Disability Allowance NZ: Who Can Get It, How Much and How to Apply

You may qualify if the condition is likely to last at least six months, creates regular and ongoing extra costs that another agency does not fully cover, and you meet the residence rules. You cannot receive it while getting a Residential Care Subsidy.

You do not have to be unable to work, and you do not have to be on a benefit. This is extra-cost help, not a replacement-income benefit. A parent can also apply for a financially dependent child aged 18 or under, subject to the child and household rules.

Possible costs include unsubsidised medical visits, prescriptions, disability-related travel, medical alarms, counselling, extra heating, special food, equipment rental, some clothing, gardening and other listed expenses. The link to the condition matters: an ordinary household bill does not become eligible just because the applicant has a diagnosis.

Claim the extra disability-related portion, not the whole cost where only part is additional. For heating, Work and Income may ask for summer and winter bills; for travel, keep dates, distance, tickets or receipts; for pharmacy and practitioner costs, obtain itemised histories where possible.

The 2026/27 maximum is $82.85 a week and is not taxed. Work and Income converts approved recurring costs to a weekly amount and pays the verified total up to that cap. Spending $82.85 does not guarantee $82.85 will be approved; each cost must satisfy the rules.

Suppose verified costs are $3.46 a week for medical visits, $4.62 for prescriptions, $18.00 for travel and $30.00 for extra heating. That totals about $56.08 a week. If Work and Income accepts every item, the example payment would be about $56.08, not the maximum.

Work and Income considers your income and, where relevant, your partner’s income. The published Disability Allowance limits apply when you receive NZ Super or do not receive a main benefit. If you already receive a main benefit, ask how your existing assistance changes the income assessment.

Insurance, ACC or another agency may already meet a cost. The application asks about those payments because Disability Allowance is aimed at the remaining eligible expense. Do not claim the same portion twice; show the gross cost and what another payer reimburses.

Current Work and Income clients use the S03 Disability Allowance application. If you receive no Work and Income payment, or only childcare assistance, you can apply online through MyMSD or use the Extra Help application. A separate medical certificate is needed for each person whose costs you claim.

Contact Work and Income, list every recurring cost, ask your practitioner to confirm why it is needed, and attach proof showing the amount and frequency. Work and Income says assistance can start from the first contact date if the completed application is returned within 20 working days. Keep the first-contact date and do not leave the medical and cost evidence until the last day.