Lottery Funding for Equipment for People with a Disability
The Lottery Fund distributes profits of New Zealand lotteries, for community purposes only to projects, initiatives and activities that deliver community benefit of a public nature, and contribute to the building of strong, sustainable communities in New Zealand.
People with a permanent disability can apply for funding to access equipment that enables meaningful participation in community life. Community life includes participation in social, recreational, civic, cultural, and voluntary activities, and involvement in community groups, events, organisations, and whānau or community networks.
This funding is for individual people with a permanent disability who are experiencing barriers to their participation in their community, that will be reduced by having this equipment.
Lottery funding is intended to supplement, not replace, funding available through government agencies and other primary funding sources.
Eligibility
In addition to the general eligibility requirements on the Lottery fund page, the individual must all meet the following criteria:
- be an individual person
- have a permanent disability
- demonstrate that without the equipment their ability to participate in community life is significantly limited
- demonstrate that the equipment will remove barriers to participation in community life.
Funding is intended to support participation in community life and any personal benefit must be secondary to the community benefit.
Equipment that may be funded
Disability related equipment that directly supports participation in community life. For example:
- mobility equipment: vehicles, vehicle modifications, wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
- communication aids that support participation in community life
- certified disability assist dogs.
What is not funded
Funding is not available for:
- disabilities that are not permanent or for which partial or full recovery is expected
- equipment primarily for education, employment or professional sport
- disabilities resulting from injuries covered by the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC)
- equipment already funded by another agency or organisation, except for any remaining unfunded amount
- equipment or services that have already been funded by another agency or organisation, except where approval has been granted to contribute towards an identified funding shortfall or unfunded balance
- vehicle related running and ownership costs (including areas such as registration, WoF, insurances)
- equipment purchased before a funding decision has been made
- items primarily intended for personal use rather than to support meaningful participation in community life.
Supporting information to go with applications
You will need to provide the following supporting information with your application.
Equipment needs assessment
This assessment must be independent, current and relevant to the equipment being requested. This must be on the DIA Equipment for People with a Disability template. The assessment will need to confirm:
- that the equipment is suitable
- the nature of disability
- that it is a permanent disability
- the functional impact of the disability and how the equipment will remove barriers to participation in community life.
Vehicles and vehicle modifications must be completed by a specialist transport occupational therapist on the DIA Equipment for People with a Disability template. If driving lessons are recommended to enable safe use of a modified vehicle, a quote from a registered driving instructor must be provided.
Community participation evidence
Evidence to show how the equipment will support your participation in community life, eg:
- a letter from a community organisation
- volunteer organisation confirmation
- information from a support service or health professional
- evidence of participation in social, recreational, civic or cultural activities.
Evidence of other funding sources
If you have applied for funding from other agencies for this equipment, we will need to see:
- evidence of other applications
- confirmation of eligibility or ineligibility
- evidence of co-funding arrangements
- evidence of proceeds from the sale or trade-in of existing equipment where applicable.
Equipment information
Two quotes must be supplied for each piece of equipment requested.
Legal authority
If someone is applying on your behalf, they must provide evidence that they have authority to act for you (if applicable).
Important information
Any grants made will be paid directly to suppliers.
How do I apply for funding?
Please follow the instructions on this page: How to apply
If you can't apply online please complete a paper application form, click the following link to download the form: Equipment for people with a disability application form
When can I apply for funding?
Please see the: Funding calendar
Back to Lottery fund page