NZ Government Content

Help with extra costs

Disability Allowance

The Disability Allowance is a weekly payment for people who have regular, ongoing costs because of a disability, medical condition or illness.  It can help pay for things like hearing aid batteries, regular visits to the doctor, prescriptions or some travel costs.  These extra costs must be because of ill health or disability.

The allowance can be paid for both adults and children.

There is an income limit for this allowance.

Talk to Work and Income or if the person you are caring for is 65 and over, talk to Senior Services.

Assistance for hardship

There are a number of types of help available from Work and Income if a person can't pay for essential items.  You don't have to be on a benefit to get some of this help.  Work and Income will look at your circumstances to see what help may be available.

Talk to Work and Income or if the person you are caring for is 65 and over, talk to Senior Services.

Other assistance

If you are caring for someone else's child who does not have a serious illness or disability, you may be able to get other financial assistance from Work and Income.

Talk to Work and Income for more information.