Emergency medical equipment

If the client meets all qualifications, they may be able to receive a Special Needs Grant for medical equipment if:

• they have a need for the item or service but cannot receive funding through the District Health Board
• special circumstances exist and
• the client and/or their family would suffer serious hardship without the item or service

To consider whether special circumstances exist, consider the following:

• whether an emergency exists
• the consequences to the client if they do not have the item or service (that is, is the item or service a preference or a must?) and
• whether there are other medical alternatives that can meet the need

A Special Needs Grant for medical equipment should not be paid when the client has been declined assistance from the District Health Board because they do not have an essential need or they do not meet their medical criteria.

The following proof is required for Special Needs Grants for medical equipment:

• a letter from the District Health Board stating that funding is not available for the item or service and why it is not available and
• a letter from a health official stating what the consequences would be if the client, their partner or dependent child did not receive the item or service

Unless exceptional circumstances exist, the maximum amount payable towards emergency medical equipment is $500.

Although Special Needs Grants under this category may be recoverable or non-recoverable, generally grants for emergency medical equipment are non-recoverable. However, if you consider it equitable in the circumstances for the client to pay the grant back, you may decide the Special Needs Grant should be recoverable.

For more information see:

• Qualifications
• Exceptional circumstances
• Recovering payment