Authorised consumables

MSD must check if the client qualifies for Disability Allowance for authorised consumables.

If the client qualifies for Disability Allowance, this must be granted before MSD assess if the client qualifies for Temporary Additional Support.

The client may have allowable health and disability costs for Temporary Additional Support when they do not qualify for Disability Allowance because:

• they do not meet the Disability Allowance income limit or
• their disability will last less than 6 months or
• they are certain refugees, protected persons or residence applicants

Allowable costs for Temporary Additional Support can include the ongoing cost of consumable items needed by a client because of a disability.

A registered medical practitioner or nurse practitioner must complete a Disability Allowance medical certificate confirming the client's disability, the need for treatment and that consumables are necessary. The certificate must also confirm the treatment is beneficial and of therapeutic value and that the costs are:

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

Some examples of consumable items commonly paid for are:

• batteries for hearing aids
• sensors for diabetic monitors
• printer ribbons and paper for computers if the computer is necessary for the client's communications (e.g. a deaf person who doesn't communicate orally)
• food, vet's fees etc for guide dog
• incontinence pads if they are not provided through the Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora

Allowable costs for Temporary Additional Support do not include:

• items not directly related to the client's disability (e.g. art supplies, even if their registered medical practitioner or nurse practitioner recommends them as beneficial for the client) or
• one-off costs, such as buying a computer, nebuliser or blood glucose monitor (the client may qualify for assistance through Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora) or
• items funded, subsidised, or provided through other agencies (e.g. items such as blood glucose monitoring strips, syringes, needles or pen devices used by diabetics; these items will usually be funded by Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora)

If a client applies for Disability Allowance for an item that should be paid for through Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora or ACC, MSD should refer them to the correct organisation.

If the organisation won't cover the full cost (or there is excess), and the client has a letter from the organisation confirming this and stating why, then the cost can be included in Disability Allowance. An example might be a physiotherapy appointment that is partially funded under ACC.

The client must provide:

• a Disability Allowance medical certificate completed and signed by a registered medical practitioner or nurse practitioner and
• receipts as proof of actual costs