and by whom you are supported. Until now, the type of funding support you received and how flexible it was depended on where in New Zealand you lived. The Government will consult on whether this programme will be rolled out to wider New Zealand.

Some people living in Christchurch or Waikato will already have access to Enabling Good Lives (EGL) funding. This is a different model to the one that is being rolled out in MidCentral. The key differences are:

• There will be three types of Connectors:
  • Connectors/Kaitûhono employed by Mana Whaikaha
  • Connectors from a community organisation contracted by Ministry of Health
    These Connectors will be from organisations who do not provide disability supports.
  • Connectors from within the disabled person's circle confirmed by Mana Whaikaha
• Information on how to contact these three types of Connectors will be available from the 1 October on www.manawhaikaha.co.nz
• Groups of disabled people and whânau can apply for capability funding
• Mana Whaikaha has Government Liaisons. The Government Liaisons will support Kaitûhono/Connectors to assist disabled people and whânau to access other government services (e.g. benefit applications) and to build positive relationships with other parts of government (e.g. learning support in school)
• Mana Whaikaha will have their own governance group, which has a governance role different from the advice provided from the leadership group.

The approach that is being taken is a try, learn and adjust approach. A ‘try, learn, adjust’ approach involves trying things, getting feedback on how well they are working, and making changes when things are not working well. A ‘try, learn, adjust’ approach will help to continually improve Mana Whaikaha. 

How does it work?

There isn’t an immediate change to your funding; you will only be transferred when your support comes up for renewal or if you contact the new system asking to be changed over.

You can access the new system in multiple ways, and will then provided with information and linked with a Connector and peer networks.

The Connector will walk alongside disabled people and family/whānau, if you choose them to, to help you identify what you want your life to look like and the supports available to achieve your goals.

There is more flexibility around the funding and easy reporting on how the funding has been used. You choose how and when you access support. The money is provided directly to you, enabling you to choose how to spend it.

How can I use Mycare?

Mycare is an easy way to use your funding without having to become an employer because all the workers on our platform are contractors.

This gives you an easy overview of your upcoming visits and spend. It also shows you whether spending has increased or declined.

Mycare provides easy oversight of your spending. This enables you to track your spending and generates a report that you can send straight to EGL. 

We have thousands of profiled workers nationwide who are already looking for the types of roles you need to have filled. They reflect New Zealand’s diversity and have a range of skills, experience and training.

We also have honed our ability to recruit specific workers for people through targeted advertising (at no cost to you). If you come to Mycare, list a job and don’t find someone that’s right for you, we offer a FREE recruitment service where we recruit specifically for your role.

For more information on how to use our platform please view this video and always feel free to contact our help centre 0800 677 700.

What does it mean for wider NZ?

At present the Government has asked to receive advice, in late 2020, on expanding the programme to the rest of New Zealand.

Keep an eye on the Enabling Good Lives webpage for further updates.

Further information

Keep an eye on the Enabling Good Lives website and youtube channel. There will be a live stream for family and whanau and disabled people.

Family and whānau: 26 September, 6:30 pm until 7:00 pm

Disabled people: 27 September, 6:30 pm until 7:00 pm. Lorna Sullivan, Director of the Kaitūhono/Connector team will be joining Sacha O'Dea for this session.

From the 1 October 2018 a new website will be launched, please visit www.manawhaikaha.co.nz or email info@manawhaikaha.co.nz   

If you have any questions about the type of support we can offer please contact us on 0800 677 700 or email: hello@mycare.co.nz.