How to Get Mobility Equipment Funded in NZ: A Plain-English WINZ & ACC Guide
A Mobility Plus buying guide — family-run and Kiwi-owned since 2005.
Quick answer: In New Zealand, mobility equipment like walkers, wheelchairs, power lift chairs, bathroom safety equipment and daily living aids can often be funded two main ways. ACC may pay if your need results from an injury (an accident you've claimed for). Work and Income (WINZ) may help through a Disability Allowance or other assistance if your need is due to a health condition or disability, and you meet the criteria. In both cases you'll usually need a quote and often a recommendation from a health professional (such as an occupational therapist, GP or physiotherapist). Mobility Plus provides free written quotes for WINZ and ACC applications — just email info@mobilityplus.co.nz and we'll sort it.
Working out how to pay for mobility equipment can feel more confusing than choosing the equipment itself. The good news is that a lot of Kiwis qualify for help and don't realise it. Here's how the two main funding routes work, in plain English.
ACC funding (for injury-related needs)
If you need equipment because of an injury you've made an ACC claim for — say you've had a fall, an accident, or surgery following an injury — ACC may cover the cost of the equipment that helps your recovery and independence.
How it usually works:
- You'll typically be assessed by a health professional involved in your care, often an occupational therapist (OT) or physiotherapist.
- They identify the equipment you need and can recommend it as part of your rehabilitation.
- ACC reviews the recommendation, and if approved, arranges or reimburses the cost.
- We can provide a written quote with product details and pricing to support the process.
The key thing with ACC is the link to your injury claim. If the equipment helps you recover from or manage the effects of that injury, it's worth asking your case manager or OT about it.
WINZ funding (for disability or health-related needs)
If your need is due to a disability or ongoing health condition rather than an accident, Work and Income (WINZ) may be able to help. The most common route is the Disability Allowance, a weekly payment that can go towards ongoing disability-related costs. Depending on your situation, other assistance may also apply.
How it usually works:
- The Disability Allowance is income-tested, so whether you qualify (and how much) depends on your circumstances.
- You'll generally need a note or recommendation from your doctor or a health professional confirming the equipment is needed because of your condition.
- WINZ will usually want a quote showing the item and the cost — which we're happy to provide.
- You apply through Work and Income, either online through MyMSD, by phone, or at a service centre.
A quick tip: even if you're not sure you'll qualify, it's worth asking. Work and Income staff can tell you what help you're eligible for, and the assessment is free.
What kinds of equipment can be funded?
Funding isn't just for walkers and wheelchairs. Depending on your needs and assessment, a wide range of equipment may be covered, including:
- Walkers, rollators and wheelchairs — see our walkers & rollators and wheelchairs.
- Power lift chairs — a lift chair can be assessed as necessary seating for someone who can't safely rise from a standard chair, or who needs supported positioning and pressure relief. These are regularly funded, and we quote them often for WINZ and ACC applications.
- Bathroom & toileting safety equipment — shower stools and chairs, grab rails, raised toilet seats and toilet surrounds are among the most commonly funded items, because bathroom falls are a serious risk.
- Daily living aids — reachers, dressing aids and more that help you stay independent at home.
If you're not sure whether your item qualifies, just ask — we'll quote it for you either way.
What you'll usually need, whichever route you take
Most funding applications come down to three things:
- A recommendation from a health professional (GP, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, or nurse) that the equipment is needed.
- A written quote for the specific item(s) — this is the part we handle for you.
- Your application submitted to ACC (via your claim/case manager) or WINZ (via MyMSD, phone, or a service centre).
How Mobility Plus helps with funding
We've supported Kiwi families through WINZ and ACC purchases for years, and we make our part easy:
- Free written quotes for WINZ or ACC — with the product, price and details set out clearly. Email info@mobilityplus.co.nz and tell us which item(s) you're after.
- Help choosing the right equipment so your quote matches what you actually need — a real person on the phone on 022 022 9956.
- Fast nationwide delivery once your funding is approved, direct to your door.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a wheelchair funded in NZ?
Often, yes. If the need relates to an injury, ACC may fund it; if it relates to a disability or health condition, WINZ assistance such as the Disability Allowance may help. You'll usually need a health professional's recommendation and a quote, which we can provide.
Can a lift chair be funded?
Often, yes. A power lift chair may be assessed as necessary seating — for example if you can't safely stand from a normal chair, or need supported positioning and pressure relief. Lift chairs are regularly funded through WINZ or ACC with a health professional's recommendation and a quote, which we're happy to provide.
Can bathroom equipment be funded?
Yes — bathroom and toileting safety equipment such as shower stools, grab rails, raised toilet seats and toilet surrounds are among the most commonly funded items, because reducing bathroom falls protects your safety and independence. You'll usually need a recommendation and a quote.
Does WINZ pay for a mobility scooter or lift chair?
It depends on your circumstances and assessment. Some equipment may be covered through the Disability Allowance or other assistance if it's assessed as necessary for your condition. The best step is to talk to Work and Income about your situation — and ask us for a quote to include.
Do I need to see an occupational therapist?
For many funded purchases, an OT or other health professional's assessment or recommendation is what unlocks the funding, especially with ACC. For some WINZ assistance a note from your GP may be enough. It's worth asking early.
How do I get a quote from Mobility Plus for WINZ or ACC?
Just email info@mobilityplus.co.nz with the item(s) you're interested in (or a link to the product), and we'll send back a written quote you can attach to your application. There's no cost and no obligation.
How long does funding take?
It varies by agency and your situation, so we can't promise timeframes. Getting your recommendation and quote sorted early is the best way to keep things moving.
Not sure where to start? We'll point you the right way
Funding can feel like a maze, but you don't have to work it out alone. Tell us what you're trying to achieve and we'll help you get the right quote together — and, if we can, point you toward the right agency to ask. Email info@mobilityplus.co.nz or call 022 022 9956. We're a family-run, 100% Kiwi-owned business, and we've been helping New Zealanders move more freely since 2005.
Please note: Funding rules and eligibility are set by ACC and Work and Income and can change. This guide is general information, not financial or funding advice — always confirm your entitlements directly with ACC or Work and Income for your own situation.
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