Ministry of Health Funding
Lottery and Enable Vehicle modification process
1. Getting the right vehicle
How will this be funded?
Private purchase Lottery Grant Enable/Accessable Grant
Sometimes the allocated funding may not cover the entire cost of the vehicle and additional funding will need to be sourced. You may wish to consider approaching:
Condition support groups (e.g Muscular Dystrophy Association)
CCS
Local community agencies
Lottery Grant Board
http://www.communitymatters.govt.nz/Funding-and-grants---Lottery-grants---Lottery-Individuals-with-Disabilities. OTRS does not generally get involved with the application, and we encourage you to seek support from your treating therapist or GP.
Lottery applications are reviewed 6 times per year in February, April, June, August and October. Once funding has been approved, ensure your OT has a copy of your approval letter.
Enable/Accessable
If you meet the criteria you may be eligible for Enable/Accessable funding. An occupational therapist will explain the criteria, if you meet this; you are entitled to an assessment (approval to complete assessment can take up to 20 working days).
When access to alternative transport is not a viable option, the person with a disability may be able to receive a once-only funding contribution up to a maximum of $12,165 (incl. GST) towards the purchase of a vehicle to be modified. This vehicle will be required to enable the person to get to and from their work, tertiary study or vocational training or fulfil their role as main carer of a dependent child who lives with them. The person is required to have an income and cash asset test administered by Work and Income to determine the amount of funding the person will be eligible to receive”.
Once you have funding for the vehicle OTRS can assist you to find a vehicle that is suitable to your need
Your therapist will likely need to sign off your vehicle prior to purchase – keep them in the loop!
2. Do you need modifications?
How will these be funded?
Privately Enable/Accessable Other
Sometimes the allocated funding may not cover the entire cost of the modification and additional funding will need to be sourced. You may wish to consider approaching:
Condition support groups (e.g Muscular Dystrophy Association)
CCS
Local community agencies
Enable/Accessable
If you meet the criteria you may be eligible for Enable/Accessable funding. An occupational therapist will explain the criteria, if you meet this; you are entitled to an assessment (approval to complete assessment can take up to 20 working days).
An occupational therapist will meet with you to complete an initial assessment. Topics covered may include:
Your condition/diagnosis
Family dynamic – who needs to access the vehicle
Wheelchair information and measurements including crash testing information and assessment of appropriate tie down points
Future-proofing (vehicle and modifications – must last 6 years)
Pros and cons of an ‘Already modified vehicle’ versus an ‘empty’ vehicle and having the modifications installed separately
Modification depreciation information if an ‘already modified vehicle’ is purchased
Options for entering and travelling in vehicle (modification options)
Which vehicles might be suitable (to be documented in box below)
Who will be driving the vehicle and do they hold the appropriate licence
The therapist may also need to contact your treating therapists (e.g seating therapist) if further information is required. They will also be required to obtain a quote for potential modifications.
Once all documentation is received the occupational therapist will submit an application and will receive an outcome within approximately 10 working days of whether your application has been successful or not. If your application is successful the therapist will log your impact on life questionnaire responses into the system. This will identify if funding is available based on priority. The occupational therapist will let you know the outcome and where to from here.
3. You have the funding what happens next?
Your therapist will give you advice regarding what type of vehicle you need (depending on what modifications you need, family dynamics etc). It is then your responsibility to contact car yards and search for a vehicle you think is suitable.
Once you have found a vehicle that you think is suitable, contact your occupational therapist who will check it out. Do not be tempted to sign any paperwork before the vehicle has been checked by your therapist.
If the vehicle suits your need and the modifier has confirmed modifications can be installed the therapist will complete the necessary paper work – they will require information regarding the chosen vehicle, and quotes for the modifications.
The therapist MUST approve the vehicle before finalising any purchase.
4. You receive your modified vehicle!
You will need to meet with your therapist one more time to ensure the modifications are correct and to sign off the vehicle.
Advice and Assistance
For individuals with disabilities who are looking to purchase a new vehicle that will have or need modification, there may be funding available to you through the Lotteries Grant Board, Enable or Accessable (area dependent). Eligibility criteria apply. These sites are linked below.
