How to use the Disability Allowance to See an Expert Psychologist for Very Low Cost

For people on low incomes – if you’d like to see an expert psychologist but are concerned about the cost you may be able to solve this problem easily by applying for the NZ “Disability Allowance”. Although it’s called a “Disability Allowance” that term is applied very broadly. For example, stress, depression, or anxiety, are all likely to qualify you.

The allowance provides $59.12 per week that you can use for counselling (correct as of writing, the current rate should be listed here). The cost of seeing me is $160 so if you have fortnightly appointments you would need to top up out of pocket by $20.88 per week. Alternatively, if your financial situation is really tight you could have appointments slightly less frequently and not have to top up at all.

How to apply: Step 1: The Disability Allowance is provided by WINZ.

The following is correct as of writing but please also check for yourself. You don’t need to be receiving another benefit to be eligible. The main eligibility criteria you should be aware of are that your “disability” must be likely to last at least 6 months, you must be a NZ Citizen or Permanent Resident, and there are some income limits. The income limits vary depending on whether you have a partner and/or children. WINZ have an online eligbility checker for the Disability Allowace here.

If you think you qualify, you can request an application from WINZ or download the form from the WINZ website.
The correct form has a section for your GP to fill out and another section for me to complete.

Step 2: Ask your GP to complete their section of the form.

Step 3: Bring your form to your first appointment with me so I can fill in my section.

Provided you’re approved for the allowance you can claim for treatment costs from the day you first contact WINZ so you don’t need to wait to start treatment. If you live in a small town you might want to consider phone-based treatment.

You can call me if you have any questions or to make an appointment. Thanks for reading. I hope this info was helpful.

Dr Alice Boyes