NZ Government Content

Housing and vehicle modifications

If the person you support has a long-term disability, you might be able to get help from the Ministry of Health with housing or vehicle modifications (a wheelchair carrier or hoist, for example).

People under 65 years with chronic health conditions and similar support needs may also be able to get this help.

ACC may help with housing or vehicle modifications if the person you support is an ACC client.

 

Housing modifications

Housing modifications might include:

  • handrails to make it safer to use the steps into the house
  • ramps and/or widening of doors to improve access into the house
  • level access shower and other bathroom alterations so the person you support can use the bathroom safely
  • fencing to protect someone who is at risk of injury because of their disability.

You will not get funding for housing modifications costing less than $200, soft furnishings, general maintenance or modifications to your home for work, social or financial reasons.

For housing modifications above a set limit, Work and Income will work out if you have to pay part of these costs. You will not have to contribute to the cost of housing modifications for children 15 years and under.

Getting housing modifications through the Ministry of Health can take a long time. In most cases, you can only get funding for modifications once, so think carefully about what you need now and in the future. For example, you could think about moving to a single-storey house that will be easier for you to live in, getting equipment to help you or help in the home before planning expensive housing modifications.

If you are renting your home, you will need to get approval from the owner for any government-funded modifications.

You'll find tips about staying safe at home on the ACC website at www.acc.co.nz .

How to get help

An assessor (usually an occupational therapist) will assess the needs of the person you support. If you are eligible for modifications funded by the Ministry of Health, the assessor will forward an application to the appropriate funding agency.

You need to follow the assessment process. You cannot claim the cost back for modifications already done without funding approval.

Who can help you get home modifications?

  • Contact one of the two agencies that manage applications for equipment and modifications on behalf of the Ministry of Health. Accessable processes applications from Auckland and Northland (phone Accessable on 0508 001 002), and Enable New Zealand looks after the rest of New Zealand (phone Enable New Zealand on 0800 17 1981).
  • Call your local hospital and ask for Community Health Services (most assessors are usually based there).

If you get stuck

If you want further information about particular equipment or advice on the assessment process:

  • contact your local Disability Resource Centre - phone 0800 NZFDIC (0800 693 342) to find the one nearest you
  • visit Enable New Zealand's disability information website at www.weka.net.nz or call 0800 17 1981.

Contact the Ministry of Health to get more information or if you want to make a complaint:

Lottery grants

The Lottery Individuals With Disabilities Committee considers applications from people throughout New Zealand who have significant mobility and communication-related disabilities.

The committee approves grants for vehicles, vehicle modifications, mobility scooters and mobility equipment so people with mobility-related disabilities can get out and about to everyday activities such as shopping, visiting friends or family, sporting events, the library etc. The committee also makes grants to people with communication-related disabilities for equipment to facilitate interactive communication with other people.

Applications can be made at any time. You can download an information sheet and application form at www.cdgo.govt.nz . Phone 0800 824 824 or email grantsonline@dia.govt.nz for information or advice.

Vehicle modifications

Access to vehicle modification funding is quite restricted. Vehicle modifications may include:

  • for drivers - hand controls, seating, ramps, hoists and wheelchair carriers
  • for passengers - special seating, safety restraints, ramps, hoists and wheelchair carriers.

How to get help

An assessor (usually an occupational therapist) will assess the needs of the person you support. If you are eligible for modifications funded by the Ministry of Health, the assessor will forward an application to the appropriate funding agency.

You need to follow the assessment process. You cannot claim the cost back for modifications already done without funding approval.

Who can help you get vehicle modifications?

  • Contact one of the two agencies that manage applications for equipment and modifications on behalf of the Ministry of Health. Accessable processes applications from Auckland and Northland (phone Accessable on 0508 001 002), and Enable New Zealand looks after the rest of New Zealand (phone Enable New Zealand on 0800 17 1981).
  • Call your local hospital and ask for Community Health Services (most assessors are usually based there).

If you get stuck

If you want further information about particular equipment or advice on the assessment process:

  • contact your local Disability Resource Centre - phone 0800 NZFDIC (0800 693 342) to find the one nearest you
  • visit Enable New Zealand's disability information website at www.weka.net.nz or call 0800 17 1981.

Contact the Ministry of Health to get more information or if you want to make a complaint:

Lottery grants

The Lottery Individuals With Disabilities Committee considers applications from people throughout New Zealand who have significant mobility and communication-related disabilities.

The committee approves grants for vehicles, vehicle modifications, mobility scooters and mobility equipment so people with mobility-related disabilities can get out and about to everyday activities such as shopping, visiting friends or family, sporting events, the library etc. The committee also makes grants to people with communication-related disabilities for equipment to facilitate interactive communication with other people.

Applications can be made at any time. You can download an information sheet and application form at www.cdgo.govt.nz . Phone 0800 824 824 or email grantsonline@dia.govt.nz for information or advice.