Watch out for companies that try to market their alarms as "free". It sounds like a gift but it isn't. The sales pitch disguises the fact you need to apply for a disability allowance from Work and Income (now part of the Ministry of Social Development) to cover the costs of the alarm – and not everyone is eligible for the allowance.
Work and Income covers rental and monitoring costs as long as the alarm is:
- necessary for normal daily living – without it, your life or health is at risk or your disability aggravated
- an ongoing cost directly related to your disability
- supplied by an “approved” medical alarm company (alarms provided by non-approved companies may be funded in some circumstances).
You also have to meet Work and Income's means test:
- a single adult’s income must be no more than $575.48 gross per week
- a married couple’s income must be no more than $851.83 gross per week.
As well, your doctor has to provide a medical alarm certificate confirming the alarm is needed.
More help
- Work and Income list of approved suppliers and Code of Professional Conduct: www.workandincome.govt.nz
- Ministry of Social Development: www.msd.govt.nz 0800 552 002 (senior services freephone)
Report by Jessica Wilson.
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