Is paying for continence items, medical visits, and special bedding an extra stress? The Disability Allowance, administered by Work and Income, could help.

If you or someone you are caring for has a disability, Work and Income may be able to provide extra assistance.

Disability Allowance

The Disability Allowance is for people who have an ongoing disability that is likely to last at least six months, and who need help with everyday tasks or ongoing medical care. It helps with things like visits to the doctor or hospital, buying continence pads and special bedding, prescription drugs, medical alarms, or extra clothing or travel if these arise from a disability and are not funded by another agency.

You will need to fill out a Disability Allowance Application Form, and within this is a disability certificate that will need to be completed by a health practitioner.

Once these are completed, you need to take the information to Work and Income, which will assess your eligibility.

The Allowance can help to pay for a range of things, as long as your doctor tells Work and Income you need the items because of your disability. You will need to provide proof of your costs when applying for the Disability Allowance, including receipts and quotes.

Eligibility

You can get the Disability Allowance on its own or with a main benefit such as the Invalid's Benefit, Sickness Benefit, or Domestic Purposes Benefit - Care of the Sick or Infirm (DPB-CSI). You can apply on behalf of a child if they are aged 18 or under, financially dependent on you, and meet the medical criteria. If you're on a benefit, you'll usually qualify for a Disability Allowance. If you're not on a benefit, or are getting NZ Superannuation or the Veteran's Pension, you and your partner's income must be under a certain limit.

The maximum Disability Allowance is currently $56.98 a week, usually paid straight into your bank account with your main benefit. The amount you get depends on the extra costs you have because of your disability. The Disability Allowance is not taxed.

To learn about the Disability Allowance, talk to your GP, phone Work and Income on 0800 559 009, or visit http://www.workandincome.govt.nz/

Do you qualify for the Disability Allowance?

To access a Disability Allowance you must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident who normally lives here and have a disability that is likely to last at least 6 moths and need ongoing help or medical care.

If you are single aged 16-17 years with no children, your weekly income before tax must be under $479.24 to access the Disability Allowance. This rises to $554.68 for singles aged 18+ with no dependent children, or $807.04 for those who are married or in civil unions or de facto partnerships (with or without children).

Sole parents with one dependent child must have a weekly income under $668.39 (before tax) to receive a Disability Allowance ($704.19 for any other sole parents, before tax).