Contact information for some organisations talked about in this guide.
ACC can help you if you are injured or support someone who has been injured and needs short- or long-term care. Information about ACC can be found at www.acc.co.nz in a range of languages. Some of ACC's printed information is also available in languages other than English.
Accessable provides equipment and modifications throughout Auckland and Northland, on behalf of the Ministry of Health.
Carers New Zealand is a national charitable trust that provides information and support to family, whānau and aiga carers. It is also the secretariat for the New Zealand Carers Alliance.
Tenancy advice and information.
For general queries on employment, pay, holidays and leave:
Disability Information Centres are locally based. They offer advice, information and referral services.
Enable New Zealand provides equipment and modifications throughout New Zealand (with the exception of Auckland and Northland), on behalf of the Ministry of Health.
The Family Services National Directory is an online tool that connects people with help and support. As a carer, you will find this directory useful for local support, advice or networks. Visit the website to see what's available in your region.
The Health and Disability Commissioner's role is to promote and protect the rights of those using health and disability services.
The HDC website has information in a range of languages.
Help with finding a suitable home.
You'll find a list of offices on the website.
Information about Working for Families and other tax benefits:
Information about Ministry of Education, Special Education funding and services:
If you already have a relationship with a Needs Assessment and Service Co-ordination (NASC) organisation, you can also talk to them.
Information about Ministry of Health:
(Through the Health and Disability Commissioner's Office.)
You need an assessment from a NASC organisation to get most health and disability support services funded by the Ministry of Health or a District Health Board.
You can find a list of NASC organisations for younger people at the Ministry of Health website www.moh.govt.nz/disability or phone the Ministry of Health's disability number 0800 DSD MOH (0800 373 664).
You can find a list of NASC organisations for older people at www.moh.govt.nz/olderpeople or call your local District Health Board or your local hospital and ask to talk to the NASC team for older people.
Call your local mental health service at your local District Health Board. Your doctor or another health professional can also tell you how to contact a NASC organisation.
The New Zealand Carers Alliance is a coalition of more than 40 national non-profit organisations seeking progress for family carers. Contact through Carers New Zealand.
New Zealand Superannuation
For information on New Zealand Superannuation and other support available for older people.
If you are deaf or find it hard to communicate by phone, you can send a message to our Deaf Link free-fax on 0800 621 621 or email MSD_Deaf_Services@msd.govt.nz
Community Services Card
Veteran's Pension
SuperGold Card
Often the financial support available to you as a carer or to the person you care for is provided by Work and Income. You can also apply online and/or make an appointment to see us online.
Work and Income can talk with you in different languages (including Arabic, Cantonese, Hindi, Mandarin, Maori, Samoan, Somali). Please ask it you want to speak to someone in another language.
It's important to tell Work and Income about any changes that might affect your payments, like if you start paid work or your family situation changes. Work and Income can then make sure you're getting the right amount of money and you don't miss out on any extra help.
The New Zealand Carers Alliance is a coalition of more than 4 national non-profit organisations seeking progress for family carers.
Carers New Zealand is a national charitable trust that provides information and support to family, whānau and aiga carers. It is also the Secretariat for the New Zealand Carers Alliance.
Go to www.carers.net.nz for more information or call 0800 777 797
This booklet is also available from Work and Income 0800 559 009