B15 - Disability Allowance
The Disability Allowance is a weekly payment for people who have regular, ongoing costs because of a physical, intellectual or sensory impairment that lasts for six months
or more and limits their ability to carry out day-to-day activities.
The sorts of things that you can claim for under a Disability Allowance include: a medical alarm rental and monitoring, travel to your doctor or hospital, power bills and
gardening and lawn mowing costs.
You need to talk to Senior Services at the Ministry of Social Development about what you can claim.
Pros
- You do not have to be on a benefit or pension to qualify.
- The allowance is paid directly to your bank account.
- People on a benefit or pension who have a partner in hospital or long-term residential care may be eligible for a special disability allowance.
Cons
- You need to provide job quotes, receipts, invoices or printouts to prove your expenses.
- The allowance is around $66 a week (in 2021) so may not cover all your costs.
- You need to keep Work and Income updated with any changes that might affect your allowance, for instance a change in your income or living situation.
- You can only receive the allowance if you and your partner earn under a certain amount each week.
- You need to sign a form annually that confirms that your circumstances haven't changed.
What do I need in order to take this option?
Eligibility
- You must have a disability that is likely to last at least six months.
- Your own and your partner's weekly income must be under the Work and Income thresholds.
- Costs you claim for must be directly related to your disability.
- Your doctor or specialist will need to complete part of the Disability Allowance application form to verify your disability and the supports you need.
Notes: If you have a partner in hospital or long-term residential care and you receive a benefit or pension, you may be eligible to receive a special disability allowance.
- Some disabled people are eligible for Individualised Funding. This funding enables disabled people to directly choose and manage the support they need. See
C19 Individualised Funding
.
Applying
You need to complete a Disability Allowance Application form from Work and Income. You can do this online, you can download a copy of the form to complete and post in, or
you can contact Work and Income to post you a form.
Could this option limit my future choices?
No, but changes in your living situation could affect the amount of allowance you can receive. For example, if your income increased beyond the threshold because you started
taking in boarders, you might no longer be eligible.
For more information