Funding Support for Mobility Equipment in New Zealand

Couple discussing their mobility needs with a woman gp in an office

If you are looking for help to cover the cost of a mobility scooter, wheelchair, walker, rollator, powerchair, or other mobility equipment, there are several funding and payment pathways available in New Zealand. At MoveSmart, we understand that the right equipment can make a major difference to your safety, independence, and quality of life, and we are here to help you understand your options and move forward with confidence.

Depending on your situation, support may be available through ACC, Whaikaha, Enable New Zealand, Accessable, NASC services, charities, community organisations, or Work and Income. Some customers also choose to self-fund so they can get equipment faster, access a wider choice of products, and avoid long assessment or approval timeframes.

Who may be able to get help

Funding pathways can vary depending on whether your mobility needs are related to an accident, a long-term health condition, age-related mobility decline, disability, injury, or temporary recovery needs. Eligibility is usually assessed by the relevant agency, and criteria can change over time, so it is important to confirm current requirements directly with the organisation involved.

If public funding is not available, or if you need equipment sooner, purchasing privately can still be a practical option. MoveSmart can help by providing product guidance, detailed quotes, and support with comparing suitable equipment for your needs and budget.

ACC funding for accident-related mobility needs

If your mobility needs are the result of an accident, ACC may contribute to the cost of equipment that supports your recovery, safety, or day-to-day mobility. This can apply where equipment is needed because of an injury and forms part of your approved support needs.

For official ACC information, visit ACC funding.

Whaikaha funding for long-term health conditions

If your condition has lasted more than six months and is not accident-related, you may qualify for mobility equipment support through Whaikaha, the Ministry of Disabled People. This pathway is commonly used where someone has ongoing difficulty with mobility and is not receiving ACC assistance.

You may be eligible if:

  • Your mobility challenges are ongoing.
  • Your condition has lasted more than six months.
  • Your equipment needs are not covered by ACC.

Assessment and equipment coordination are generally managed through regional agencies. If you live in Auckland or Northland, contact Accessable. For the rest of New Zealand, contact Enable New Zealand.

Starting with a NASC assessment

For many people, one of the most important early steps is speaking with a doctor, GP, specialist, or other health care provider about how mobility problems are affecting daily life. If your condition is long term and you may need publicly funded disability support, you can ask whether a referral for a Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) assessment is appropriate.

A NASC assessment is often the entry point for publicly funded disability support services. The purpose of the assessment is to better understand your needs, goals, preferences, and the types of support that may help you live as independently and safely as possible.

You can usually start the process in one of the following ways:

  • Book an appointment with your GP and ask for a referral to your local NASC service.
  • If you are in hospital, hospital staff may contact the NASC service on your behalf.
  • You or your family can contact your local NASC service directly, although you may still be asked to arrange a referral through your GP.

Once you make contact, the NASC team may ask questions about your mobility, health, current supports, home situation, and daily challenges before arranging an assessment. Depending on your circumstances, the assessment may take place in your home, by phone, online, or at another suitable location.

During the assessment, they may look at areas such as personal care, mobility, household tasks, communication, support networks, caregiver support, and your longer-term goals. If eligible, the assessment can help connect you with funded supports, service planning, and referrals for equipment or specialist assessment where appropriate.

To find your local NASC service, visit Whaikaha – Needs assessment services or NZNASCA – Find your local NASC.

Other funding options to consider

Some people may also be able to access support through charities, trusts, community grants, or service-related organisations. These options can be especially useful when public funding does not fully cover the equipment required, or where a person falls outside standard criteria.

For children and young people

  • Variety NZ – support for children’s mobility and wellbeing needs.
  • Wilson Home Trust – assistance for young people with disabilities.

For adults

Local Taupō and community support links

WINZ quotes and Work and Income support

MoveSmart is a registered Work and Income supplier and can provide detailed WINZ quotes for mobility equipment purchases or hire. If you are working with a case manager, a fully itemised quote can help support your application and make it easier to explain the equipment needed.

MoveSmart also accepts WINZ Payment Cards in store. For practical support around this process, visit MoveSmart | FAQ or contact us to request a quote.

Self-funding and flexible payment options

Because funding approvals can take time and public criteria can be restrictive, many New Zealanders choose to self-fund their mobility equipment. Self-funding can mean faster access, more product choice, and the ability to select a solution that best matches your day-to-day lifestyle rather than waiting for a limited approved option.

MoveSmart offers several payment methods to help make self-funding more manageable. Accepted payment methods include credit and debit cards, POLi, AfterPay, internet banking, cash, Q Card, WINZ Payment Card, and finance options through Gilrose Finance.

MoveSmart also works with MTF and Gilrose Finance as credit partners. MTF’s local, in-house consultants can be particularly helpful for customers on benefits, superannuation, or limited incomes because they take a more personal approach and can talk through suitable lending options based on individual circumstances.

Where finance is being considered, it is a good idea to compare repayments, lending criteria, and total borrowing costs so you can choose an option that is affordable and sustainable for you over time.

How MoveSmart can help

MoveSmart can help by providing quotes for funding applications, supporting WINZ quote requests, and guiding customers through the early stages of the funding process. We can also help you compare products based on mobility needs, transport requirements, comfort, weight capacity, intended use, and budget.

If funding is not available or does not fully cover the equipment you need, we can also discuss self-funding options and suitable payment pathways. 

Important note

Funding criteria, agency processes, and finance approvals can change, and eligibility always depends on your individual circumstances. For the most up-to-date information, check directly with the relevant organisation and speak with MoveSmart if you would like help with a quote or choosing suitable equipment.

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