10. Benefits And Assistance
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Benefits and assistance available to the blind and vision-impaired in New Zealand are described.
1.4 Work and Income New Zealand
1.4.1 Invalids Benefit
The Invalids Benefit is available for a variety of disabilities and illnesses. With regard to those with blindness or visual impairment, only those who are classed as totally blind are entitled to receive the benefit. Totally blind is defined by WINZ as 'the best visual acuity, with correcting lenses does not exceed 3/60 and/or the visual field is contracted to a maximum of five degrees on either side of the fixation point'.
The value of the benefit ranges from $163.51-$285.03 per week, depending on personal factors such as age, whether married and number of children. Couples (who are both blind?), regardless of the number of children receive $168.38 each.
The benefit is income tested against the blind person's partner's income. If the blind person works and has no partner or whose partner's income does not go over the allowed limits, this income is not means tested (WINZ website: 2003).
1.4.2 Blind Subsidy
The Blind Subsidy is available to those who are totally blind and receiving an Invalids Benefit. This subsidy entitles the recipient to 25% of their average personal earnings up to specified limits.
Earnings are checked every three months and once total income exceeds specified limits, eligibility for receiving the invalids benefit and therefore the blind subsidy, is lost. Total income is calculated from the Invalids Benefit (net), any supplementary assistance, the blind subsidy and all other income. For those married, income must not exceed $278.38 (gross) per week or $14 475.76 a year. If single, income must not exceed $312.05 (gross) per week or $16 226.60 a year.
1.4.3 Sickness Benefit
The sickness benefit is payable to those who cannot temporarily not work because of sickness, injury, pregnancy or disability. To be eligible, recipients must be 18 years or older or 16 -17 years and living with a partner and supporting children you. Recipients are required to have been in previous employment or unemployed or working part-time and constrained on looking
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for work or working full time because of sickness, injury, pregnancy or disability.
The benefit amount payable is income tested against a partner's income, with the client and partner able to earn up to $80 a week before the benefit is affected. The total amount payable ($107.76 to $286.28 per week) depends on whether or not the client has a partner, on age, on number of children (if any) and on whether the client is living at home or away from home.
1.4.4 Disability Allowance
The Disability Allowance is payable in conjunction with all other benefits and reimburses people for ongoing regular costs incurred because of a disability. The benefit is income tested with total income not to exceed pre-determined levels for different recipients (e.g. $396 per week for single, 16-17 years old, $660 per week for married couple with 1 or more children). The maximum amount received (non-taxable) is $47.44 per week.
A Child disability allowance of $35.75 per fortnight is available regardless of income and is payable to the parent/ caregiver.
1.4.5 Training Incentive
The Training Incentive is available to those on a benefit, and is to cover costs associated with training that will increase the recipient's chance of finding paid employment.
1.4.6 Work Start Grant
The Work Start Grant aims to assist those on benefits into work. It can go towards such costs as job interview-related expenses, work placement, relocation, safety equipment, and bridging finance.
1.4.7 Community Services Card
The Community Services Card is available to those on low incomes to assist with medical costs (doctor's visits and prescriptions). The card is income tested on both the client's and their partner's income. The income earning limits depend on the size of the family and living situation and range from $19,439 (for a single person living alone) to $89, 742 (family of 14+ people).
The card entitles the individual to a maximum subsidy of $15 on medical care (for adults) or $20 (for children 6 and over). The card also assists with prescriptions and these are often reduced to a maximum cost of $3.
1.4.8 High Use Health Card
The High Use Health Card is for those with ongoing health difficulties who
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have been to their doctor twelve or more times in the preceding year. The card reduces the amount paid for doctor's consultation and ensures that no more than $3 per item is paid for government prescription charges. The card is not income tested.
1.4.9 Childcare Subsidy Programme
The Childcare Subsidy Programme assists families with children under the age of five with childcare costs. To receive any assistance, income must be under a maximum of $850 per week for families with 3 or more children (other rates apply for 1 or 2 child families). A maximum of 37 hours per week is payable to a maximum total of $93.98 ($2.54 per hour).
1.4.10 The OSCAR Subsidy
The OSCAR Subsidy assists low-income families in paying for before and after school programmes and school holiday programmes for children aged 5- 13. To receive any assistance, income must be under a maximum of $850 per week for families with 3 or more children (other rates apply for 1 or 2 child families). A maximum of 20 hours per week is payable to a maximum total of $39.20 per week during the school term. A maximum of 37 hours per week is payable to a maximum total of $72.52 per week during the school holidays.
1.4.11 Family Support
Family Support is a tax credit aimed at helping low income families or those on income support to help with the costs of child rearing (up to maximum of 18 years of age). The benefit is means tested with a maximum income of $20 000 per year, except here the sole source of income is a benefit.
Maximum payments are: for the eldest and only child under 15 years, $47 per week; for each other child below 12 years, $32 weekly; for each additional child aged 13-15 years, $40 per week; and for each extra child aged 16-18 years, $60 weekly.
1.4.12 New Zealand Superannuation
New Zealand Superannuation is available for New Zealand citizens and residents aged 65 years and over. Payment rates range from $213.67 to $296.49 depending on living situation and marital status. All Super Annuitants receive a Super Card which provides identification for receiving 'old age' discounts from private organisations.
1.4.13 The Transitional Retirement Benefit
The Transitional Retirement Benefit covers recipients for a short period prior to them becoming eligible for Superannuation. The rate paid depends on living situation and number of children. In addition, maximum income for both
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the client and their partner must not exceed $80 per week ($4160 per year). Maximum amount payable per week is $336.76.
