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Disability Allowance : Contents

Additional costs

Disability Allowance can be paid if a client is assessed by a registered medical practitioner or nurse practitioner who confirms the client's disability and need for treatment on the Disability Allowance medical certificate.

The certificate must also confirm the disability requires ongoing support, supervision or treatment, that treatment is beneficial and of therapeutic value and that the costs are:

  • additional and
  • ongoing and
  • directly related to the client's disability

The following points must be considered when deciding if a cost is additional:

  • the relationship between the client's disability and the need for the cost and
  • the need for, and therapeutic value of, the goods or services - and how long that need is expected to last and
  • if the client had that type of cost before their disability arose, and the reasons they had that type of expense and
  • if the client would have the cost if they did not have the disability and
  • the extent to which the client's life or health would be put at risk, or their disability aggravated if they could not receive the goods or services and
  • if the type and amount of cost is over and above that of people in a similar general position who don't have a disability and
  • if there are less costly goods or services that might meet the client's need and
  • any other relevant matters

Note when a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner indicates on the client's Disability Allowance medical certificate that treatment by another registered health practitioner is necessary, that practitioner must verify the costs of their services.

For more information on costs paid for under Disability Allowance see:

Legislation

  • Verification of additional expenses clause 2 Ministerial Direction - Disability Allowance
  • Additional expenses: considerations clause 4 Ministerial Direction - Disability Allowance
  • Disability allowance: discretionary grant section 85 Social Security Act 2018
  • Disability allowance: medical examination section 88 Social Security Act 2018
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Nurse practitioners are health practitioners who are registered with the Nursing Council of New Zealand and hold a current annual practising certificate.

Nurse practitioners are expert or specialist nurses with advanced education, clinical training and experience. They have demonstrated clinical competence and have the legal authority to practice as independent healthcare providers.

All nurse practitioners have a unique identifying number called a Health Practitioners Index number (HPI number).

Some nurse practitioners have specialised ...

A medical practitioner is commonly referred to as a doctor. Medical practitioners are health practitioners who are registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand as practitioners of the profession of medicine and hold a current practising certificate.

All medical practitioners have a unique identifying number called a Health Practitioners Index number (HPI number).

Medical practitioners don't need to have completed their training in New Zealand but must be registered with the New Zealand ...

A health practitioner is a person who is registered with an authority as a practitioner of a particular health profession under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003. All health practitioners have a unique identifying number called a Health Practitioners Index number (HPI number).

MSD may require information from a registered health practitioner to help determine a person's eligibility for some types of financial assistance.

Note unless specifically mentioned otherwise, most medical ...