Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for subsidies or financial aid towards the costs involved with having coeliac disease.
Not only can dealing with the symptoms associated with coeliac disease (CD) be challenging, but many individuals with CD find themselves perplexed and often left in the dark about what government assistance they are entitled to.
Fortunately, there are several options available. The information is there, but it is not always easily accessible – indeed, many diagnosed coeliacs may be surprised to learn that they might be eligible for an allowance. Government support may be offered in the form of the disability allowance, the child disability allowance, childcare subsidy, or the Out of School Care and Recreation (OSCAR) subsidy payment.
Have a disability that is likely to last at least six months, you are a NZ citizen or permanent resident and this is the only subsidy you receive. This is based on an income and asset test, and will depend on how much you and your partner earn.
You can apply for a Disability Allowance on behalf of a child if they are aged 18 years or under and financially dependent on the person who is making the application. You may be able to get both the Disability Allowance and the Child Disability Allowance for the same child. You can't get a Disability Allowance if you get Board Payments from Child, Youth and Family for the child.
Allowable costs that the Disability Allowance may be paid for, specifically relating to Coeliac Disease, is medical fees and special foods. Visit the WINZ website for more information and to apply.
The Child Disability Allowance is a non-taxable payment made to the main carer of a child or young person under the age of 18 years with a serious disability. It recognises the extra care and attention provided. It is not paid to cover any ongoing additional costs associated with the child or young person's particular disability (i.e. not for food costs). Child Disability Allowance is paid at a set amount, regardless of the child or young person's particular disability. It is not income or asset tested.
You can be eligible for both of the above allowances, if you meet the qualifying criteria.
Download the Disability Assistance pdf here: Disability Assistance - WINZ 2019The Childcare Subsidy is for children under 5 years old. Children whom receive the Child Disability Allowance can receive a childcare subsidy until they are 6 years old and may be paid for up to 50 hrs a week.
Out of School Care and Recreation (OSCAR) Subsidy is a payment which helps families with the costs of before and after school care. Children who receive a Child Disability Allowance and meet the qualifications may be eligible.
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About Coeliac New Zealand
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Coeliac New Zealand is available throughout your journey. As part of our community, you’ll get support, advice, and assistance. We work with health professionals, manufacturers, and researchers to raise awareness of coeliac disease in NZ.
Together, we can reach a day when every person with coeliac disease gets diagnosed quickly, lives a healthy life, and has the prospect of a cure.
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