What funding can I get from Disability Support Services?

Enable New Zealand delivers disability equipment, modification and advice services on behalf of our funder Disability Support Services (part of the Ministry of Social Development). These services were previously funded through Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People.

We work with a national network of clinical professionals, suppliers, repair and service people, and more to deliver many different kinds of support for our disability community. This includes equipment and modifications to your home or vehicle to enable your everyday activities.

How to get support

One of the easiest places to start your support journey is through a referral to an Equipment Modification Services (EMS) assessor through your GP (General Practitioner doctor). You may be able to self-refer to your local hospital and be connected with EMS assessors there.

EMS assessor is a general term for all the specialists who are there to understand what equipment or modification services you might need. These can be occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech language therapists or other hearing and vision professionals. An EMS assessor will support you to work out what you need and how to get it. They'll make an assessment and submit an application for funded equipment on your behalf. They can also talk with you about other funding options that may be available.

You may also pay for an assessment yourself and if they are an accredited EMS assessor through the Disability Support Service (DSS), the equipment may be Government funded.

Our services

Once your EMS assessor has submitted an application to us for any funding or modifications, our team will check entitlement under DSS guidelines. Our clinical experts may suggest amends to ensure your application can fit guidelines. If the application meets DSS criteria, we’ll progress your application through to equipment being sent, or the modification processes beginning. Stay connected with your EMS assessor for any updates, or if your needs change.

If your equipment or modification needs don’t meet DSS guidelines, it’s worth checking out Firstport.co.nz to explore other funding opportunities. Firstport is New Zealand’s first port of call for information and advice wherever you are in your disability journey.

For more about DSS and equipment, please visit the equipment section of the Disability Support Services website.