Carers of disabled family members are worried their budgets could be slashed when changes to disability funding come into effect next year.
Last month the Government confirmed from 2026 the purchasing guidelines, put in place in March 2024 limiting what disabled people and their carers could spend their money on, would be removed.
When this change happens, budgets will be based on what was spent between June 2023 and June 2025 - which includes the period of restricted purchasing, and for many accessing supports that are required has been difficult even before the guidelines were changed - including due to a longstanding lack of support workers, and limited respite and day programmes.
The changes start from February 1 2026 for people new to disability support services, and April 1 for those already in the system.
Kathryn speaks to two family carers from Northland, Kylee Osterman and Kristy Kewene.
A mother pushes her adult daughter around a shopping mall in a wheelchair. Photo: RNZ
