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Important changes to Carer Support claims process Research Grants 2025 Neuromuscular Research New Zealand is once again accepting funding applications for research relevant to New Zealanders living with neuromuscular conditions. Proposals most likely to be considered will be those which address standards of care (including best and/or innovative practice in supporting people with neuromuscular conditions); effectiveness and/or cost benefit of service delivery modes and interventions; prevalence and incidence of neuromuscular conditions; and proposals which extend existing research into underlying mechanisms, treatment and cures. Research of a preliminary nature with the intention of developing further proposals for substantial financial support from elsewhere will also be favoured. Closing date for applications is Friday 17th October 2025 and we hope to advise the outcome by mid-December 2025. Register your application in advance by emailing nrft@mda.org.nz or go to the MDA’s website www.mda.org.nz/Our-Research/Apply-for-Funding If you’re a support person and have been getting Carer Support Claim forms by mail, there’s been a change! Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is no longer automatically sending these Claim Forms by post. If you’re full-time carer of a disabled family member, this means you will need to download the forms from the Disability Support Services (DSS) website. What is the subsidy? Carer Support is a government-funded subsidy designed to give full-time support people time away to rest and recharge. It can be used to pay a substitute carer or help cover necessary expenses while the full- time carer takes a break. To make a Carer Support claim, you or your support person will now need to download the Carer Support Claim Form from the DSS New Zealand website – www. disabilitysupport.govt.nz/carers/what-is-carer-support . Fill in the form, including personal details – the forms that used to be sent out had this information pre-filled. Submit the form via email to csclaims@health.govt.nz or post it to: Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Private Bag 1942, Dunedin 9054 Te Whatu Ora recommends sending the forms via email for quicker and more reliable processing. Find out more about Carer Support, visit https://tinyurl. com/443r86aa