FAQs
General FAQs
Who and what is funding available for?
Funding referred to on this website is for people who have a disability as defined by the Ministry of Health. If you have a physical, intellectual, sensory or age-related disability (or a combination of these) which will continue for a minimum of six months and result in a reduction of independent function to the extent that ongoing support is required, you may be eligible for funding. The disability cannot be covered by ACC, and excludes psychiatric disability.
Funding is available for the provision of essential equipment, housing modifications, vehicles, vehicle modifications and driving assessments. Often the funding is intended to allow people to continue to live independently in the community.
For the types of support services that are funded, refer to the "What Is Funded" category under either Equipment, Housing Modifications or Vehicle & Driving.
Is the funding a repayable loan?
No. Funding is non-repayable.
How does the funding process work?
The funding process can differ depending on what you are applying for and what area of New Zealand you live in. There are however three stages that are common to the funding process for all applications:
1) The person applying for funding is assessed by an EMS assessor (e.g. an Occupational Therapist).
2) The EMS Assessor then sends a funding application to the funding approval service.
3) Once funding has been approved, the service (e.g. the equipment) is provided to the person, and the supplier is paid directly by the funding approval service.
For more information on how the funding process works, see the "Funding Process" under either Equipment, Housing Modifications or Vehicle & Driving.
How do I get an assessment to access funding?
To get an assessment you need to be referred to an assessment service. You can either refer yourself, or be referred by your GP or Needs Assessor. To find the name of an assessment service in your area, contact Enable Information, call free 0800 17 1981.
Who makes the rules about eligibility for funding?
The funding criteria is set by Ministry of Health.
Who can help me get funding?
To obtain funding, you need to go through an assessment service that employs EMS Assessors. Most assessment services, such as Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy services, are located at public hospitals.
Do I have to pay for an assessment?
In most instances you do not pay for the assessment. However, you will need to check with the assessment service whether or not they will charge you for the assessment.
How long does it take to get funding?
This will depend on how long it will take for you to get an assessment, what you are applying for and the level of funding you need. When you contact the assessment service, they may be able to give you an estimate of how long they expect it to take for the service to be provided.
Is funding prioritised?
Priority Guidelines ensure that people at most risk are given access to available funding. The Ministry of Health have developed Priority 1 indicators for EMS Assessors to consider when evaluating a priority rating of an application. Applications must be given either a Priority 1 or Priority 2 rating. At times applications with Priority 2 rating may need to wait until funding is made available.
Who approves funding?
While the funding budget is provided by the Ministry of Health, funding is administered and approved by two services. accessable administer funding for people living in Auckland or Northland. Enable New Zealand administer funding for the rest of New Zealand.
What can I do if I'm not happy with a decision about funding?
You can apply to the funding approval service for a review of decision. If your appeal is declined, you can then submit a second appeal to the Ministry of Health.
Phone 0800 17 19 81
