You and the invalid's benefit
What am I entitled to?
Under the Social Security Act 1964 you can apply for an invalid's benefit if you are not able to work because your disability permanently and severely restricts your ability (invalid's benefit) or you are totally blind (invalid's benefit: blindness). You must also be over 16 and a NZ citizen or permanent resident, and have lived in NZ for at least 10 years.
The Act does not define total blindness but the definition used by
Work and Income is -
for adults:
- your best visual acuity (sharpness), with correcting lenses, does not exceed 3/60 and/or
- your visual field is contracted to a maximum of five degrees on either side of the fixation point.
for children:
- your child's vision on the Snellen test scale must be less than 6/60 in both eyes after correction.
Totally blind people can receive a personal earnings exemption and may be eligible for the blind subsidy.
What is the personal earnings exemption?
If you earn income through personal effort, i.e. from a job, this money is disregarded when your income is assessed to see if you qualify for the invalid's benefit.What is the blind subsidy?
You are entitled to an additional allowance of 25% of your average personal earnings for the year, i.e. income from the actual work you do. To receive the subsidy your total income from all sources must not exceed a certain limit. This limit differs for married and single people.
Who can help me with a benefit claim?
The invalid's benefit is only one of the benefits and/or allowances you may be entitled to. Contact Work and Income for benefit information. The Royal NZ Foundation of the Blind or the Association of Blind Citizens of NZ may also be able to assist. See contact details.