From 1 April 2026, Disability Allowance can pay up to $82.85 a week towards regular, ongoing costs caused by a disability or health condition. The payment is non-taxable and does not have to be repaid.
Who may qualify
You may qualify if your disability or health condition is expected to last at least six months, you have ongoing extra costs that are not fully covered by another agency, and you are not receiving a Residential Care Subsidy. You must also be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, normally live in New Zealand and intend to stay.
You do not need to be receiving a main benefit. However, the payment is income tested using your income and your partner’s income.
Income limits from 1 April 2026
- Single, aged 18 or over: $870.00 a week before tax
- Couple, with or without children: $1,295.11
- Sole parent with one child: $971.51
- Sole parent with two or more children: $1,023.59
The allowance only covers costs Work and Income accepts. It will not automatically pay the weekly maximum.
Costs that can be considered
Examples include medical and prescription fees, travel related to the condition, counselling, medical alarms, special food, extra clothing, equipment rental, and extra power, gas or heating costs. Your health practitioner needs to confirm that the costs are necessary, and you must provide evidence of how much they cost.
Useful evidence includes pharmacy print-outs, invoices, travel tickets, mileage details, medical receipts and summer and winter electricity bills. Different costs may require separate forms.
How to apply
If you already receive payments from Work and Income, complete the Disability Allowance application form. If you are a new client, apply through MyMSD or use the Extra Help paper form.
- Complete the correct application.
- Ask a doctor or nurse practitioner to complete a Disability Certificate.
- Collect proof of each cost claimed.
- Upload the documents to MyMSD after contacting Work and Income, or deliver/post them to a service centre.
Work and Income may backdate assistance to the date you first contacted them if the completed application is provided within 20 working days. First-time clients may also need to show ID, bank account, income and residency documents at a service centre.
While you are receiving the allowance
Tell Work and Income when a cost starts, stops, increases or decreases, or when your income or relationship circumstances change. New or higher costs usually require fresh medical confirmation and evidence. Your circumstances are reviewed at least once every 52 weeks.
Common questions
Can I claim for costs that another agency already pays?
Only the portion not fully covered elsewhere may be considered.
Can I claim for a child?
Yes, you can apply for a financially dependent child aged 18 or under. Child Disability Allowance may also be available for the same child.
Does savings affect the payment?
Assets are not usually declared for Disability Allowance alone, but income produced by assets must be reported.
Official information
Work and Income — Disability Allowance
Benefit and payment rates from 1 April 2026
