EMS(Equipment and modifications Services)
EMS(Equipment and modifications Services)is the one type of disability support provided from the Ministry of Health in New Zealand
The Information about criteria and processes for the provision of funding for Vehicle purchase and Modifications is available on the Ministry of Health website
CRITERIA:
Where access to alternative transport (bus, train, taxi, private passenger/carpool) is not a viable option, the person with a disability may be able to receive a ‘one-off’ funding contribution of up to a maximum of $12,165.00 incl GST toward the purchase of a vehicle.
Funding toward a vehicle purchase will be considered if the person is
- the intended driver of the vehicle; and
· has a minimum of a learner’s license to drive a vehicle; and
· requires the vehicle to get undertake full time employment; or
· requires the vehicle to undertake full time tertiary education or vocational training, or
· requires the vehicle to undertake the role of main carer of a dependent child who lives with them
- unable to drive because of their disability but has someone who is always available to drive them, and they require a modified vehicle to travel safely in order to meet their full time employment or full time tertiary study requirements.
Ministry of Health criteria is unable to provide for funding towards the purchase of a standard vehicle (ie. a vehicle that does not require disability specific modifications).
The funding towards vehicle modification is considered separately from the purchase of the vehicle. The funding for vehicle modifications is up to a maximum of $12,165.00 including GST. Where the person’s needs change, they may apply for further modification funding after a period of six years.
Funding towards vehicle modification is considered if it is needed for the person to undertake full time employment, undertake tertiary or vocational training, or undertake their role as main carer of dependent children. The person must either:
i. be the vehicle owner (or intending to purchase a vehicle), and be the intended driver of the vehicle, and have a minimum of a learner’s license to drive a vehicle; or
ii. be an employee of an organization which has provided a vehicle for their use; or
iii. be unable to drive because of their disability but need to travel in the vehicle as a passenger. The person requires a modified vehicle in order to undertake their work or tertiary study requirements, but intends to be a passenger in the vehicle and has someone who is always able to drive the vehicle for them.
Where the above criteria are not met, EMS funding is not available.
If not meet EMS criteria
If you believe that you do not meet EMS criteria you may like to consider alternative funding options including applying for a Lottery Grant. Information about even more funding options (i.e. philanthropic trusts and organizations) can be found via the Generosity New Zealand website (formerly known as the Funding Information Service) – http://generosity.org.nz/. Generosity New Zealand is New Zealand’s primary and most extensive source of funding information for individuals, community groups and organizations. If someone is looking for professional assessment/support to identify the right vehicle or modifications to meet their needs, funding may be available for that service as well via the sources as above. If not, a person may choose to seek a privately funded assessment. To find out who is a qualified and registered transport/vehicle modification specialist in their local area, a person may contact the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand (0800 997 755).
IF MEET THE ABOVE EMS CRITERIA
IF YOU THINK YOU DO MEET THE ABOVE EMS CRITERIA, you need to get in contact with an EMS Registered (‘credentialled’) Specialized Driving Assessor who can facilitate an EMS funding application for assessment, vehicle purchase &/or modifications on your behalf. A person can find out who their local Assessor is by contacting Enable New Zealand (0800 ENABLE) if they live south of Port Waikato, or by contacting Accessable (as you have done – 0508 001 002) if they live in the Auckland/Northland region. Some Specialized Driving Assessment services may require a GP referral (so as to provide relevant health and disability information to inform the assessment of your needs), others will accept a self-referral.
