Funding Options for Disability Equipment in New Zealand

Buying disability equipment like wheelchairs, mobility scooters, ramps, or vehicle lifts can be expensive. But in New Zealand, there are funding options that can help cover the cost.

This guide explains the main ways to get financial help, including support from ACC, the Ministry of Health (Enable NZ and Accessable), and private insurance.

1. Ministry of Health (MoH) Funding

The Ministry of Health offers funding for people with long-term disabilities who are not covered by ACC.

How it works:

• You must be a New Zealand resident with a permanent disability (6+ months).
• You need to go through a registered assessor (like an occupational therapist or physiotherapist).
• The assessor applies for funding on your behalf through Enable NZ (rest of NZ) or Accessable (Auckland and Northland).

What’s covered:

• Wheelchairs (manual and powered)
• Mobility scooters
• Walking frames
• Shower chairs
• Vehicle hoists or ramps (if needed for daily living)

Who to contact:

Enable NZ: for most regions

• 0800 362 253
• enable.co.nz

Accessable: Auckland & Northland

• 0508 001 002
• accessable.co.nz

2. ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation)

If your disability or injury happened because of an accident, ACC may cover the cost of your equipment.

Who is eligible:

• People injured in accidents (including work, sport, or vehicle-related)
• Those who need mobility or daily living aids as part of their injury recovery

What’s covered:

• Wheelchairs, scooters
• Ramps or home modifications
• Vehicle modifications (like hoists or lifts)
• Shower aids, beds, and other medical equipment

How to apply:

• Contact your ACC case manager
• They will arrange for an assessment
• If approved, ACC pays some or all of the cost

Visit: acc.co.nz

3. Private Health Insurance

Some private health insurers in NZ offer limited cover for mobility or rehabilitation equipment.

What to check:

• Your policy details (mobility aids may fall under ‘specialist’ or ‘rehabilitation’ extras)
• Whether the insurer needs pre-approval
• If you need a referral or doctor’s recommendation

Note: Most private insurance only offers partial cover or reimbursement, not full funding.

4. Charities and Community Grants

If you are not eligible for ACC or MoH funding, you can try local charities and trusts:

• Lottery Grants Board (Disability) – Offers funding for vehicles and mobility aids (communitymatters.govt.nz)
• Cerebral Palsy Society – Offers grants for members (cpsociety.org.nz)
• Multiple Sclerosis NZ, Muscular Dystrophy NZ, Disability Resource Centres

Each organisation has its own rules and limits, so it’s best to contact them directly.

Summary Table

Funding Source	Who It’s For	What It Covers	Contact
Ministry of Health	NZ residents with long-term disabilities	Wheelchairs, scooters, home/vehicle aids	Enable NZ / Accessable
ACC	Injury from accidents	Equipment for recovery & mobility	acc.co.nz
Private Insurance	Policyholders (limited support)	May cover part of mobility aids	Contact your insurer
Community Grants	Anyone (must apply directly)	Equipment, home mods, vehicles	Charities like CPS, Lottery NZ

Summary

If you’re not sure where to start, talk to your GP or occupational therapist. They can guide you to the right funding path based on your needs.