How can you get funding for disability equipment in NZ?
New Zealand has two main government funding channels. They can be divided into accident and non-accident related conditions.
Alternatively you can self-fund or talk to your therapist about partial funding options. If you have any questions or concerns, we have a funding expert who can help you with your claim. Contact Mark Williams, and he will help you with your paperwork.
If you've been injured
The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) covers everyone, including visitors, who are injured in an accident in New Zealand. ACC can also cover injuries that are long-term, permanent or that happened at birth.
If ACC covered your injury, they will help if you need to use aids and equipment to get on with your everyday tasks.
How to get hold of a Kera hoist?
Firstly, you must be registered as a client with ACC, which typically requires an injury or condition covered by their services.
Now contact your case manager and ask to be assessed for a Kera Hoist. ACC will send a therapist to you, to determine your specific needs.
Once the assessment is complete, ACC will review your application, and if approved, organise for your Kera hoist to be delivered.
If you have any questions or concerns, we have a funding expert who can help you with your claim. Contact Mark Williams, and he will help you with your paperwork.
If your disability is not injury related.
Disability Support Services (DSS) on behalf of Ministry of Social Development provides equipment to people living with a disability that is not injury related.
How to get hold of a Kera hoist?
You will need to have an assessment with an assessor to find out if you're eligible for a Kera hoist.
To start the process see your doctor and ask them to provide a referral for an assessment.
It is important to note that DSS owns the Kera hoist and loans it to you it for as long as you need it.
Self Funding
DSS has a fixed amount of available funding for disability support services and the demand for these services is higher than the available funding. This means you may not be able to have your Kera hoist funded by the Government, or you may face a delay in receiving a funded Kera hoist.
If you can't get funding for your Kera hoist you need, you may decide to self-fund.
The section below looks at alternative funding options.
If you have any questions or concerns, we have a funding expert who can help you with your claim. Contact Mark Williams, and he will help you with your paperwork.
Contacts
ACC
- Phone 0800 101 996 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm)
- Email claims@acc.co.nz
Enable (DSS - All NZ except Auckland/Northland)
- Phone 0800 362253
- Email enable@enable.co.nz
Accessable (DSS - Auckland/Northland)
Phone: 0508 001 0020 or 09 6201700
Email: info@accessable.co.nz
Alternative Funding Options
Advocacy Groups & Grants
If you are not eligible for ACC or DSS funding and don’t have the means to pay for the equipment yourself, there are various Advocacy Groups that may have loan equipment that can supply you with a grant or assist with the payment of equipment.
Cerebral Palsy Association
The purpose of this grant is to assist people with Cerebral Palsy to obtain items of services that mitigate the effects of
living with Cerebral Palsy. Grants should assist a person’s independence and or quality of life, or in the case of a child, also that of the parents/family.
www.cerebralpalsy.org.nz/member-services/grants/individual-grants/
Muscular Dystrophy New Zealand
The purpose of this fund is to provide discretionary grants for individuals with a neuromuscular condition to access opportunities and specialised resources that enable them to achieve freedom.
https://www.mda.org.nz/What-We-Offer/Bradley-Jenkin-Memorial-Fund
Lottery grants for people with disabilities
Grants funded by Lotto help to pay for equipment for people with disabilities who want to be more closely involved in their communities.
https://www.govt.nz/browse/health/financial-help/lottery-grants-for-people-with-disabilities/
The Wilson Home Trust
If you are under 22 and live in the Upper North Island, The Wilson Home Trust offers a range of grants that aim to assist and improve the lives of children and young adults with physical disabilities, and their whanau.
https://www.wilsonhometrust.org.nz/grants/
Fundraising Platforms
Fundraising websites can be successful tools for raising the money needed to purchase equipment.
There are a few online fundraising platform for Kiwis to choose from:
Once you have created your campaign spread the word through multiple social media channels for optimal response.
Mark Williams
National Sales Manager (& Kera hoist user)
Contact Mark to discuss your NZ funding options!
