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Change to replacing equipment for EMS assessors

We're updating how ‘like for like’ replacements work for equipment that is beyond economic repair (BER).

This change applies to assessors working in the EMS (Equipment and Modification Services) contract with Disability Support Services.

Here’s what’s changing:

  • The subcontractor completes a new BER form, not the assessor.

  • Assessors don't need to complete a separate form for BER equipment. We will no longer accept the ‘Replacement Like for Like’ form from assessors.

  • For like for like applications, assessors upload the subcontractor’s BER form and select the specific replacement product in the ESH Equipment app.

A more detailed explanation of the new process is further down this page.

About the update

The update will go live on the evening of Tuesday 10 November 2026.

ESH apps will be unavailable from 6pm to 6:30pm while we make the update. You can check the current status on our Online Apps page.

How the new process works

When a subcontractor visits a client and finds their equipment is BER:

  1. The subcontractor completes the new BER form and sends it to Enable New Zealand.

  2. We send the BER form to the client's closest Assessment Service. This lets assessors know the client needs a new equipment application or a reassessment.

  3. Choose the next step based on what the client needs:

    • Band 1: submit a Band 1 request as usual.

    • Like for like replacement: submit a ‘like for like application’ in ESH.

    • Different equipment or solution: complete a reassessment and follow the usual Band 2 or Band 3 process, or both if needed.

Submitting a like for like application in ESH

When assessors submit a like for like application:

  • Do attach the BER form completed by the subcontractor

  • Do use the product search to select the specific replacement equipment

  • Do not enter "like for like replacement" as the equipment item

  • Do not complete or attach an old ‘Replacement Like for Like’ form.

More information

You can view the BER form that subcontractors fill in:

Download 'ACC and DSS Beyond Economic Repair Form'

If you have any other questions, please contact our team.