Updated: 22 May 2013

Housing Modifications are a lengthy process, therefore no housing modifications are able to be provided within a short timeframe. However where the Housing EMS Assessor is presented with a circumstance which requires a more timely response to addressing the environmental needs of the person and carers this may be actioned ahead of other people waiting for funding.

The following are timeframes effective from 01 August 2011 and are reflective of the actions taken below to ensure that the available budget goes to those people in greatest need of this support in the most fair and transparent manner.

Applications Received & Processed
Housing Applications received have been loaded to: 
Priority 1  16 May 2013
Priority 2  16 May 2013

Funding Approval has been given up to:
Priority 1  16 May 2013
Priority 2  16 May 2013

1 - Priority 1 and 2
All applications will be considered to be Priority 2 and will be processed in date order as budget allows. Applications for housing modifications which are assessed to require immediate action – i.e. Priority 1 funding - should be prepared and managed using the following process. 

P1 Housing:
Processed within 20 working days*. Enable New Zealand will consider P1 applications where this is supported with a rationale from the Professional Advisor or Clinical Leader at the assessment service. The Housing EMS Assessor needs to demonstrate significant safety risks associated with waiting for the housing modifications to be in place for the person on their carers, or some other unique circumstance which would cause concern for the overall support network for the person.

Such applications must be forwarded by email to the following email address: Priority@enable.co.nz

The request must note the reasons for priority which must relate to immediate safety risks for the person or carers. P1 applications will be processed as quickly as possible.

P2 Housing:
Will be loaded within 20 working days however funding will not be approved until budget becomes available. Such applications should be forwarded by email to the following email address: moh.housing@enable.co.nz

Further information regarding current prioritisation to manage the available budget for 2011/2012 can be found here Managing EMS Budget in the 2011 - 2012 year
Enable New Zealand is contracted by the Ministry of Health to administer the Equipment and Modification Services (EMS) contract. This contract covers equipment, vehicle purchase and modifications and housing modifications for people with long-term disability related needs. EMS is not set up to provide equipment or housing modifications for discharge to home from hospital or any other type of acute service needs. This is the responsibility of District Health Boards.

* Actual Delivery times may vary due to destination or availability of the product.