Extra help available for Superannuitants

Disability Allowance

Disability Allowance is income tested ,however , if your yearly income is below these amounts you may be eligible for assistance.

• $22,464 for a single person (including NZ Superannuation)

• $32,448 for a married couple (including NZ Superannuation)

The standard disability allowance is $46.18 per week as at 1 April 2002

• Your doctor or health professional will be required to confirm your medical condition aand associated costs
• All costs claimed must be supported by receipts ( or quotes where a receipt cannot be provided)

The following costs can be covered by a disability allowance

Disability type

Costs covered

Medical Counselling Prescriptions Transport Power,Gas,Heating Telephone Medical Alarms Lawns/Gardens Special Diet/Food Workshop fees Day Care Consumable Items Clothing

Doctor,Specialist,Hospital,Chiropractor,Osteopath. No "alternative" methods such as Aromatherapy , iridology, etc. All prescription cost not covered by Community Services card plus any part charges Travel to Doctor , Specialist , Hospital etc. Additional travel if medical condition limits the use of public transport Costs over and above normal consumption for similar households of similar size Basic line rental only ( need for telephone to be confirmed by Doctor) Rental fees Basic care of lawns and gardens. When the necessary special food is not available from health authorities Sheltered of IHC Workshop fees To provide relief for caregivers Ongoing items such as hearing aid batteries printer ribbons/paper for computers In special cases where there are additional costs incurred due to the frequency of washing or the extra wear and tear resulting from the medical condition

Accommodation Supplement

• board payments ,
• rent,
• mortgage,
• rates,
• water rates where rated separately,
• houseowner's insurance payments - not contents
• essential repairs and maintenance costs.(Receipts required to verify costs)
• Major repairs Advance payments ( interest only)

If your gross income is below

• Single     $22,464.00
• Couples  $32,448.00

and your weekly accommodation costs are at least.

Living Arrangements	Costs covered
Single living alone Single sharing Couples both qualify Couples - NQS included	$56.00 rent or Board. $68.00 mortgage $60.00 rent or board $63.00 mortgage $86.00 rent or board $103.00 mortgage $83.00 rent or board $99.00 mortgaage

you may be able to receive

Living Arrangements	Possible payments
Single living alone Single sharing Couples both qualify Couples - NQS included	$64.00 per week $64.00 per week $81.00 per week $81.00 per week

The following are the levels of assets that can be held

A single person can have up to $2,700 in cash assets before the rate of Accomodation Supplement is affected
Between $2700 and $8100 the rate of payment abates - you would have no entitelment once your cash assets reached $8100.00

A couple may have up to $5,400 in cash assets - there would be no entitlement once your cash reached $16,200.00

Living Alone Payment

Currently the payment for this is nett $55.11 per week at the M tax rate or $69.81 gross.

Married person living on their own

As a married person you would qualify for a living alone payment if:

• If your partner's NZS has been reduced to the hsopital rate
  There is NOincome of asset test.
• If your partner is receiving a Residential Care Subsidy - an income and asset test has already been completed.
• If you are receiving payment of New Zealand Superannuation as a non-qualified spouse ( i.e.l you do not qualify for New Zealand Superannuation in your own right) and you were included in your partner's New Zealand Superannuation prior to 1 October 1991.

What if someone comes to stay ?

• "Living Alone" does not mean you cannot have someone to come and stay for a holiday.
• You can have a visitor for up to 13 weeks ( in any 26 week period) and continue to receive your living alone payment.
• However , if you have someone come and live with you permanently then your entotlement to a living alone payment ceases from when that person moves in with you.

There is also another type of living alone payment wwhich takes care of the situation where you are living alone and sharing with others which is paid at a lower level than the living alone payment but greater than half the married rate

$36.74 nett at M tax rate and $46.40 gross.

Community Services Card

The limts of income for a community services crad is

• $18,586 (before tax) or less , if you are single and living with others.
• $19,689 (before tax) or less , if you are single and living alone.
• $29,398 (before tax) or less , if you are a married couple.

High Use Health Card

Pharmaceutical Subsidy Card

Call toll-free 0800 999 999, or ask at any WINZ Service Centre

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