Equipment and aids

Find out about funding for equipment like hearing aids, medical alarms, glasses, and making changes to your home or place of work.

If you are a Service Provider you can find more information in our Equipment and Modification Services for Service Providers section.

Types of equipment and aids

Here are some examples of equipment and aids.

General and low cost 

• Equipment available to loan or buy: Depending on your situation, you may be able to get general equipment on loan free of charge, for as long as you need it. Equipment that can be loaned include wheelchairs, visual or vibrating alert systems and adjustable beds.
• Low-cost equipment: This is any item that costs less than $50 and can support you to do everyday tasks safely and independently. For example, special cutlery or reachers. There are many places you can buy low-cost equipment either online or in stores. 

Hearing, vision and communication 

• Children's spectacle subsidy: If your child is 15 years old or under and has vision problems, you may be able to get the spectacle subsidy. There are clinical guidelines your child will need to meet to be eligible for funding. You may receive a subsidy each year for your child until they turn 16 years.
• Cochlear implants: A cochlear implant provides a sense of sound for people who are severely hard of hearing or profoundly deaf. Around 166 cochlear implants are provided each year through the cochlear implant programme.
• Communication Assistive Technology (CAT) through TalkLink: CAT includes equipment ranging from simple picture boards to complex communication software and devices. It can be used to replace or augment a person's speech. Funding is available for assessment, trial, equipment, and support to enable a person to communicate and participate in daily life, including tertiary study and work. Find out more through our provider TalkLink.
• Deaf or hearing loss equipment: Equipment like hearing aids can help people who are hard of hearing to live well and communicate with others. If you have hearing loss you may be able to get funding towards your hearing aids. For school aged children the Ministry of Education may be able to fund a remote microphone (RM) hearing system. Find out more about:
  • Deaf or hearing loss equipment for adults
  • Deaf or hearing loss equipment for children
• Blind or reduced vision equipment: Mobility canes, screen-reading software and magnifiers are some examples of equipment can support you with work or study, or to live safely in your home. Find out what is available and how to get it.

Health and medical

• Medical alarm support through Work and Income: You can get a Disability Allowance for medical alarms through Work and Income. There are several MSD-accredited medical alarm suppliers that have agreed service standards and charges. This allowance also covers MedicAlert bracelet membership fees, but you must pay for the initial enrolment fee and a bracelet/pendant.

Home and vehicle modifications

• Vehicle modifications: If you have difficulty getting in or out of a vehicle or driving and meet specific criteria, you may be eligible for funding for modifications to a vehicle. In some situations, funding towards a one off purchase of a vehicle to be modified may also be considered.
• Modifying your home: Disabled people may be able to get funding to make changes to their home. These changes can support you with daily tasks or make it easier to access and move around your home. Modifications might include rails, lifts, ramps or a level access shower.

Getting equipment and aids

An Equipment and Modification Service (EMS) qualified assessor can work with you on what equipment and aids best suit your needs. They will also help you work out the most cost-effective option and if you can get funding. EMS assessors can be occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech-language therapists or other hearing and vision professionals. Some assessors have additional qualifications in communication, seating and wheelchairs, housing or vehicle assessors.

Your doctor can refer you to an EMS assessor or you can refer yourself to your local hospital community health services.

The following services can also connect you with an EMS qualified assessor:

• Needs assessment services
• Enable New Zealand external
• Accessable external
• Physiotherapy New Zealand - Find a physio external
• New Zealand Speech-Language Association - Private Practice Listings external
• New Zealand Association of Optometrists external
• New Zealand Audiological Society external
• Your Way | Kia Roha external
• Deaf Aotearoa New Zealand external URL external
• TalkLink – Assistive Technology Services external
• Blind Low Vision NZ external

Who is eligible for support

Disability Support Services may be able to offer support with equipment and aids.

To be eligible for support you must have a physical, intellectual, sensory (vision or hearing) and/or age-related disability,

You must also:

• have a long-term disability (a disability that is likely to continue for at least 6 months)
• need specific equipment, or modifications to your home or vehicle, to help you manage and/or access your everyday activities
• have a disability that is not already covered by the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC)
• be a New Zealand resident usually living in New Zealand
• be living in New Zealand at the time you request and receive the equipment or modifications.