Funding for IDEA Services comes mainly from contracts with government agencies, including the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Development (Work and Income), and Child, Youth and Family Services.

IDEA Services works hard to make sure there is enough government funding, but sometimes our contracts prevent us offering some services. Some services are supported through fundraising.

People using services also contribute to the cost of some services, such as residential options, school holiday programmes and activities provided in day services.

We also get funds from service sales, property rentals and investment income.

Adults receiving full-time support from IDEA Services can expect some of their benefit to go to IDEA Services for living costs, including rent, food, phone and power. The remaining money is used to pay for personal items, going to the doctor or dentist, outings and holidays.

Families will be asked to contribute to recreational activities, clothing or other items – this is their choice.

Adults with an intellectual disability have the legal right to manage their own money, unless this is removed by a court order. 

 Staff or family members managing money on behalf of a person with an intellectual disability must act with honesty and integrity. They must spend it on things that directly benefit the person concerned, for example, clothes, food, rent and other things the person wants, and keep a record of what is spent.  If a person is not able to manage their own bank account, there should be two signatories for withdrawing money from their account – a staff person and a family member is a wise precaution. Personal bank accounts are audited by an approved independent person, such as a member of a branch committee or an IDEA Services manager, at least once a year.