How do I get help to buy a vehicle?
A person seeking Ministry of Health funding to purchase a vehicle is required to have an assessment with a suitably qualified Occupational Therapist with specialist skills in vehicle purchase and modification.
If it is agreed that the use of a vehicle and/or modifications to a vehicle would meet the person’s essential needs related to their disability, and they are eligible for Ministry of Health funded support, the Specialised Assessor completes an application requesting the relevant services.
A once-only funding is available up to a maximum of $12,165 (including GST) and all applications are subject to income and asset testing which will be carried out by Work and Income New Zealand on behalf of the Ministry of Health.
Funding towards the purchase of a vehicle may be considered where it has been identified as being essential for the disabled person to do one of the following:
- Get to and from and/or undertake their full time employment.
- Get to and from tertiary education or vocational training.
- Undertake the role of main carer of a dependent child who lives with them.
Further information on eligibility and criteria for Ministry of Health funding is available on the Disability Funding website.
If you are not eligible for Ministry of Health funding you may like to contact the New Zealand Lottery Grants Board to ascertain if your are eligible for their funding assistance for Individuals with Disabilities.