1.4.14 Domestic Purposes and Widows Benefits
The Domestic Purposes and Widows Benefits are for sole parents, caregivers of the sick and older women living alone. These benefits are means tested. Payments range from $163.92 to $277.48 per week, and may be received concurrently with other welfare assistance.
1.4.15 Unemployment Benefit
The Unemployment Benefit is aimed at supporting job seekers short-term until they find paid employment. To receive the benefit, the client must be 18 years and over or 16 to 17 years, living with a partner and dependent children. Clients must also be on a job-seeker programme. Payments range from $134.70 to $252.60, dependent on the individual's situation, including partner's income. The benefit may be received concurrently with other welfare assistance.
1.4.16 Accommodation Supplement
The Accommodation Supplement is a non-taxable benefit available to those with low incomes, to assist with accommodation costs. Eligibility is determined by income (recipients do not have to be receiving a benefit to qualify), accommodation costs, and domestic arrangements. Weekly accommodation costs must be over various thresholds which range from $51 to $115 depending on living situation- boarding, renting or in own home; partner/no partner and number of children if any.
The supplement is income tested according to the aforementioned criteria and further according to whether or not the person lives in Auckland, Wellington (including urban areas of Hamilton, Rotorua, Napier, Hastings, Tauranga, Palmerston North, Nelson and Christchurch) and other areas. The various income thresholds range from $20 333.04 to $53, 576.64. Assets are also tested ranging from less than $8 100 to less than $16 200.
1.5 Accident Compensation
1.5.1 Weekly Compensation
Weekly Compensation is paid to those who are unable to work due to personal injury (this may involve either part- or full-time absence from the workplace. It is calculated at 80% of pre-injury earnings. Partner's income is NOT taken into account. Compensation ranges from $272.29 to $1418.00. Verification by a doctor or medical specialist is required.
Either a Lump sum or Independence Allowance may be received in addition to Weekly compensation.
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1.5.2 Lump Sum Compensation
Lump Sum Compensation is available for those with a permanent impairment (resulting from an injury that occurred after April 1 2002). ACC will assess the client's situation with a doctor's certificate stating that the impairment is permanent. Two years must have passed since the date of the injury or the client's condition must be stable.
The maximum payment is $102,520 depending on the level of impairment as assessed by ACC (maximum payment is at the 80% or more disability rating).
Someone who is totally blind or vision-impaired would receive a less than 80% disability rating (Personal communication, ACC).
1.5.3 ACC Independence Allowance
ACC Independence Allowance is available to those with a permanent impairment that occurred before April 1 2002. These payments may continue for the client's entire life and are subject to change according reassessment. The maximum weekly amount is $66.06.
1.5.4 ACC Rehabilitation Assistance
Through personal communication it has been established that there is really no maximum amount in terms of dollars or hours provided in this area. The claimant will receive assistance required as dictated by assessment. If, for example, assistance (i.e in the form of special equipment or aids) is required for the continuation of the person's life, they are entitled to it for that time.
ACC Home based rehabilitation
Assistance from someone to help look after the client, their children or home where an injury-related impairment warrants it. Assistance is dependent on ACC assessment.
ACC Aids and Appliances
On assessment ACC may provide special equipment needed, aiming to "help you become independent in your daily life as quickly as possible".
Areas considered include- mobility, daily tasks or personal care, communications, visual or hearing disabilities, and workplace rehabilitation.
Equipment is owned by ACC and is supplied as long as required.
ACC is also liable for maintenance and replacement of this equipment.
ACC Transport
ACC may help with extra costs incurred due to travel difficulty as a result of injury. Assistance with the cost of "escorted travel by car, public transport,
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taxi, vehicle modifications or assistance with the purchase of a suitable replacement vehicle".
ACC Home Modifications
this assistance may apply if you have difficulty gaining access to your home, moving around in your home or living independently in your home.
ACC Training for Independence
A structured programme designed to help the client: undertake basic activities of daily living and learn to use and maintain aids or appliances that need to be used. Training and coaching is provided in the following areas.
Activities for Daily Living - The purpose of the activities of daily living service is to provide the claimant with training and coaching in order to maximise their ability to live independently. The specific number of hours of training/coaching/assistance will vary between claimants, and will be decided through an initial assessment.
Orientation and Mobility - The purpose of orientation and mobility services is to provide the claimant with training and coaching allow independent movement. The exact nature of this individual assistance will depend on the outcome of an initial assessment, but might include training on how to identify surroundings, use public transport, and/or use mobility aids such as a cane.
Literacy and Communication - The purpose of the literacy and communication service is to provide the claimant with the necessary skills to communicate independently, and prepare them for finding paid employment through one of ACC's contracted vocational rehabilitation providers. This service can include training in reading Braille and using adaptive technology.
Transcription - The transcription service turns printed text into formats that blind and vision-impaired claimants can access independently. It is up to the claimant's Case Manager to decide what number of transcriptions is appropriate.
Equipment for Independence - The purpose of the 'equipment for independence' service is to provide the claimant with items that assist optimal independent functioning. Equipment for independence covers manufactured items that are likely to assist the claimant to undertake the activities of daily living and may be identified as cost-effective alternatives to the delivery of other supports. For items over the value of $300, Case Manager approval is required by the provider (e.g. occupational therapist) before a purchase is made, otherwise the provider has a large degree of discretion.
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Counseling Services - The purpose of the counseling service is to provide the claimant with ways to deal with and adapt to, stress and trauma associated with blindness and visual impairment. The number of counselling hours each claimant will require will be specified in the rehabilitation referral to the provider, up to a maximum of 20 hours.