New Government funding in a $11.5 million Community Support Package is now available to help those affected by the recent North Island floods and Cyclone Gabrielle.
It includes a range of funding for community groups, organisations and contracted service providers to help them deliver their response, including providing support for disabled people who are facing immediate and unexpected needs.
Dedicated funding for disabled people
The package includes $0.5 million dedicated funding to support disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori and/or their households to access support for immediate and unexpected needs due to the recent North Island floods and Cyclone Gabrielle.
The funding recognises that some disabled people will have additional costs that non-disabled people can avoid. For example, a person with a physical impairment may need to pay for a cleaner or moving company; they may need repairs to damaged housing modifications or equipment; they may need funding to enable their disabled child(ren) to access additional out of home support during this time.
The funding can be used to support disabled people or their households who:
- Have been directly impacted by the recent adverse weather
- Need items or support that are essential for their well-being.
The funding cannot be used to refund items that have already been bought.
The funding will be distributed by Community Connectors who can work with disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori and their whānau on a case-by-case basis to help them get the support they need.
The most a disabled person within a whānau can receive is $1,000. The money will be used to purchase the items or support that are needed for their wellbeing. Disabled people or their households will not get the money directly.
Eligibility
Disabled people do not need to be receiving Disability Support Service funding from Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People or from another Government agency to apply for this support.
For the purposes of this funding, the UN’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) serves as the definition of disability. This includes people who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
The service provider/agency will assess your needs and help determine if you are eligible for this funding.
Apply for support
You can contact one of the providers listed below and they will help assess your needs. Depending on your needs, the provider may be able to assist in buying services, devices or equipment for you:
- Yes Disability Resource Centre
Areas covered: Auckland
Phone Number: 09 414 5360
Email: admin@yesdisability.org.nz
- CCS Disability Action Bay of Plenty Incorporated
Areas covered: Bay of Plenty, East Coast, Hawkes Bay, Waikato
Phone: 0800 227 2255 or 07 578 0063
Email: bop@ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz
Website: www.ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz
The Disability Helpline can also provide you with support. Please call 0800 11 12 13 or text 8988 for assistance.
As selected service providers are finalised, they will be added to a list on the Support for disabled people - Community Support Package page.
Other support available
Work and Income help with emergency costs (not just for current beneficiaries)
Civil Defence payments are available if you're affected by the cyclone. You don't have to be getting a benefit, and in most cases it doesn't matter what your income is or what assets you have. Non-residents may be eligible for this payment.
A Civil Defence Payment can help with:
- emergency food, clothing and bedding if yours has been damaged or destroyed by the cyclone
- costs if you've had to leave your home
- loss of income because you can't work due to the cyclone
- a payment if you have evacuees staying with you in places such as a private home, marae or community centres.
For anyone affected by Cyclone Gabrielle, other costs MSD can help with are:
- medical costs
- bedding
- food
- power bills
- repairs or replacing appliances.
They also provide other help such as benefits and help with paying your housing costs.
Everyone’s situation is different, so what you qualify for will depend on your situation. You may have to pay the money back depending on your situation.
For more information see - Work and Income Cyclone Gabrielle
Urgent replacement of mobility equipment
There is potential support available through the Lottery Individuals with Disabilities Fund seeking urgent replacement of mobility equipment damaged or lost in the flooding and Cyclone Gabrielle. See Lottery Individuals with Disabilities or email iwdfunding@dia.govt.nz or phone 0800 824 824
DPA are continuing to update information on our page: Information for disabled people affected by the extreme weather events