What is the Child Disability Allowance?

Child Disability Allowance is a payment made to the main carer of a child or young person with a serious disability. A serious disability is a long-term disability that significantly limits a person’s ability to carry out daily activities and require extra assistance. This fortnightly payment is a recognition of the extra attention and care needed for that child.

This benefit is not means tested. In most cases, it won’t affect any other assistance you get from Work and Income.

Who can get this allowance?

You may be able to receive a Child Disability Allowance if:

• You are a New Zealand Citizen or permanent resident.
• The child or young person has been assessed as needing constant care and attention for 12 months or more because of a serious disability. This is usually assessed by your child’s General Practitioner (GP) or other healthcare provider.
• The child or young person is under 18.
• You are the main carer of the child or young person.
  • If there is no main carer, you have care of the child or young person for the time being.
• You normally live in New Zealand.

Who can’t get this allowance?

You won’t be able to get the Child Disability Allowance if:

• The child or young person is in the care of Oranga Tamariki.
• The child or young person already gets another benefit (excluding Orphan’s Benefit or Unsupported Child’s Benefit).

How much can I get?

The Child Disability Allowance is currently set at $59.23 a week for each child or young person who qualifies. This allowance is paid fortnightly into your bank account. It is separate to any other assistance you may receive and, in most cases, will not affect other assistance you receive from Work and Income. 

How do I apply?

You will need to complete a Child Disability Allowance application form. The application form can be downloaded by clicking this link.

If you are unable to print this form out, contact Work and Income to organise one to be sent out to you.

1. Fill in the Child Disability Allowance application form.
2. Take the form to your child or young person’s GP to fill in the medical certificate section in the form.
3. There are a few ways you can submit the application form:
   • If you already receive a benefit from Work and Income, drop the form off at your local service centre.
   • If you are unable to drop the completed form off to a service centre, you will need to contact Work and Income on 0800 559 009.
   • If you do not receive a benefit from Work and Income, you will need to book an appointment on 0800 559 009.

What about other benefits?

You may also be able to get a Disability Allowance alongside the Child Disability Allowance for the same child or young adult. The Disability Allowance is means tested.

If your child or young person is 16 or over, they may be able to get the Supported Living Payment instead.

Contact us

If you need more information about applying for the Child Disability Allowance, please feel free to contact us for support.