New Zealand Disability Allowance: amount and income limits

Disability Allowance helps with ongoing disability-related costs, subject to a weekly maximum, income limits and evidence of eligible expenses.

Maximum weekly payment, non-taxable

$82.85Work and Income, Disability Allowance

Single 16–17 weekly income limit

$696.60 before taxWork and Income, Disability Allowance

Single 18+ weekly income limit

$870 before taxWork and Income, Disability Allowance

Couple weekly income limit

$1,295.11 before taxWork and Income, Disability Allowance

Sole parent, 1 child, weekly income limit

$971.51 before taxWork and Income, Disability Allowance

Sole parent, 2+ children, weekly income limit

$1,023.59 before taxWork and Income, Disability Allowance

A maximum tied to ongoing extra costs

Disability Allowance is a weekly payment for regular, ongoing costs caused by a disability. Work and Income currently publishes a maximum of $82.85 a week. The amount depends on the extra costs, and the payment is not taxed and does not have to be repaid. It is paid into the recipient's bank account on the same day as other Work and Income payments. A person does not have to receive a benefit to qualify. Work and Income, Disability Allowance (opens in a new tab).

The published before-tax income limits

The weekly income limits before tax are $696.60 for a single person aged 16–17 and $870 for a single person aged 18 or older. For a couple, with or without children, the limit is $1,295.11. For a sole parent with 1 child it is $971.51, and for a sole parent with 2 or more children it is $1,023.59. Work and Income says eligibility also depends on the applicant's and partner's earnings. Work and Income, Disability Allowance (opens in a new tab).

Disability and residence criteria

Eligibility includes a disability likely to last at least 6 months and regular ongoing disability costs not fully covered by another agency. The applicant must not receive a Residential Care Subsidy, must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, and normally live in New Zealand with an intention to stay. Applications can be made for a financially dependent child aged 18 or under, with the parent's income subject to the limits. Work and Income, Disability Allowance (opens in a new tab).

Evidence establishes the costs included

The health practitioner must confirm the costs are needed, and the application requires proof of costs. Listed categories include medical and prescription fees, disability-related travel, heating, counselling, special foods and medical alarms. Proof needs to show what the expense is for and how much it costs, or enough information for Work and Income to calculate it. For new or increased costs, a medical certificate and cost evidence are required. Circumstances are reviewed at least every 52 weeks. Work and Income, Disability Allowance (opens in a new tab).

Scope of this explanation

This is general information about the current maximum and income categories. It does not assess a disability, approve a cost, classify family income or determine an individual award. No Disability Allowance calculator or worked claim example is provided. The guide does not establish the amount available for a particular expense, replace supporting evidence or cover the separate Child Disability Allowance.

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