Income options available for people with disabilities
Work and Income
Currently Work and Income administers the government’s budget for income support.
You may be eligible for the invalids benefit if you are:
- 16 or over,
- permanently and severely restricted in your capacity for work because of a sickness, injury or disability.
Similarly, if you are unable to work due to sickness, injury, disability or pregnancy, you may be eligible for income support from the sickness benefit.
Work and Income may also provide some additional financial assistance for people with disabilities:
- The disability allowance is reimbursed to you for ongoing regular costs incurred from your disability. Income testing is involved. The amount of allowance paid depends on your costs.
- If you are the parent or guardian of a seriously disabled child who lives at home and requires constant care and attention, you may be eligible for the child disability allowance. This is a fortnightly non-means-tested payment of $34.18 (weekly rate, non-taxable). This allowance may also be available when your child lives in a home or hostel and you, as either parent or guardian, are required to contribute to the costs of maintaining your child.
Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC)
ACC provides assistance for people who's disability is the result of an accident. The Claim for Injury page provides further information on the types of assistance available from ACC.
Online Funding Resource
The New Zealand Spinal Trust, with assistance from ACC, has developed this website to provide a single place which details all the support funding that is available to help people with a disability return to work.
Supportoptions.co.nz
Supportoptions is a website that helps you find the support that best meets your needs. We aim to provide a comprehensive guide to disability support services funded by the Disability Services Directorate of the Ministry of Health in the Auckland and Northland regions.
SuperGold Card
The SuperGold card is a convenient, multipurpose card with free discounts and concessions available to all New Zealanders who are aged 65 years or over, and those under 65 years recieving New Zealand Superannuation or the Veteran's Pension.
AUT University Community Partnership Scholarships for 2008 (30KB PDF)
Scholarships at AUT University for disabled people in 2008 are availabe right NOW!!!
Please contact Todd Fernie NOW for further information on 09 921 9999 ext 8487 or email Todd Fernie at todd.fernie@aut.ac.nz
Variety.org.nz
Variety - Childrens Charity is calling for applicants for its 2008 Variety Gold Heart Scholarship Programme with the closing date of Friday 8 February 2008.
For more information about the Variety Gold Heart Scholarship Fund, or to apply please contact Heather Stevens at the Variety on (09) 520 4111 or email helpkids@variety.org.nz or visit Variety.org.nz
Special equipment, housing modifications or vehicle modifications
Environmental Support Services - Environmental Support Services Work Programme 2008 (45.3 PDF)
Environmental Support Services are a range of services funded by the Ministry of Health.
Equipment and Modifications Service (EMS) – Equipment such as wheelchairs, hoists, hearing aids, cochlear implants, spectacles; housing modifications such as door widening, ramp access and level access showers; vehicle purchase and modifications.
Hearing Services - Children’s Hearing Aids, Cochlear Implants, Hearing Aid Subsidy
Vision Services – Children’s Spectacle Subsidy, Contact Lens Subsidy,
Specialised Assessment Services - Wheelchair and Seating, Assistive Technology / Specialist Communication
Specialised Assessor Training - Wheelchair and Seating
Other supports - Wigs and Breast Prostheses, Artificial Eyes
Contact these organisations if you require special equipment, housing modifications or vehicle modifications as the result of a non-accident related disability:
If you live in Auckland or Northland, please contact:
accessable
Postal address: PO Box 27 804, Mount Roskill, Auckland
Email accessable
CallFree: 0508 001 002
If you live anywhere south of Auckland, please contact:
Enable New Zealand
Postal address: PO Box 4547, Palmerston North
Email Enable Processing
CallFree: 0800 17 1995
To apply for funding, the first step is to arrange a needs assessment by a specialised equipment assessor. You may prefer to arrange this yourself. To find an assessor in the Auckland/Northland area, phone accessable on CallFree 0508 001 002. For anywhere south of Auckland, phone Enable New Zealand on CallFree 0800 17 1981. Alternatively, contact your nearest needs assessment co-ordination service. (look for "Needs Assessment" under search by keyword on the support services page.) Your doctor or practice nurse may also be able to advise you.
The Disability funding info website provides comprehensive information on Ministry of Health funding for equipment, housing modifications and vehicles. The site includes sections on eligibility, how to apply, what is and is not funded and how the funding process works. There is also a frequently asked questions section. If you cannot find the information you are looking for you can ask a question on line.
To apply for a Lotteries Social Sector grant, fill out an application form available from 0800 824 824 or apply online at Lottery Grants Board.
Each month Variety makes funds available to individuals, families and organisations for the benefit of children up to the age of eighteen.
If your disability is the result of an accident then you will need to contact ACC or your ACC case manager to discuss your requirements.
For information about support groups in your region, browse our list of support services.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Try talking to our online assistant or contact Enable New Zealand or New Zealand Federation of Disability Information Centres.
Can you recommend other useful websites? Please tell us about them.