# Disability Support Services Bill — historical introduced text

**Document ID:** doc-0489  
**Publisher:** New Zealand Legislation / Parliamentary Counsel Office  
**Introduction:** 18 May 2026  
**Checked:** 9 October 2026  
**Historical source:** [Bill publication record](https://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2026/312/en/latest/)

The bundled 23-page PDF preserves the introduced Bill. It is legislative history and may contain wording subsequently amended by Parliament.

The Bill became the **Disability Support Services Act 2026, Public Act 2026 No 55**. Third reading was on **1 September**, assent **3 September**, and commencement **4 September 2026**. Those are distinct events.

Use [doc-1624](/document/doc-1624), the [operative Act](https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2026/55/en/latest/) and [current DSS guidance](https://www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/improving-dss/dss-leg) for current settings. Dates were checked against official indexed PCO text; direct PCO retrieval returned HTTP 403.

DSS guidance updated 4 September says current eligibility, entitlements, support, assessment and allocation processes continue. The Act does not introduce income or asset testing where it is not currently used. This legal framework is separate from implementation of new aged-care services and the advisory recommendations.

This companion is an original research paraphrase of official legislation and guidance.

Exact primary references, source fingerprints and inspection evidence are preserved in `artifacts/research/care-reform-chronology-corrections-2026-10-09.json`.