Transport - disability
Disability Allowance may be paid for ongoing and additional travel costs that a client has because of their disability. These additional travel costs can be incurred when a client with a disability is carrying out everyday activities.
Examples of everyday activities may include but is not limited to:
- shopping
- vocational services
- work
When Disability Allowance is payable for the additional travel costs a client has because of their disability, the amount payable is the difference between the costs incurred by the disabled client and the costs a person in a similar position without the disability would have.
Note this may include travel to support services such as Alcoholics Anonymous, where the qualifications for Disability Allowance are met.
The cost of a Mobility Parking Permit and costs associated with a Total Mobility card/vouchers are examples of costs that can be included as additional travel costs.
Public transport should be used in preference to taxis if it is available and if the client's disability does not prevent them from using it.
Community Services Card
If a client is using public transport and has a Community Services Card, they can get a 50% discount on public transport fares through Community Connect and should apply for this if it is the most cost-effective way to meet their additional transport needs.
If a client has not used their Community Services Card to apply for the 50% discount, MSD must discuss their reasons if their actual public transport costs are higher than they would be if the 50% discount was applied.
The client may have a good reason for not applying for the 50% discount (e.g. there are accessibility issues with applying for Community Connect through a public transport provider's website, and it is the only way to apply).
Allowable transport costs
If there is good reason, the client's allowable costs for additional travel should be their actual costs. If there is no good reason, their allowable costs for travel should not be more than the cost of the subsidised public transport fare.
Disability Allowance cannot be paid for travel costs for:
- attending treatment at a hospital if the costs are fully funded by Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora or other agency, or Special Needs Grant Health Travel Costs
- children/students with disabilities who qualify for assistance through the Ministry of Education. These clients should be referred to Group Special Education. If the child is not eligible for Special Education Transport, the client should get a letter stating why.
