From April 2006, special benefits were replaced by new benefits, which are called TAS (Temporary Additional Support). The new approach is rules-based rather than discretionary, and the aim is to improve administration, transparency and consistency.

To find out more about benefits go to:
www.workingforfamilies.govt.nz
www.workandincome.govt.nz
www.ird.govt.nz

IHC support
IHC has been offering support since its formation, in 1949, by a group of parents. There is plenty of information about disability. You will want to find information that is relevant to you, your child and the stage you are at.  Please make use of the library at IHC. The librarians know what is available and where to go if they don't have exactly what you need. Other parents often stumble across things that make a huge difference - ask around and swap stories about what works.

Support services
Support groups can be very important for parents and families, as strong friendships can grow out of a mutual trust and understanding. Some IHC and IDEA Family/Whanau Services have these, or you can join organisations such as the Down Syndrome Association, the Autistic Association or Parent to Parent.

How to access support and funding
Support to raise a child with an intellectual disability is vital. In order to access available services, funding is essential, and a needs assessment should be undertaken so that extra care can be obtained.

To find out more about funding go to:

www.disabilityfunding.co.nz
www.weka.net.nz
www.enable.co.nz

See the Early Years - Parent and Family Funding Chart (PDF 1.4Mb) from the Parent and Family Resource Centre which shows some of the PUBLICLY FUNDED or COMMUNITY BASED SUPPORT available to new parents, as well as the extra support you may be entitled to as a parent of a disabled child. There are many private based services not listed here and these are mainly self-funded.

The task of finding a caregiver to suit you, your baby and your family will be assisted by your needs assessor. There may be an agency contracted to recruit caregivers in your area. If not, family, friends or members of support groups may be able to recommend someone. A good place to start is to think about who understands and likes your child.

Among matters to be considered are the caregiver’s temperament, experience, training and availability. Also important are safety, flexibility of arrangements, facilities, presence of other children and adults, personal care and sleeping arrangements, exchange of information, co-ordination of routines and so on.

It is vital that you give full information, including doctor's name and telephone number and what to do if there is a health issue or medical emergency.

Support Groups
As well as local community support groups and those available through IDEA Services(www.idea.org.nz), there are New Zealand–wide groups. 

These include:

CCS
Barnardos
Child, Youth and Family