Introduction

Civilian Amputee Assistance is available for clients to help with some of the costs when they are required to attend a limb centre to have an artificial limb fitted, adjusted or repaired. It applies equally to amputees or people who were born without a limb.

Assistance is not subject to an income or asset test.

This assistance is provided under the Disabled Community Welfare Act 1975, with payment administered by the Ministry. Assistance is paid for costs that cannot be met by the District Health Boards or any other funding scheme. Generally, the District Health Boards will cover initial artificial limb fitting travel costs if the client is still in hospital.

Assistance is paid prior to the client's appointment based on the estimated cost. A client can apply for a reimbursement of costs when:

• the estimated amount paid in advance did not meet all their costs or
• the client elects to pay the costs themselves and apply for reimbursement after they have attended the limb centre