Funding related to purchase of vehicles and modifications to vehicles is allocated according to different criteria.  These are described as follows:

• Driving Assessment - funding towards vehicle purchase or modifications to a vehicle that will be driven by the disabled person will only be considered when the person is assessed as being able to drive competently.
• Purchase of a Vehicle.
• Equipment and Modifications for Vehicles.

Specialised Assessment

All costs related to the assessment for consideration of driving, vehicle purchase and/or modifications require prior approval from Accessable or Enable New Zealand before the assessment can commence.

Driving Assessment

The person is required to have an assessment with a suitably qualified Occupational Therapist with specialist skills in driver assessment and vehicle modification for consideration of:

• their capacity to drive safely and independently
• an application for purchase of a vehicle and/or modifications to a vehicle

Assessments for driving may only be approved for Ministry of Health funding for disabled people who meet agreed eligibility criteria.

Vehicle Purchase and Vehicle Modifications

The person is required to have an assessment with a suitably qualified Occupational Therapist with specialist skills in vehicle purchase and modification.

It is agreed that the use of a vehicle and/or modifications to a vehicle would meet the person's essential needs related to their disability, and they are eligible for Ministry of Health funded support, the Specialised Assessor completes an application requesting the relevant services.

Equipment

The person is required to have an assessment with a suitably qualified allied health professional who has the relevant accreditation as an Assessor, for consideration of an application for equipment they are recommending to be used in and around a vehicle.

For example:

• Car seat for a child (Seating Level 2 or 3)
• Hoist (Personal Care)
• Transferring equipment (Personal Care or Walking)

The Specialised Assessor completes an application requesting the provision of equipment if it is agreed that the person:

• is eligible for Ministry of Health funded support, and
• needs the equipment for independent or safe transportation.

If the person is not eligible for Ministry of Health funded services, or vehicle purchase, modifications and/or equipment are not considered as being the most suitable solution, the Specialised Assessor should discuss other support or funding options with them.

The following funding is available for eligible people living in New Zealand:

• Vehicle Purchase - Maximum $11,900
• Vehicle Modifications - Maximum $11,900
• Driving Assessment - No maximum amount

Note: all amounts include GST

For further information on your entitlement to vehicle modification funding and driving assessment funding, see Eligibility.

Who To Contact

For further information about Ministry of Health funding for vehicle purchase, vehicle modification and driving assessment, contact the funding administration service for your area: 

• If you live in Auckland or Northland, contact accessable, call free (New Zealand only) 0508 001 002.
• For all the rest of New Zealand, contact Enable New Zealand, call free (New Zealand only) 0800 17 1995. 

To begin the application process, you must request an assessment by a specialised assessor.