A walking frame, a ramp at the front door, a mobility scooter or help getting to appointments and activities. Sometimes it's the relatively small things that make the biggest difference to our ability to live safely, comfortably and independently.
But who pays for these things?
In New Zealand, there are several sources of funding that may help with transport, equipment, and modifications to your home. What you're eligible for will depend on your individual circumstances, including your health needs, the type of support required and, in some cases, your financial situation.
Our advice is to explore publicly funded support before paying for equipment or modifications yourself. You might be surprised by what's available.
1. Start with a Needs Assessment (NASC)
For most older people who need additional support because of age-related health conditions or declining mobility, we recommend starting with your local Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) service.
NASC services work with people to understand their needs and identify what support might help them continue living safely and independently.
Depending on your circumstances, this assessment may lead to publicly funded services or a referral to a specialist, such as an occupational therapist, who can assess whether equipment or home modifications are needed.
Support might include:
- Equipment such as walking frames, shower chairs or other mobility aids.
- Modifications to your home, such as ramps, handrails or changes to bathroom facilities.
- Other services that help you manage everyday activities.
Not everything is funded, and eligibility criteria apply. Some equipment and modifications are funded through specialist Equipment and Modification Services rather than directly through NASC.
Even if the particular item you want isn't funded, an assessment may identify another solution that meets your needs.
Where to start: Ask your GP or healthcare professional about a referral to your local NASC service. You can also contact NASC directly.
2. ACC: When your needs are related to an injury
If you need equipment, transport assistance or home modifications because of an injury covered by ACC, you may be eligible for support through the Accident Compensation Corporation.
ACC can help with a range of injury-related needs, including:
- Mobility aids and specialised equipment.
- Modifications that make your home accessible and safe.
- Transport to treatment, rehabilitation or work.
- Vehicle modifications in some circumstances.
The important distinction is that ACC generally supports needs arising from an injury it covers, rather than changes associated solely with ageing or an ongoing health condition.
If you have an existing ACC claim, speak to your ACC recovery team about the additional support you might need.
Where to start: Visit www.acc.co.nz or speak with your ACC recovery team.
3. Disability Allowance: Help with ongoing costs
The Disability Allowance is administered by Work and Income and can help people who have regular, additional expenses because of a disability or health condition.
You don't have to be receiving a benefit to qualify, and people receiving NZ Superannuation may also be eligible.
The allowance can contribute towards approved ongoing costs, such as:
- Travel associated with a disability or medical treatment.
- Rental of necessary equipment.
- Medical alarm monitoring or rental costs.
- Other regular disability-related expenses.
There are income limits and other eligibility requirements. Your healthcare professional will generally need to confirm your disability-related needs.
Importantly, the Disability Allowance is not designed to pay for one-off purchases, such as buying a wheelchair or installing a ramp. However, Work and Income may have other forms of assistance for essential one-off costs, so it's worth asking.
Where to start: Contact Work and Income or visit www.workandincome.govt.nz.
4. Total Mobility: Help with transport costs
Being able to get out and about is important for maintaining social connections, attending appointments and participating in community life.
For people who cannot use public transport because of a long-term impairment, the Total Mobility scheme may help.
The scheme provides subsidised door-to-door transport through approved providers, including taxis and specialist transport services.
To access the scheme, you'll need to meet eligibility criteria and complete a mobility assessment.
The scheme doesn't cover every transport cost. There are maximum subsidy amounts, and you'll generally need to pay part of the fare yourself.
Total Mobility is administered regionally, so contact your regional council or public transport authority to find out how to apply.
Where to start: Visit www.nzta.govt.nz and search for 'Total Mobility'.
5. Paying privately: An investment in your wellbeing
What happens if you don't qualify for funding, or the equipment or modification you'd like isn't covered?
It's worth remembering that you can still choose to purchase equipment, arrange transport or make modifications privately.
Public funding is generally focused on meeting assessed needs. That doesn't mean other products or services won't improve your quality of life.
For example, you might not qualify for a funded mobility scooter, but having one could make it easier to visit friends, go shopping or enjoy your local neighbourhood. Similarly, you might choose to renovate your bathroom to make it safer and more accessible before a modification becomes essential.
If publicly funded support isn't available, there are several options worth exploring:
Using your savings: If you have savings available, consider whether using some of them to improve your mobility, safety or comfort is worthwhile. Money saved for retirement is, after all, intended to support your wellbeing during retirement.
Talking with family or whānau: Some families may be willing and able to contribute towards equipment or modifications, particularly where these could help someone remain safely at home. Having an open conversation about what would make the greatest difference can be a useful starting point.
Community and charitable funding: Local organisations and charitable trusts sometimes provide grants or financial assistance for people who need equipment or support. Depending on your circumstances, it may be worth approaching organisations such as the RSA, Lions, Rotary, local community foundations or other charitable trusts. Eligibility and available funding will vary, and assistance is not guaranteed.
Buying second-hand or hiring: Not all equipment needs to be purchased new. Some mobility aids and other products can be hired or purchased second-hand, potentially reducing costs considerably. Make sure any equipment is suitable, safe and properly maintained.
Before committing to expensive equipment or home modifications, it's sensible to seek professional advice. An occupational therapist or another suitably qualified professional can help you understand what will work best for your circumstances.
A few things to remember before spending money
It's tempting to buy something as soon as you realise it could make life easier. However, we recommend taking a little time to investigate your options first.
- Ask about publicly funded support. Start with NASC for age-related needs, or ACC if your needs arise from a covered injury.
- Get appropriate advice. The equipment or modification you think you need might not be the best solution.
- Check other financial assistance. Work and Income, transport subsidies and charitable organisations may be able to help.
- Understand the costs. Consider installation, maintenance, repairs and ongoing fees, not just the purchase price.
- Explore private options. If funding isn't available, consider what you can reasonably afford and whether there are alternative ways to meet the cost.
It's about living well
The right equipment, transport or home modifications can make an enormous difference to everyday life. They can help people remain connected with their communities, continue doing the things they enjoy and feel safer and more confident at home.
While publicly funded support should be explored first, it isn't the only option.
Sometimes investing your own money, or seeking help from family or community organisations, can open up possibilities that wouldn't otherwise be available.
The important thing is to understand your options and make informed decisions about what will help you live well.
Funding criteria and services can change. The information in this article is general guidance; eligibility and funding decisions are made by the relevant organisations.
Updated: 21 Oct 2026